There are so many different types of screws, nuts, and bolts out there. So, how do you know which ones will work best for your project? Pick the wrong fastener, and your project could quite literally fall apart.
Whether you’re knocking up some shelves or building furniture that needs to be assembled and disassembled, nuts and bolts might be your best bet. Here’s how to tell if you’re choosing the right tool for the job.
The difference between bolts and screws
Both screws and bolts are versatile fasteners with threads that securely join one object to another. The threads of the screw will grip the material that it’s turned through to hold it in place.
They both come in lots of sizes and types to suit different DIY projects and building materials. But nuts and bolts provide the best grip and holding strength because they are secured with a washer and nut.
The washer spreads the weight out over a larger surface area so the bolt won’t loosen or get shaken out over time. The washer also protects the surface of the materials that are fastened together.
Choose the right type of bolt, and they can be used for wood, drywall, metal, or even concrete. They are also much easier to install and remove than screws are.
Different types of nuts and bolts and their uses
You’ll find that various types of nuts and bolts have different purposes. These are the most common types and the projects they’re best suited for.
Hex bolts
One of the most popular types of nuts and bolts is the hex bolt. It’s used with a washer and nut for stability, and it’s most commonly made of stainless steel or other metals that won’t corrode. The bolt head’s hex design makes it easy to install using tools, or it can even be screwed in by hand.
Hex bolts are often used to fasten timber or metal and are great for joining mechanical materials. Once secured, they’re a long-lasting and safe solution.
Round head bolts
The round head of these bolts is a lot harder to wrench or grip with tools. This adds an extra level of security. They’re made to deter thieves and vandals, so they’re useful for fastening anything you don’t want to get stolen.
At Pinnacle, we offer a speciality range of security bolts which feature a tamper-proof Torx® system that will keep everything safely bolted in place.
Flat head bolts
The flat head bolt will also keep your materials securely fastened. It’s more secure than a hex bolt because it is harder to remove.
But they’re not just great for security, they also save space. The countersunk head won’t protrude out like a normal bolt or screw, making it perfect for doors or door frames. They’re also useful for woodworking or joinery projects where you want to conceal the fastening with a cap.
How to choose the right nuts and bolts
Now that you know what types of nuts and bolts are on offer, here’s how to choose between them.
Size
If the materials you’re working with already have bolt holes, all you need to do is check the size requirements with the manufacturer or take the existing bolt to your local Bunnings Warehouse and ask for a like-for-like fixing.
Thread type
As well as the different sizes, you’ll need to choose between thread types. Our high-tensile bolts and nuts come in Metric or inch-based Unified Fine (UNF) and Unified Coarse (UNC) threads. Coarse threads have fewer threads per inch than fine threads, so they’re stronger.
Strength
When considering the weight of the material you’re fastening together, you’ll need to think about the bolt strength and diameter. High tensile bolts are better for heavier materials, and a greater diameter will help disperse the weight.
Number of bolts
For heavy materials and safer fastening, you might also want to consider the number of bolts you use. Adding more bolts and spreading them out evenly will help create stable connections that will hold your materials together more tightly.
Picking the right fastenings for your project starts with Pinnacle
At Pinnacle, we’ve got everything you need to hold your DIY project together. From bolts, nuts, washers, and screws to speciality fasteners, you can find our entire range at your local Bunnings Warehouse.
