At OneMonroe, we know that choosing the right fastener for the build is a key decision. If you have a construction project, the right choice of fasteners means a successful completion of your work, so it’s important to understand the type and scope of the project and role the fastener plays in it before you can determine which fasteners will work best. Once you have that nailed down, you can rely on us for an extensive inventory of fasteners. Nuts, bolts, screws and more – we’ve got them for prompt, accurate delivery or shipment.
Let’s look at some of the types of fasteners and different kinds of projects and which ones might go together, taking into account the project, materials, durability, and design.
Types of Fasteners
Rivets
These have a cylindrical protrusion on top of the head. You need a rivet gun to put the rivet through holes drilled in the materials to fasten. The gun makes the tip of the rivet collapse against the back of the material. This flattens out the tip of the rivet, pulling the material together against the head of the rivet. This makes the materials squeeze together. Rivets are durable and tamper-proof. They are also inexpensive. However, rivets need pre-drilled holes and high-quality tools. Rivets are hard to remove so make sure they’re what you need when choosing the right fastener for the build.
Screws
Threaded fasteners, screws are good at holding two pieces of materials together. They are driven by rotation. The screw threads grip and hold the materials and pull the two pieces tightly together. The head of the screw stops the screw when it reaches its proper depth. Screws offer a secure hold but are easily removed. They seldom become loose and there are a large variety of styles. However, it’s hard to hide the screw head and it can sometimes strip. Screws sometimes rip and tear the materials.
Pins
These fasteners are like dowels but are metal. Pins are pressed into materials to hold them together. They might have holes on either end, so a clip can be placed into it to secure the pin. Pins are easy to install and remove if not pressed. They can be used as a good temporary fastener. However, pins can be hard to get a tight connection and need drilled holes, so it’s an important decision when choosing the right fastener for the build.
Nails
Spiked pieces of steel, nails are driven into the wood to hold the wood or something attached to it securely in place. A hammer or are a nail gun are used to drive them in. If you are dealing with nailing into concrete, a tool with an explosive charge is used. Nails are easily installed, particularly if you have an air gun. They can be countersunk into trim materials and they are inexpensive. However, nails sometimes work loose, split materials, and if your hammer misses, the small head it can damage the materials.
Staples
This kind of fastener is U-shaped and is fired into materials to hold them together or keep them in place. You will need a spring-loaded or air-powered staple gun. Staples can be installed fast and removed easily. They can be a good temporary fastening solution and they can bridge seams. However, staples can be loosened easily. They are not load bearing and sometimes they rip through light materials.
Dowels
These are wooden cylinders that are placed in drilled holes with two different pieces of material. They are tightly pressed into the drilled holes and are secured with wood glue. Dowels have strong holding ability. They are easily installed and you can’t see them. However, you can’t remove them. The drilled holes have to match perfectly and there needs to be time for the glue to dry.
Nuts and Bolts
Threaded fasteners placed in holes drilled through two or more materials are bolts. A threaded nut is placed on the threaded bolt to hold the materials together by screwing it tightly. Washers are used under the head of the bolt to add more holding power. Lock washers or locking nuts are often used to prevent the nuts from loosening or falling off. Nuts and bolts are secure and offer high load bearing. They are easily removed and come in a variety of sizes. However, they require pre-drilled holes in order to install them and you will need multiple tools to tighten them.
Construction Projects
Of course, these are just a few of the more common fasteners. There are many other specialized fasteners that are used for specific needs. What material you are working with is key for choosing the right fastener for the build. Keep in mind that most construction projects will be using many different materials, so you will need many different types of fasteners.
Let’s examine what fasteners would be recommended for certain projects. Just a reminder, choosing the right fastener must be followed by the proper use and installation.
Roofing
Screws or nails are used to install roof panels. Nail guns make a roofing project go faster. You can use staples to hold down the roof tar paper. Roofing nails are best for asphalt shingles.
Drywall
If there are wooden studs, nails are an option for installing drywall but most of the time you will be using drywall screws. If you have metal wall studs, then drywall screws are the only choice.
Trim Work
Nails can be used for trim work. Using a brad nail gun, brad nails attach trim, moldings, and surface pieces for a nice finish. In areas you can’t see, you can use screws. Dowels are used when all the sides will be visible.
Furring Strips
Using a construction adhesive is the first step in attaching furring strips, but you might also want to add one or two fasteners like concrete screws, anchors or lag screws, per strip for extra holding power.
Decks
Screws are often used for building decks. The planking, railings, and slats are installed with deck screws which are specially designed for easy installation and rust resistance. The actual deck structure would be bolted together with high-grade nuts and bolts.
Tell us what your project is, and our fastener experts at OneMonroe can get you the best fasteners. It’s important in choosing the right fastener for the build to consider the project, the materials, the durability, and the design. Our inventory is large and we can deliver or ship your fastener order.