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Understanding key screw components is essential when you have to decide which type of screw to employ for a specific function. And when there are so many options available, that understanding becomes even more important.听

This article will help, as it outlines the anatomy of a screw and describes the various types, styles, and functions of each part.

The 5 Key Parts of a Screw

Screws consist of five key components: head, shank, threads, drive, and tip. Below is a diagram that shows where each component is located, followed by descriptions of their core functions.

1. Head

The head of a screw is its topmost part and serves as the primary contact point for tools during installation. There are many different types of screw heads and drive types (which we鈥檒l cover later in the article).

You can also categorize screw heads by being countersunk or non-countersunk. Countersunk is when the head rests evenly with the material surface after installation. Non-countersunk is when the head protrudes the material surface after installation, leaving the head exposed.

Regardless of which you select, your choice of screw head is critical, as it determines the tool required for installation/removal and impacts efficiency, torque transmission, and installation/removal accessibility.听

2. Shank

The shank refers to the main body of the screw, which connects the head to the tip. It has a pivotal role in determining the screw’s load-bearing capacity and resistance to shear forces. The shank’s length and diameter vary depending on the application, ensuring optimal strength while considering space constraints. Additionally, the shank may feature unthreaded portions, known as the shoulder or body, for specialized applications.

3. Threads

Threads are the distinctive ridges spiraling around the shank of a screw, responsible for creating a strong and secure connection. They engage with the mating surface, generating friction and preventing the screw from loosening under load.听

There are various standards used to define thread characteristics. In the United States, we most commonly use the Unified Thread Standard (UTS), which is controlled by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). UTS dictates standards only for inch threads, not metric.听

Some of the most popular UTS thread series are UNC, UNF, and 8-UN. They each have different thicknesses听鈥� from fine to coarse 鈥斕齛nd, therefore, different performance capabilities.听

Want to read more about fastener threads? Jump to this article.听

4. Drive

The drive is what determines which type of screwdriver or fastening tool must be used to install and remove a screw. There are two main types:听

• Internal drives require a tool that inserts into the screw head, like a screwdriver. Phillips, slotted, and socket heads are some internal drive examples. Here鈥檚 a photo of a wood screw with one. We don鈥檛 manufacture these here, but it鈥檚 a good example of an internal drive:听

• External drives require a tool that wraps around the screw head, like a wrench. Hex, hex flange, and square heads are some external drive examples. Here鈥檚 a photo of one:听

5. Tip

Located at the opposite end of the head, the tip, or point, initiates contact with the material being fastened. Different point designs cater to specific applications.听

For instance, self-drilling tips enable screws to penetrate metal without the need for pre-drilling, saving time and effort. Self-tapping tips create their own threads in materials like wood or plastic. Sharp tips are ideal for precise placement in delicate applications.

Some screws don鈥檛 have tips or points but rather a blunt end. These are more common in the manufacturing space and are generally used with a pre-tapped hole.

Other Good-to-Know Information About Screws

Besides the anatomy of a screw, there are a few other things to keep in mind before deciding what is best for your application.听

The Difference Between a Screw and a Bolt

It鈥檚 common for people to misunderstand the differences between bolts and screws or not realize that one exists in the first place. But there are differences 鈥� it just depends on who you ask.听

In this previous article of ours, we discuss one government agency鈥檚 opinion on the matter and give some qualifying criteria that set the fasteners apart.

Measuring Screws

The key to measuring screws is knowing the key components and measurement terminology. If you鈥檝e read through this article up until now, you鈥檝e already familiarized yourself with one set of that information.听

Next up is measurement terminology. Here鈥檚 the most important of it.听

• Screw length: The distance from the flat part of the head to the point or blunt end of the screw.听
• Major diameter: The distance from the crest (top) of the thread on one side to the crest of the thread on the other side.
• Minor diameter: The distance from the root (bottom) of the thread on one side to the root of the thread on the other side.
• Pitch diameter: The diameter of a theoretical cylinder that exists halfway between the major and minor diameters.听
• Nominal major diameter: The estimated major diameter. It鈥檚 just the major diameter, rounded up or down to the nearest whole number.
• Thread pitch: The distance from a point along one thread to the same point on the next thread.

