Bolts and screws are two of the most used hardware in construction and repairs. Both are designed to hold two pieces of material together, but they work in different ways. Bolts are designed to be inserted through holes in the material and tightened from the other side. Screws, on the other hand, are designed to be inserted into drilled holes and tightened from the same side. In this article, you will get the idea of both the fitting device known as bolt and screw.
Types of Bolts
Now, Bolts are long cylindrical pieces of metal, used to connect two pieces of material. A wrench or a screwdriver is used to tighten them from the other side after inserting them through the material’s holes. Nuts and Bolts are available in many different types with varying features that make them suited to different materials and uses. Let us take a look at the different types of bolts.
1. Screw Bolts
These are large bolts designed to be screwed into a drilled hole. They have a wide “thread” on the end that grips the wood as you tighten them. Screw bolts are often used to attach pieces of wood where they will be under a lot of strain.
2. Hanger Bolts
These are bolts designed to be used in construction to attach materials to joists. Hanger bolts are designed to be hammered into joists so they do not require a drilled hole. They have a flattened head so they do not slip out of the joist as you hammer them in.
3. Stud Bolts
These are long bolts designed to be used in construction to attach materials to studs. They have a wide threaded end that grips the stud as you tighten them. Stud bolts are used when you don’t want to pre-drill a hole in a stud because the stud would split the wood.
4. Machine Bolts
These are long bolts used in factories to assemble parts. They have a wide threaded end that grips the material as you tighten them. They’re very strong and reliable but rarely used in home repairs.
Types of Screws
Screws are short cylindrical pieces of metal designed to be inserted into holes in a piece of material. They are then tightened from the same side of the material as the hole with a screwdriver. Screws are available in many different types with varying features that make them suited to different materials and uses.
1. Wood Screws
These are short, thin screws for wood designed to be inserted into holes in wood. They grip the wood as you turn the screwdriver, which turns the screw and pulls it into the wood. Wood screws are best for non-structural repairs.
2. Machine Screws
Screws that have a large thread on the end are longer, thicker ones for metal. We should drill material hole before they can be inserted. When we turn the thread with a screwdriver the screw draws in to material. Machine screws are best for non-structural repairs.
3. Sheet Metal Screws
These are shorter, fatter screws for metal with a large thread on the end. They are design in a way that they can easily insert in metal holes. A screwdriver turns the thread to draw the screw into the material. Machine screws are best for non-structural repairs.
How to Choose the Right Bolt or Screw for Your Project?
Sometimes the right bolt or screw will come to you naturally as you’re planning your project. But more often, you’ll be searching for the right type of bolt or screw while you are shopping for hardware.
1. Material
The first thing to consider is what material the bolt or screw will be going into. If you’re attaching two pieces of wood, you’ll want to use a wood screw. If you’re attaching two pieces of metal, you’ll want to use a machine screw.
2. Length
The next thing to consider is how long the bolt or screw should be. You’ll want to make sure the bolt or screw is the right length for your project. Longer bolts may be necessary if your materials are under a lot of strain.
3. Head Type
The third thing to keep in mind is the head type of your bolt or screw. If you’re attaching a decorative wall hanging, you’ll want to avoid a screw with a large head that will ruin the look of the wall.
How to Use Bolts and Screws?
If you’re planning to do some repairs or construction projects on your own, you’ll likely need to know how to use them. Here are a few tips to make sure you’re using them correctly.
1. Use the Correct Type of Screw/Bolt
The most important thing is to make sure you’re using the correct type of screw or bolt. In most cases, this means matching the material of the screw or bolt with the material it will be going into.
2. Use the Correct Length
The next most important thing is to make sure you’re using the correct length screw or bolt. If you’re attaching materials that are under a lot of strain, you may need a longer screw or bolt.
3. Use the Correct Drive
In some cases, you’ll need to drive the screw or bolt into the material. For example, you might be attaching a wooden shelf to a wall using wood screws. If you’re screwing into drywall, you’ll want to use a screwdriver to push the screw into the wall.
4. Use the Correct Head Type
In some cases, you’ll need to create a hole for the screw or bolt. For example, you might be attaching a wooden shelf to a joist with a hanger bolt. In this case, you’ll want to use a hammer to create a hole for the bolt.
Final Words
At last, Bolts and screws, both are an essential part of the machinery and fixing things. Understanding the difference between them can make your work easier during needs.
