No matter the project, it's important to know everything there is to know about bolts, nuts, and washers so you can choose the right fasteners. Fasteners, Inc. of Denver can help you determine the length, gauge, shape, strength and materials needed for your project.
bolt
Bolts pass through pre-drilled holes in two or more materials. Bolts serve many purposes and may also require nuts or washers. Here is an explanation of bolt types.
Standard bolts: Standard bolts have hexagonal heads. Used in metal, wood and plastic applications, if it is a long bolt, it will have a smooth shoulder just below the head and in front of the threads. For shorter standard bolts, they can be fully threaded. This type of bolt goes through a drilled hole and uses a nut on the other side.
Carriage or Carriage Bolt: Carriage or carriage bolts have a domed head with a square section under the head that is used to secure the bolt after it is inserted into the wood. Sometimes two bolts are used to prevent the beam from rotating.
Tap Bolt: This type of bolt is completely threaded. It is used in threaded or threaded holes and does not require a nut.
nut
A bolt is a fastener that typically requires a nut on the end, helping to fasten a variety of materials together. Below are the types of nuts.
Cap Nuts or Cap Nuts: These nuts have a dome shape. The dome of a cap nut is taller and more pointed than a cap nut. Since the bolt threads do not pass through the nut, the length of the bolt must be exactly the same as the material and the length of the nut.
Nylon Insert Nut: This type of nut creates threads when screwed onto the bolt. This helps prevent the nut from slipping or backing out of the bolt. Nylon insert lock nuts are a shorter version of this type of nut.
Flange Nut: This nut has a built-in washer for faster assembly. Some of them have toothed washers.
Wing Nuts: This type of nut has wings that allow it to be tightened by hand.
Hex and Square Nuts: These nuts are used to install standard bolts.
washer
Typically, fasteners require washers between the nut and bolt to distribute the load. Sometimes a washer is used between the bolt head and the material without the nut.
The gasket reduces wear on the hole and stops inward pressure of softer materials. Additionally, washers prevent the bolts from loosening. These are types of washers.
Split lock washers prevent bolts from backing out.
Flat washers are flat and help spread the load.
Fender washers are flat washers with a larger diameter.
Tooth lock washers are used to prevent bolts or nuts from backing out.
Finished washers are used for appearance and to provide a tight fit to the nut or bolt.
Learning all about bolts, nuts, and washers and choosing the right fasteners for your project isn't as hard as it seems. Our team of fastener experts at Denver Fasteners, Inc. can help you pick out the fasteners you may need, including bolts, nuts, and washers.