Learn more about this terminology and how to measure screws in this article.

For Custom Screws Manufactured to Your Specs, 黑料大事记 Us.

Looking for a special screw? We鈥檙e here to help. Check out our custom fastener manufacturing capabilities sheet to see if your screw specifications are in our wheelhouse, then request a quote from us to get your project started.

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So, what are those differences, and what exactly does 鈥渃ustom fastener鈥� mean to us? This article will fill you in.

What Are Custom Fasteners?

Custom fasteners are any fasteners that are manufactured to customer specifications. They don鈥檛 follow a standard design, which makes them hard to find in the general fastener marketplace. Specifications can be made for several characteristics, including part, size, head style, material, coating, and more.

Custom fasteners are also commonly referred to as special fasteners, specialty fasteners, and per-spec fasteners.

RELATED: Need a specialty bolt, screw, or stud? 黑料大事记 can help.

Custom Fastener Manufacturer Capabilities

鈥淐ustom鈥� can mean a number of things, depending on which engineer, designer, or manufacturer you ask. But since the word 鈥渃ustom鈥� can be so broad, it鈥檚 important to understand that every manufacturer will be limited to some extent by their capabilities.

As an example of what that may look like, we鈥檒l list some of our custom fastener manufacturing capabilities. We specialize in limited-run, special parts made to the highest quality. However, we are limited by our size and equipment to a relatively small scope of parts. Please keep in mind that this is just what we can do; other manufacturers may be able to make more, less, or different parts.

Parts Capabilities

We can manufacture the following fastener types:

• Bolts
• Screws
• Studs
• Wheel studs

Head Style Capabilities

We can manufacture parts with the following head styles:

• Hex head
• Round head
• Square head
• Place bolt

We can also manufacture these head styles, but only with one particular part number:

• T-bolts (7069543)
• 12 point (9338540-2)

Size Capabilities

Our size capabilities vary depending on the type of fastener you鈥檙e looking for. Here are the size specifications we can handle, categorized by type.

Bolts & Screws

Diameters

• M5 – M30
• 录鈥� – 1 录鈥�

Lengths

• Diameters up to 5/16鈥� = 6鈥� maximum length
• Diameters 鈪溾�� or more = 8鈥� maximum length

Place Bolts

Diameters

• M8 – M20
• 录鈥� – 1鈥�

Lengths

• Diameters up to 5/16鈥� = 6鈥� maximum length
• Diameters 鈪溾�� or more = 8鈥� maximum length

Wheel Studs

Diameters

• M8 – M30
• 5/16鈥� – 1 鈪涒��

Material Capabilities

We specialize in the manufacturing of alloy steel and carbon steel fasteners. We do not manufacture parts with stainless steel or super alloys like Monel and Inconel.

How the Custom Fastener Manufacturing Process Works

Again, the custom fastener manufacturing process may look different depending on which manufacturer you choose to work with. Here鈥檚 a general idea of what our processes are like for customers who know the exact part they need and for customers who aren鈥檛 100% sure of what they need yet.

Custom Fastener Manufacturing for a Known Part

Most of the time, a customer comes to us knowing exactly the part they need. An engineer or designer has determined the part that鈥檚 needed and what its specifications are. They鈥檝e already drawn the blueprints for it.

At that point, they鈥檒l submit an RFQ and blueprint to our team, which also states the number of parts that are needed. We鈥檒l review it to make sure it鈥檚 in our wheelhouse of capabilities. If it is, we鈥檒l send a quote out, and if the customer chooses to place the order, we run the job.

