Fasteners, especially metal ones, play a crucial role in making different objects in today’s world. For example, suppose you do regular do-it-yourself projects around your household. In that event, there’s every possibility that you’re using fasteners to get your work done because they help hold parts in place while preventing excess pressure and vibration. 

As there are many different types of metal fasteners and the different kinds of metal fasteners also come with a high level of variability, in this article, we’ll discuss the different types and their subtypes. Moreover, we’ll also provide you with some crucial tips to help you select the suitable fastener, or pin, for your line of work. But, before we dive into more details, let’s begin by defining fasteners and explaining what they serve for.

What Is A Fastener? 

The generic term fastener is really an encompassing term that outlines a broad range of tools, including bolts, screws, cotter pins, nuts, etc. They share the common aim of enabling the mechanical adherence of two or more objects. In other words, fasteners help hold two or more things in place or together mechanically.

In addition, there’s a comprehensive classification of fasteners. To begin with, there are permanent and non-permanent fasteners. However, usually, fasteners are deemed to be non-permanent joints. That is to say, you should be able to distinguish two separate components which are connected with a pin. 

Most fasteners form non-permanent joints, which doesn’t mean that the joint is weak. Quite the opposite, if the pins are used with properly formed threads, they should give a reliable hold on all fastened objects and ensure that the joint object can endure high levels of stress.

The Most Common Types Of Fasteners 

As we already mentioned, metal mechanical fasteners can come in a wide variety of types. Each of these types also has many subtypes that you can choose from for your project. Among the many different types of mechanical fasteners, the most common ones include:

 

• Bolts. These types of metal fasteners help to hold two unthreaded parts together and are the most common types of fasteners. 
• Cotter pins. Also known as split pins or cotter keys, cotter pins are fasteners with two tines that can be bent during installation, similar to a rivet or staple. Ordinarily made of thick wire with a cross-section, cotter pins come in multiple types and sizes.
• Screws. These are really versatile fasteners with a similar structure to bolts and durable holding power. Nevertheless, they don’t need anything to keep them in place, unlike bolts. 
• Nuts. Each nut has an internal thread that works with a bolt to hold parts together.
• Washers. Washers are tiny, circular discs shaped like an annulus. Washers also work together with bolts and nuts and serve essential fastening functions.

How To Select The Right Fasteners For Your Needs

Since there’s a wide variety of fasteners available, you must choose the right one for your application. Selecting the appropriate pin is not only crucial for productivity purposes, but it’s also essential for the safety of the process and the workers. Here’s how to choose the suitable fasteners for your needs.

Know The Application 

The type of fastener you’ll use should always depend on the requirements of your application in the first place. For that reason, consider how each pin will fit, and consider the fastener’s design as it can be crucial in understanding the amount of torque it can take. 

In addition, you need to consider leaving some threads of the fastener out to ensure the safety of the material and personnel. If you don’t know what kind of fastener to use for your application, consult with an experienced tool expert from your area to decide what you need to get.

Make Sure To Select The Right Thread

Thread selection is another crucial aspect you should consider when selecting a fastener. There are different types of threads, including fine, coarse, and eight-thread. Coarse threads ensure the faster assembly of components, while fine threads may take longer to assemble. However, the most significant advantage of fine threads over coarse threads is that they provide better thread engagement.

Consider The Fasteners’ Exposure 

Lastly, you must also consider the temperature and conditions you’ll expose the fastener to before making a final selection because extreme temperature changes can lead to the contraction and expansion of fastened joints.

Final Words

Now that we have covered the most common types of fasteners, their uses, and the most important things to consider when you select the suitable fastener for your applications, we hope you better understand modern-day fasteners and how they work. Then, choose those that fit your criteria and make the most out of your next home or work project.