Fastener Basics

Common Fastener Types Fastener Materials

Hex bolts, or hex cap screws, are used in machin- Note: Do not rely on this guide for color-matching.
ery and construction. Can be used with a nut, or The appearance of these materials sometimes differs
in a tapped hole. Fully threaded hex bolts are significantly from the photos below.
also known as tap bolts. Zinc-plated steel is a
Wood screws have large threads and a smooth low carbon steel for
shank for pulling two pieces of material general use. Relatively
together. They can be used in wood and other inexpensive, with the
soft materials. zinc plating providing
moderate corrosion
Sheet metal screws have sharp points and
resistance suitable for
threads, and are designed to be driven directly
indoors or otherwise dry
into sheet metal. They can also be used in softer
conditions. Color is
materials like plastic, fiberglass, or wood.
either a blue-ish tint or yellow depending on the
Machine screws are fully treaded for use with a exact process.
nut or in a tapped hole. Certain types are
Hot-dipped galvanized
sometimes referred to as stove bolts.
steel has a thicker zinc
Socket screws are machine screws with an coating for better
internal hex socket (Allen) drive. Longer lengths corrosion resistance,
may have a smooth shank. making it suitable for
Lag bolts, or lag screws, are large wood screws outdoor use. Because of the thick plating, only
with hex heads. Typically used for wood galvanized nuts and washers will fit galvanized
construction and landscaping. bolts. The coating typically has a rough, dull grey
finish.
Carriage bolts have smooth, domed heads with
a square section underneath that pulls into the Stainless steel offers
material to prevent spinning during installation. good corrosion
resistance, making it
Nuts are used to fasten machine threaded suitable for outdoor and
fasteners in through-hole applications. Lock nuts marine applications, but
help prevent loosening. is more expensive than zinc plated.
Washers spread the load over a greater surface Chrome and nickel
area when tightening a bolt, screw or nut. Lock plated steel are smooth
washers help preventing loosening. and polished for
appearance. The plating
Tip: Find a more comprehensive fastener type chart at http://boltdepot.com/info offers moderate corro-
sion resistance.

Grade / Class and Fastener Strength Brass and bronze are

copper alloys with good
Fastener Grade (US) or Class (metric) refers to the mechanical properties corrosion resistance.
of the fastener material. Generally, a higher number indicates a stronger, More expensive than
more hardened (but also more brittle) fastener. steel, these materials are
For a chart of fastener grades, head markings and mechanical properties, see Bolt typically used for
Depots Grade markings and Strength Chart at http://boltdepot.com/info decorative applications.
Colors can vary signifi-
US bolt head markings Metric bolt head markings cantly.

Alloy steel is highly

hardened and usually
8.8 10.9 12.9
black oxide and/or oil
Grade 2 Grade 5 Grade 8 Class 8.8 Class 10.9 Class 12.9 coated, offering little
corrosion resistance.
Note: In addition to these markings, the head will often have a manufacturer stamp.

Page 1 Copyright 2000-2013 Bolt Depot Inc.

How Fasteners are Notated: An Example

Machine screws, Phillips pan head, Stainless steel 18-8, #12-24 x 1"

Fastener type Material Diameter Length

Thread Count (TPI)

Drive Types Head Styles Measuring Diameter

Phillips and Slotted Hex heads are typically used For most
drives are common in with larger bolts and screws, types of
Phillips screws, but prone to and tightened with a wrench. fasteners, the
cam-out (stripping). diameter is
Combo drives, that Pan heads have a slightly measured on
can be used with domed head that sits above the outside of
Frearson
either driver, are the surface. the threads.
available for many Flat heads are installed in a Note: US diameters under 1/4 are given as numbers
fastener types. countersunk hole for a flat (e.g. #12) instead of inches, in order of increasing size.
Pozidriv
Frearson and Pozidriv surface. If you need to find the actual diameter, use a table
are similar to Phillips, corresponding to your fastener type at
Round heads are tall domed http://boltdepot.com/info
but less prone to heads, used primarily for
Slotted cam-out. decorative purposes.
Hex socket (Allen) Oval heads are a low domed
Thread Count and Thread Pitch
drives are compact and countersunk heads, used Machine threaded fasteners specify a thread density
Combo and easy to drive, but in Threads Per Inch (US) or as a Thread Pitch in
primarily for decorative
prone to cam-out. purposes. mm (Metric).
Torx and Square drive Truss heads are slightly For a given diameter, a fastener may be available in
Hex socket are resistant to coarse (standard), fine and sometimes super fine
(Allen) domed, with a wide head for
cam-out and can be an extra large surface area. thread.
installed single-
Socket heads are narrow
handed.
Square with a socket drive, and Measuring Length
(Robertson) Note: Most drive types knurled or smooth sides.
(Frearson and Slotted Fastener length is
Button heads feature a usually measured from
being notable exceptions)
medium dome. Typically used where the material is
require the correct driver
Torx with a hex socket drive. assumed to be to the
size for proper installation.
end of the fastener.
Thus, countersunk fasteners
are measured overall and
Nut and Washer Sizes non-countersunk fasteners
Nut and washer sizes indicate the screw or bolt they fit. For example: are measured from under
the head.

3/8-16 Hex Bolt 3/8 Washer 3/8 -16 Nut More Information
Different washer patterns have different outside At http://boltdepot.com/info you'll find:
diameters. For example, hardened US washers are
available in USS (wider) and SAE (narrower) patterns. In-depth fastener info
Fender washers have large outside diameters. Charts and tables
Printable lay-over charts
and tools for quickly
identifying fastener sizes
and types
1/4 1/4 1/4 x 1
SAE USS Fender Much more...

Page 2 Copyright 2000-2013 Bolt Depot Inc.