If the part is not within our wheelhouse of capabilities, we鈥檙e happy to refer the customer to a different manufacturer who will be able to help.

Custom Fastener Manufacturing for an Unknown Part

Occasionally, a customer will come to us without knowing the exact part they need. While we don鈥檛 have an engineering team on staff to design the part for them, we鈥檙e more than happy to offer recommendations based on the part鈥檚 intended application. We can also make suggestions to help make things easier and more affordable.

Some example recommendations we鈥檝e made in the past include:

• Certain lengths are standard for certain diameters, and fitting within those standard dimensions can make the manufacturing and installation process much easier.
• We have existing tooling for some parts, so if the customer can work within the tooling we have, they won鈥檛 be charged for new tooling.
• Some fastener coatings are cheaper and easier to source than others.

If the part with all of its recommendations is something we can manufacture, we talk quantities, pricing, and lead times and send a quote out. If the quote is signed, we run the job.

It鈥檚 important to note that this is an instance where ordering in a limited-run quantity is especially helpful. Because we can make fasteners in limited-run quantities, customers can mitigate risk by ordering a smaller 鈥渢rial run鈥� before committing to high production volumes.

And, of course, if the part鈥檚 design isn鈥檛 within our wheelhouse of capabilities, we鈥檙e happy to refer the customer to a different manufacturer who can help them.

黑料大事记: Your Trusted Source for Custom Bolts, Screws, and Studs

黑料大事记 is an American manufacturer of limited-run, hard-to-find, custom fasteners. Our jobs are manufactured to customer specifications and cold-formed for durable, high-quality results.

If you need a custom bolt, screw, or stud for your project, we鈥檙e your top-choice manufacturer. Send us your ideas or blueprints, and we鈥檒l be happy to discuss how we can help bring them to life.

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The fastener industry can be complicated, especially if you need a part that鈥檚 more specialized than your typical Phillips-head screw. There are a ton of new, technical terms to learn 鈥斕齜ut we鈥檝e got you covered. Here鈥檚 a glossary-style list with some of the most important fastener terms and abbreviations you need to know.

A Guide to Fastener Terminology

Below is a list of about 50 different fastener terms and abbreviations, which are categorized into five different sections: types, manufacturing processes, measurement, testing, and standards and specifications.

While this is by no means a complete list of all the fastener terminology out there, it鈥檚 a good starting point for some of the most common terms to know going into your project.

If you have a question about a term or concept that isn鈥檛 defined on this list, don鈥檛 hesitate to reach out to us! We鈥檙e happy to help. Also, be sure to browse the links associated with some of these terms, as they鈥檒l lead you to our articles with more information regarding each subject.

RELATED: Need a specialty bolt, screw, or stud? 黑料大事记 can help.

Fastener Types

Bolt – An externally threaded fastener designed for insertion through holes in assembled parts. It鈥檚 normally intended to be tightened or released by torquing a nut.

Countersunk – Used to describe a fastener head that rests evenly with or below the material surface after installation. The design tapers toward the fastener shank, allowing the head to essentially 鈥渟ink鈥� into the surface.

Carriage bolt – A type of bolt with a threaded bar and a domed, enlarged head on one end that鈥檚 designed to keep the bolt from pulling through.

External drive – A fastener head that requires a tool, like a wrench, to wrap around the head for installation and removal.

External thread – Threading on the outside of a cylindrical fastener.

Head style – The type of head or top on a fastener, such as a round or hex head style.

Hex head – A fastener head with six vertical sides and a flat bearing surface.

Hex flange head – A fastener head with six vertical sides that expand out to a flat, washer-like bearing surface at the bottom.

Internal drive – A fastener head that requires a tool, like a screwdriver, to be inserted within the head for installation and removal.

Internal thread – Threading on the inside of a cylindrical, holed fastener.

MS fastener – Abbreviation for 鈥渕il-spec鈥� or 鈥渕ilitary specification.鈥� It鈥檚 a type of fastener that鈥檚 designed and maintained by the United States Military.

