Fasteners
All fasteners serve the common purpose of joining, securing, and stabilizing materials. They are essential components in construction, repair, and crafting projects. Choosing the best fastener for a project depends on the materials being joined, the amount of support required, and the tools available. Below is a list of fasteners and their most common use.
Screws
Screws and fasteners can be used on metal, wood, drywall, and concrete, so selecting the right one for the job is essential. Types of screws for specific projects include wood screws, deck screws, drywall screws, masonry screws, and sheet metal screws. Screws can be installed using either a screwdriver (usually when holes are pre-drilled) or a drill (for things like masonry or concrete). The type of screwdriver or drill used should correspond with the shape of the screw head, which can be flat, Phillips, combination, square, etc.
Nails
Nails are a commonly used fastener, especially in carpentry, drywall, and roofing projects. Nails can be installed with a hammer or nail gun. Nails are measured in diameter and length, so it is important to select the right size based on the type and thickness of the joined materials.
Shop our selection of common, box, drywall, flooring, framing, and other specialty nails.
Bolts
Bolts are often used with nuts and washers, and they are installed using a wrench or a socket/ratchet. Nut and bolt fasteners can be used to attach wood to other surfaces or to secure materials to each other.
Shop our selection of hex, lag, carriage, and other specialty bolts.
Anchors & Installation
Anchors are used to attach items to a drywall, plaster, or tile surface when no studs are available, and nails or screws won’t support the weight. Anchors prevent damage to the wall by distributing the weight of the attached item over a larger area. They are used to hang items like mirrors, bathroom fixtures, pictures, or shelves.
Shop our selection of anchors.
Hooks, Eyes, & Turnbuckles
Hook and eye fasteners are used to close two surfaces together such as doors, gates, or cabinets. They are easy to install. Turnbuckles have a hook or eye at each end and are used to adjust the tension of ropes, cables, or wires. They can be easily adjusted by hand or wrench.
Shop our selection of hooks, eyes, and turnbuckles.
Washers
Washers are used in conjunction with screws or nuts to distribute the pressure over a larger area. Plain washers are the most common. Spring washers compensate for vibrations and keep the washer in place. Lock washers prevent rotation.
Shop our selection of washers.
Dowels, Plugs, & Wood Joiners
Dowels are sturdy wood fasteners used often in craft and construction projects. Dowels attach two pieces of wood and form a more secure bond than using a screw. They are used in cabinetry and furniture building. Plugs are glued into the hole created by a screw or dowel on a project and fill the hold to create a flush surface. Another type of wood joiner is made of metal with claws and attaches two pieces of wood without cutting or splitting the wood.
Shop our selection of dowels, plugs, and wood joiners.
Tacks, Brads, & Pins
Tacks, brads, and pins are used in carpentry and craft projects. Tacks have a tapered body and a very sharp point. They are used in upholstery and carpeting projects to secure material to wood. They are also great for use with rubber weather-stripping or thin metal. Brads are finishing nails in carpentry. They have a smaller head and diameter, making them less visible in wood trim. Pins are also used in finish carpentry to attach lighter items like trim. They have no head so they are not visible, and they are often used with adhesive for added security.
Shop our selection of tacks, brads, and pins.
Nuts
Nuts are used with bolts to secure them tightly. Nuts and bolts should be made of the same material when used together. For example, stainless steel fasteners would include a stainless steel nut and a stainless steel bolt. Types include hex nuts for wood and metal, lock nuts to prevent slipping, and wing nuts that can be tightened by hand without tools.
Hook & Loop Fasteners
Hook and loop fasteners are useful for storing items that may need to be moved from time to time. Storing items like ladders, bikes, tools, and garden supplies is much easier with this type of system.
Shop our selection of hook and loop fasteners.
Grommets & Snap Fasteners
Grommets are used to reinforce holes in lightweight materials like fabric or carbon fiber. Snap fasteners are used to attach fabric to another surface, either fabric or non-fabric. They can be used for canvas, sails, storm windows, and screens.
Shop our selection of grommets and snap fasteners.