Fasteners are important tools used in construction. They help connect and hold materials together. There are many different types of them. They are made for different jobs and uses. Knowing the types of fasteners used in construction is vital to pick the right one for your project. This guarantees a sturdy and durable connection that will last. In this post, we'll talk about nails, screws, bolts, and anchors in construction. You'll learn how they're used and their advantages.
Nails
Nails are one of the most common types of fasteners used in construction.
- Types of Nails
There are different types of nails used in construction. These include common nails, finishing nails, and roofing nails. Common nails work well for building things with wood. You can use them for framing and attaching wood pieces. Finishing nails are great for trim work and similar tasks where you want the nails to be less visible. This is because they have a smaller head than other nail types. Roofing nails are made for holding shingles and roofing. They have a big head and a short shank to hold better.
- Nail Sizes and Functions
Nails have different sizes depending on their length and diameter. Bigger numbers mean bigger nails. The size of the nail to use depends on what you're nailing and how you're nailing it.
Screws
Screws are often used in construction. They provide strong holding power and can be removed and reinserted when needed.
- Types of Screws
Wood screws are made for wood use with a sharp, pointed end and strong threads to hold tight. Drywall screws are made to attach drywall to wood or metal studs. They have a bugle head, which makes the finish flush. Concrete screws fasten materials to concrete. They have a unique thread design and tough steel for more strength and durability.
- Screw Differences
Screws can be differentiated by their thread, head, and shank characteristics. Coarse-thread screws hold better in soft materials. Fine-thread screws work better for harder materials. There are different types of screw heads: flat, round, pan, and bugle. They each have a specific use and appearance. Screws come with either straight or tapered shanks. If you use wood, tapered shanks have more holding power.
Bolts
Bolts are fasteners used with nuts to make strong and secure constructions.
- Types of Bolts
Three types of bolts used in construction are hex bolts, carriage bolts, and lag bolts. Hex bolts are versatile and suitable for general construction, featuring a hexagonal head and a threaded shank. Carriage bolts are great for wood projects when a sleek finish is important. They have a round top with a square section. Lag bolts, or lag screws, are powerful fasteners used in wood construction. They have a hexagonal head and a rough, narrow thread for good grip.
- Bolt Sizes and Uses
There are different sizes of bolts, and bigger ones are stronger and can hold more weight. The bolt size you need depends on what you want to tie together and how heavy the load is. For heavier loads and structural connections, bigger bolts are used.
Anchors
Anchors are fasteners. They attach materials to concrete, masonry, and other solid surfaces. This makes a strong and lasting connection.
- Types of Anchors
Builders use various anchors, such as wedge, sleeve, and drop-in anchors. Wedge anchors are made of solid concrete. They use a wedge to expand and connect securely. Sleeve anchors work well in concrete, brick, and block. They have an expanding sleeve that grips tightly. Drop-in anchors are made for mounting things in solid objects. They have a threaded part that you can attach a bolt or rod to.