Non-countersunk – Used to describe a fastener head that protrudes from the material surface after installation, leaving the head fully exposed. The design includes a narrow shank that鈥檚 topped with an abrupt, wide head.

Place bolt – A self-locking, free-spinning hex head bolt that prevents loosening due to vibration. It offers up to seven times more vibration resistance than a conventional hex head cap screw.

Screw – An externally threaded fastener designed for insertion through holes in assembled parts, mating with a preformed internal thread, or forming their own thread. It鈥檚 tightened and released by torquing a head.

Specialty fastener – A fastener that鈥檚 designed and manufactured for a certain industry, application, or material. It鈥檚 made with unique specifications that set it apart from common fasteners you鈥檇 find at a hardware store or use in a widely practiced application.

Stud – An externally threaded fastener that typically looks like and operates as a threaded bar. It鈥檚 commonly used to join two components with internally threaded holes together

Washer – A thin plate with a hole in the middle, which is used to distribute the load and increase the bearing surface of a threaded fastener.

Fastener Manufacturing Processes

Cold forming – Also known as cold heading, this is a process of forming a fastener without heating up the material. It鈥檚 usually accomplished by striking or pressing the material within a form, or die, to create a part with desired specifications.

Fastener coating – A chemical that鈥檚 applied to the exterior of a fastener to improve its performance and longevity (e.g. zinc phosphate, cadmium electroplate, etc.)

Short-run production – Also known as limited-run production, this is a process in which a manufacturer accepts and fulfills orders involving relatively small quantities of product. At 黑料大事记, we use short-run production to manufacture specialty fasteners in smaller quantities.

Thread cutting – The process of producing external threads on a fastener by cutting away, or removing, material from a round bar.

Thread rolling – The process of producing external threads on a fastener by rolling it through a set of threading dies that displace the material to form threads, without removing any material or changing its grain structure.

Fastener听Measurement

Body diameter – The diameter of the body (or smooth part) of the fastener, which is generally located above the threads.

Major diameter – The largest diameter of a fastener thread. It鈥檚 measured from the crest (top) of a thread on one side to the crest of a thread on the other side.

Minor diameter – The smallest diameter of a fastener thread. It鈥檚 measured from the root (bottom) of a thread on one side to the root of a thread on the other side.

Nominal diameter – This is shorthand for 鈥渘ominal major diameter鈥� 鈥斕齛nd, in most cases, 鈥渘ominal鈥� just means 鈥渂asically.鈥� So it鈥檚 an estimated major diameter.

Pitch – The distance from a point along one thread to that same point on the next thread. You can measure pitch from the crest, the trough, or any point in between.

Pitch diameter –听 The diameter of a theoretical cylinder that exists halfway between the major and minor diameters.

TPI – Abbreviation for threads per inch. As the name suggests, it鈥檚 calculated by counting the number of thread peaks along a 1-inch length.

UNC – Abbreviation for Unified National Coarse thread. It鈥檚 the United States鈥� standard for fasteners with coarse threads. Coarse threads are bigger, and there are therefore fewer of them on a fastener.

UNF – Abbreviation for Unified National Fine thread. It鈥檚 the United States鈥� standard for fasteners with fine threads. Fine threads are smaller, and there are therefore more of them on a fastener.

Fastener Testing

Bearing surface testing – Fastener testing method that measures how much the amount of surface area and roughness of the bottom of the fastener head or washer will affect friction.

Coefficient of friction – Fastener testing method that measures the kinetic and static resistance of the surfaces of a bolted joint as it鈥檚 being tightened.

Hardenability testing – The testing of a material that provides data on the changes in hardness of a material as it鈥檚 heated to various temperatures.

NSS testing – Abbreviation for neutral salt spray testing. It鈥檚 a fastener testing method that measures corrosion resistance by inserting it in a test chamber with salt spray for a specified number of hours.

Proof load – The minimum amount of force a fastener must be able to withstand for a given amount of time without experiencing permanent deformation.

Tensile strength – The maximum force that a fastener can withstand before fracturing.

Torque-tension testing – Fastener testing method that measures the input torque required for a bolted joint to achieve a specified tension.

Yield strength – The load that鈥檚 carried at the point where a fastener experiences permanent deformation.

Fastener Standards and Specifications

ASME – Abbreviation for The American Society of Mechanical Engineers. It鈥檚 an organization that creates quality standards for five main industries: bioengineering, robotics, clean energy, manufacturing, and pressure technology.

ASTM – Abbreviation for The American Society for Testing and Materials. It鈥檚 an organization that created one of the first quality standards sets, and it now focuses on six types of standards related to the manufacturing process: test method, specification, classification, practice, and guide and terminology.

DIN – Abbreviation for Deutsches Institut f眉r Normung, or the German Institute for Standardization. It鈥檚 an organization that creates quality standards, but many of those standards have been outright replaced by ISO standards.

IATF – Abbreviation for The International Automotive Task Force. It鈥檚 an organization of automotive manufacturers and their trade associations 鈥斕齛ll of who work to provide consistent quality management standards for automotive suppliers worldwide.

ISO – Abbreviations for The International Standards Organization. It鈥檚 an organization that establishes widely used standards for a multitude of manufacturing applications. It鈥檚 by far the most common standard for establishing an overreaching quality management system (QMS).

Grade – A set of characteristics, defined by a standard, that determines the material, hardness, and strength of a fastener. Many standards require distinct head markings to make the grades easier to identify.

Property class – The metric equivalent to the standard (or inch) term 鈥済rade.鈥�

QMS – Abbreviation for quality management system. It outlines all the policies and procedures put in place by a company to ensure that its products and services meet customer requirements.

SAE – Abbreviation for The Society of Automotive Engineers. It鈥檚 a United States-based organization that鈥檚 composed of automotive and aerospace engineers, and that creates its own quality standards for manufacturing applications.

Have More Questions on Fastener Terminology? 黑料大事记 Us.

The fastener industry can get a bit technical and confusing 鈥斕齜ut by working with 黑料大事记, it doesn鈥檛 have to be. Our specialty fastener experts are here to help you decipher the details and find the right solution for your application. 黑料大事记 us to learn more about our products, processes, and how we can best support you.

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However, screw type is just one part of the process. You鈥檒l also need to determine the right screw size, which can be a bit trickier if you鈥檙e not sure which metrics to look for. Here are some screw size measurement tips to get you started.

How to Measure Screws

Arguably, the most challenging part about measuring screws is knowing the right screw components and terminology. We鈥檒l walk through some of the key screw measurements and how to get them below.

Screw Length

The most simple screw measurement to understand and remember is length. In the most basic sense, screw length is determined by measuring the distance from the flat part of the head to the tip or blunt end of the screw.

However, the variety of unique screw head types makes this measurement a bit more complex. While many screw heads are flat on the bottom, there are others designed differently. Here鈥檚 an overview of some of the different screw head types and how to measure screw length with each of them:

• Screws that are flat on the bottom of the head (non-countersunk) – Length is measured from the flat bottom of the head to the tip or blunt end of the screw
• Screws that are flat on the top of the head (countersunk) – Length is measured from the flat top of the head to the tip or blunt end of the screw.
• Screws with oval heads – These are the exception because there鈥檚 no flat side on the screw head. Therefore, the length of oval head screws is measured from the widest point of the head to the tip or blunt end of the screw.

Major Diameter vs. Minor Diameter vs. Pitch Diameter vs. Nominal Diameter

Yup, four different diameters 鈥斕齛nd they鈥檙e all important. Here鈥檚 the breakdown of what each means:

• Major diameter – This is the largest diameter of a screw鈥檚 thread. It鈥檚 measured from the crest (top) of the thread on one side to the crest of the thread on the other side.
• Minor diameter – This is the smallest diameter of a screw鈥檚 thread. It鈥檚 measured from the root (bottom) of the thread on one side to the root of the thread on the other side.
• Pitch diameter – This is the diameter of a theoretical cylinder that exists halfway between the major and minor diameters. From a practical standpoint, you probably wouldn鈥檛 measure the pitch diameter on a finished part, but rather use that information to roll threads on a new one.
• Nominal diameter – This is shorthand for 鈥渘ominal major diameter鈥� 鈥斕齛nd, in most cases, 鈥渘ominal鈥� just means 鈥渂asically.鈥� So it鈥檚 an estimated major diameter. For example, instead of referring to a major diameter of M13.962, many would rather round up and refer to a nominal diameter of M14.

So there are really only three important diameters, and a fourth shorthand term that just makes it easier to refer to one of them. But by understanding all of them, you鈥檒l be able to measure your screw鈥檚 width with precision. This is an important step in ensuring your part will fit in whatever machine or material you鈥檙e drilling it into.

RELATED: Need a specialty bolt, screw, or stud? 黑料大事记 can help.

Thread Pitch

Thread pitch is the distance from a point along one thread to that same point on the next thread. You can measure thread pitch from the crest, the trough, or any point in between.

For metric parts, this is measured in millimeters, and there鈥檚 a general rule to remember: bigger pitches mean coarser threads, and smaller pitches mean finer threads. This is important to keep in mind when you鈥檙e thinking about things like screw strength and ease of installation.

For inch parts, the thread pitch is measured in the number of threads per inch, or TPI. You simply count how many threads there are along a 1-inch length of the screw. This means that screws with less TPI have coarser threads, and screws with more TPI have finer threads 鈥斕齛nd, similar to the metric system, these are important things to consider about screw strength and ease of installation.

Standard inch thread pitch measurements can be classified in terms of their Unified Screw Thread System grouping. These are the two most common groupings:

• Unified National Coarse (UNC) – coarser pitches with deeper threads
• Unified National Fine (UNF) – less thread depth and larger tensile stress area

How to Determine the Right Screw Size for Your Application

Now you know the basics of how screws are measured. Want to go a step further and determine the right screw size for your application? Here are some starting points.

You need a screw that鈥檚 length and width will work with the material you鈥檙e placing it in, and that can support the load you need it to without deforming. Therefore, you should use the length and width measurements defined above (length, various diameters) to determine the right size screw you鈥檒l need 鈥斕齛ll while keeping thread pitch, and how that can affect screw and application performance, in mind.

If you need help, or you can鈥檛 find the screw size you鈥檙e looking for, talk to a specialty fastener manufacturer you can trust. At 黑料大事记, we can provide a specialized solution that meets your unique size, material, and/or strength specifications. We鈥檙e proud to manufacture specialty fasteners according to customer-specified blueprints and in short-run quantities, so you can get exactly what you need, in the exact quantity you need it. To get started, give us a call at (800) 656-2658 or contact us online.

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Let鈥檚 explore how many unique screw head types there are, why there are so many of them, and what a few of them are specifically used for.

How Many Screw Head Types Are There?

As mentioned above, there are a lot of screw head types. The exact number is difficult to count, but it鈥檚 probably nearing the hundreds. And when you consider all the modifications made for specific applications, that number continues to rise.

So how do you account for each of these head types, and how do you determine which is right for your application? There are a few ways, but the best is to narrow it down by categorizing them. While there are a few different methods of screw head categorization, the most common are countersunk vs. non-countersunk, and internal vs. external drive.

Countersunk vs. Non-Countersunk

Countersunk and non-countersunk design refers to how much of the screw head is exposed after being applied. All screw heads can be categorized into one of these two categories.

• Countersunk screw heads rest evenly with the material surface after installation. Their design tapers toward the shank, allowing the head to essentially 鈥渟ink鈥� into the surface.
• Non-countersunk screw heads protrude from the material surface after installation, leaving the head fully exposed. Instead of tapering toward the shank, non-countersunk screws have a narrow shank that鈥檚 topped with an abrupt wide head. This category encompasses the largest number of screw head types.

Internal vs. External Drive

The drive style, or drive recess, refers to what kind of tool you use to install or remove the screw. Basically, this means that screws can be categorized by whether a tool needs to be inserted in or wrapped outside of the screw head for installation or removal.

• Internal drive screw heads require a tool, like a screwdriver, to be inserted within the head for installation and removal.
• External drive screw heads require a tool, like a wrench, to wrap around the head for installation and removal.

Why Are There So Many Unique Screw Head Types?

All of this begs the question: why are there so many different screw head types? And the answer isn鈥檛 just to drive you crazy or make you have a thousand different tools on hand at all times.

Instead, there are many different screw heads because each screw head style allows for different torque. Every screw head type was created to transfer torque (energy) more effectively from a particular drive mechanism, or tool 鈥斕齢elping its threaded body twist into a hole easier and with more tightness. The variation in heads allows you to choose the one that will make your application stronger and more dependable.

RELATED: Need a specialty bolt, screw, or stud? 黑料大事记 can help.

5 Common Screw Head Types and Their Uses

Now, let鈥檚 take a look at some of the more common screw head types and their uses. This can help get a feel for which applications require which types of heads, and why.

1. Hex head – Also common in bolts, hex heads provide superior torque due their external drive design. They鈥檙e used in many applications involving construction and machinery assembly.
2. Round head – Round heads offer a more finished appearance than some other rounded screw alternatives. They鈥檙e used for applications where aesthetics and smooth appearances are necessary.
3. Flat head – As their name suggests, flat heads are countersunk and allow for a flat and smooth surface post-installation. They鈥檙e used in applications like furniture and machinery assembly, where sleek design is important.
4. Pan head – Pan head screws are non-countersunk screws that typically have a mushroom-shaped head with a flat bottom. They are versatile and typically used when the screw head is exposed. Often used in metalwork, woodwork, and machinery.
5. Hex flange head – Hex flange heads also provide great torque and dependability, even in harsh conditions. They鈥檙e commonly used for construction, heavy machinery, and vehicle framing applications.

If your application requires a unique type of screw head, 黑料大事记 can help you figure out a solution. We specialize in non-standard, American-made, limited-run fasteners. From head to thread, we鈥檙e proud to manufacture parts that meet customer blueprint specifications. 黑料大事记 us to learn more about what we can do for you.

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The bottom line is, if we were to write about all the types of fasteners available, our fingers may just fall off. So in this article, we鈥檒l be focusing on just three of the more commonly used fasteners: bolts, screws, and studs.

3 Common Types of Fasteners

Bolts, studs, and screws are just a few of the many types of fasteners out there. They can also be some of the trickiest to distinguish from each other. In terms of both appearance and function, their differences are often pretty unclear and ambiguous, especially when you mix in each type of fasteners’ various subtypes. Below, we鈥檒l provide you with some general guidelines to understand what each type of fastener is, what it’s used for, and how it’s different from the rest.

1. Bolts

Bolts are externally threaded fasteners designed for insertion through the holes in assembled parts. They鈥檙e incredibly versatile fasteners, and they鈥檙e known for their holding strength and durability. They also allow for easier assembly and disassembly when needed.

Normally, bolts are intended to be tightened or released by torquing a nut, not a head. However, some subtypes do have heads on them and are used for different purposes. Amongst many others, some common bolt subtypes include:

• Carriage bolt – A type of bolt with a threaded bar and a domed, enlarged head on one end that is designed to keep the bolt from pulling through. It鈥檚 generally recommended for applications that involve attaching wood to metal.
• Hex bolt – A type of bolt that has a six-sided hex cap on one end. It鈥檚 intended to work with a nut and is commonly used in construction and heavy machinery applications.
• Flange bolt – Also called a hex flange, it鈥檚 a type of bolt that has a washer on the underside of a hex head, which helps distribute the force from a bearing load more efficiently. It鈥檚 commonly used in the automotive industry, especially in framing applications.
• Machine bolt – A type of bolt that has a threaded bar with a square head on one end and a semi-cone point on the other. It鈥檚 used for general hardware and fastening metal to metal.
• Specialty bolt – A type of bolt that is specifically designed and manufactured for a particular use. Due to their specificity, specialty bolts tend to be manufactured in smaller quantities, and can therefore be harder to find than standard parts.

2. Screws

Screws are externally threaded fasteners capable of being inserted into holes in assembled parts, mating with a preformed internal thread, or forming their own thread. In most cases, they鈥檙e self-tapping, meaning the threads of the screw mate with the material it鈥檚 turned through to hold the screw in place.

Screws usually have threads that aren鈥檛 compatible with nuts, so they鈥檙e tightened and released by torquing a head. Screw subtypes are generally defined by the material they鈥檙e used for, but there are a few outliers. Here are some of the most common ones:

• Hex head cap screw – A type of screw with a hexagon-shaped head that鈥檚 designed to be inserted into a pre-tapped hole. It鈥檚 commonly used in automotive and heavy machinery applications.
• Wood screw – A type of screw that has coarse threads, a smooth shank, and a tapered head, making it perfect for wood construction applications.
• Masonry screw – A type of screw that either has a flat head for countersinking or a hex washer head to sit on the surface of the material. It鈥檚 primarily used to fasten materials to concrete, mortar joints, and brick.
• Sheet metal screw – A type of screw that has sharp points and a flat or hex washer head. It鈥檚 primarily used for metal applications and can secure multiple materials at a time.
• Machine screw – A type of screw that has a rust-resistant coating and fine threads, making it a durable option for heavy-duty applications like joining machine parts.

*The difference between a bolt and a screw can be especially difficult to determine, so if you鈥檙e still confused after those descriptions, you鈥檙e not alone. Luckily, some organizations, including the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), have established criteria to help identify key elements of each. Although this is just one agency鈥檚 opinion, we like it because it鈥檚 clear and concise. You can learn more about it in this past article of ours.

3. Studs

Studs are externally threaded fasteners that typically look like and operate as threaded bars. Most studs are threaded at both ends, allowing both ends to be paired with nuts. However, some studs do have a head at one end, allowing it to be permanently attached to a tapped component through welding, swaging, or bonding.

Studs generally work great for joining two components with internally threaded holes together. However, depending on which stud subtype you鈥檙e working with, their function can change. Although there are quite a few stud subtypes, some common ones include:

• Hex stud – A double end stud with threads on both ends and a hex in the middle. It鈥檚 often used in wheel hub assemblies.
• Fully threaded stud – A type of stud that is essentially just a piece of threaded bar with no chamfered ends. It can be used for fastening large parts of structures and machinery together with nuts at each end to form a bolt.
• Flange stud – A type of stud that is almost identical to a fully threaded stud bolt, except that it has chamfered ends.
• Tap end stud – A type of stud that has a short length of thread at one end, which is designed to be screwed into a tapped hole. The other end has a shank and longer length of thread at the other end, which is paired with a nut.
• Double end stud – A type of stud with a shank in the middle and threads at each end 鈥斕齜oth of which are paired with nuts. The threads can be different lengths, and even different diameters, on each end.
• Welding stud – A type of stud that has a full-length machine thread and a thin, wide head that makes them easy to weld permanently to a component.

RELATED: Need a specialty bolt, screw, or stud? 黑料大事记 can help.

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