The Beginner’s Guide to Common Types of Fasteners and Basic Uses
, 12 min reading time
What Are Fasteners?
A fastener is a hardware device used to mechanically join or affix two or more materials together. In construction and fabrication, fasteners are used to create connections that range from temporary and adjustable to permanent and structural.
Understanding the Big Three: Screws, Nails, and Bolts
There are many types of fasteners used for construction. Some of the most common include nails, screws, and bolts. Each has its strengths and is best used for specific applications.
Each of these fasteners has a distinct design and purpose. Their unique designs take into account a variety of requirements. What material will the fastener be used in? Is it wood, drywall, cement, metal, or something else? What load values will the fastener need to provide? What specific applications will it be used for?
Fasteners are the building blocks of every structure. Let's learn more about some of the most common, starting with screws.
1. Screws: Versatility and High Retention
Screws are the most versatile tool in your kit. They feature a threaded shaft that "bites" into the material, creating a mechanical bond.
Why use them? Screws offer high "withdrawal strength" (they won’t pull out easily) and are removable if you make a mistake. Their threads provide a fantastic grip, and the driving torque gives them reliable holding power, helping to create a strong mechanical bond. This is why screws are a better choice in materials that experience stress and vibration. They are also the fastener of choice when the load and force of gravity will bear down on the fastener, rather than side-to-side.
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Key Types of Hand-Drive Screws |
Uses |
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Screws for Decking, Docks, and Boardwalks |
These are heavy-duty screws designed for high-exposure wood structures. They feature aggressive threads for maximum withdrawal strength in lumber that is expanding and contracting. Decking screws also feature a type-17 point to easily penetrate lumber and reduce splitting. |
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Deck Screws for Composite and PVC |
Specialized deck screws for composite, PVC, and capstock decking are engineered with reverse threads and undercut heads. The undercut head pierces the dense surface layer, while the reverse threads are designed to prevent mushrooming and surface defects. |
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Marine Screws |
Specifically engineered for the harshest saltwater environments, these marine screws are exclusively offered in 316 stainless steel to prevent structural failure from salt-air corrosion. Type 316 stainless steel is a nickel-chromium austenitic grade of stainless steel with 2-3% molybdenum. It is more suitable when building in harsh environments, such as marine and coastal areas, where chlorine or saltwater is present. |
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Fascia Screws |
Fascia screws have large heads that are driven into oversized holes in fascia board to allow for expansion and contraction of the material. |
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Fiber Cement Screws |
Fiber cement screws are engineered to attach fiber cement siding through furring strips to steel studs. |
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Joist Hanger Connector Screws |
These connector screws are a load-rated fastener designed to replace nails in connector applications where screws offer easier installation and stronger performance. They deliver higher single-fastener load values than typical common nails and feature stainless steel that is suitable for interior and most exterior use. |
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Trim and Millwork Screws |
Trim head screws offer a smaller head that sits flush for a clean, professional finish without being invisible. These screws feature a Type-17 point to help ensure easy starts. Their coarse threads enable strong pull-through to draw deck boards tightly to the framing. |
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Self-Drilling Screws |
Stainless steel self-drilling screws are ideal for metal-to-wood applications and feature a drill-point tip that helps speed installation in light-gauge steel. Depending on the material and thickness, some applications may still recommend drilling pilot holes for best performance. |
2. Nails: Speed and Flexibility
Nails are the preferred fastener in the construction industry for many applications. They are easy to install, much cheaper than screws, and have superior shear strength. Here is what you should know about them.
Why use them? Nails are quick to drive and more flexible than screws, which allows them to bend rather than break under pressure. When subjected to lateral (shear) loads, their high shear strength helps them hold fast, while screws are more likely to snap under the same force.
| Key Types of Nails | Uses |
|---|---|
| Common Ring Shank | Common ring shank nails are designed for superior withdrawal resistance. The annular rings lock into wood fibers, providing the staying power of a screw with the shear strength of a nail. |
| Common Smooth Shank | Common smooth shank nails are ideal for general framing where the priority is ease of installation and high shear resistance in structural timber. |
| Fiber Cement | Fiber cement siding nails are specifically engineered to penetrate hard fiber-cement siding without shattering the board, ensuring a long-lasting, weather-tight bond. |
| Finishing | Thinner shanks and small heads allow these finishing nails to be "set" below the wood surface, perfect for high-end trim and millwork where aesthetics are paramount. |
| Joist Hanger | Short, thick-gauge joist hanger nails are designed to fit perfectly into metal connector holes, providing the specific shear values required by building codes for deck and floor joists. |
| Roofing | Stainless steel roofing nails feature large, flat heads to securely hold shingles or felt paper in place against high winds. |
| Shake and Shingle | Shake and shingle nails are designed to install wood siding, trim, and roofing. The 7/32" head creates an appropriately sized bearing surface to properly install shakes and shingles. Its slender shank diameter and diamond point minimize splitting while also making for easy driving. |
| Wood Siding | Specialized wood siding nails provide a secure hold while allowing for the natural expansion and contraction of wood siding boards. |
3. Bolts: For High-Load Security
Stainless steel bolts are for critical connections, providing ultimate load distribution across structural elements. These types of fasteners are used for added strength and stability. Unlike screws, bolts go all the way through a pre-drilled hole and are secured with a nut and washer.
Why use them? Bolts have a heavy-duty load capacity. They are used to bear large loads or to provide a significant clamping force. This makes them a perfect choice for structural applications. Bolts are commonly used for securing ledger boards, docks, framing, beams, furniture, and more.
One thing to note: our bolts are all coarse-threaded and are designed for wood construction. Bolts designed for automotive and industrial settings are metric.
| Key Types of Bolts | Uses |
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| Hex Bolts | Hex bolts have a six-sided head and are either fully or partially threaded. They are tightened with a wrench, which allows for the application of greater torque than other types of bolts. They are also easy to tighten and loosen with a socket wrench, making them a great choice for repair and maintenance. |
| Lag Bolts | When you need the withdrawal strength of a bolt without a through-hole, choose lag bolts. Lag bolts have a hex head and sharp threads for self-tapping. This is why they are sometimes referred to as lag screws. They screw directly into wood and do not require a nut and washer. You will see lag screws used for deck construction. |
| Carriage Bolts |
Stainless steel carriage bolts have a square shoulder under a round or domed head, without a drive. Its square neck prevents rotation. These bolts are installed into pre-drilled holes, hammered into place, and secured with a nut and washer. They are commonly used in woodworking and furniture construction. |
Understanding Materials: Why 304 and 316 Stainless Steel Are the Gold Standard
This is where most DIYers run into trouble. Most fasteners in big-box stores are "zinc-plated." While they look nice, they are intended for indoor use only. If you use them outside, the thin coating will fail, and the steel underneath will begin to rot your wood from the inside out.
When working on outdoor projects, builders use fasteners that can withstand the elements. You will find that galvanized steel, ZMAX, and stainless steel are good options that offer varying levels of corrosion resistance. Material selection should be based on the environment and specifications of the project.
Manasquan Fasteners specializes in stainless steel and carries a limited selection of collated galvanized steel nails for commercial construction. Stainless steel offers the highest level of corrosion protection. It is widely used for residential and commercial wood construction. Let's explore the most common grades of stainless.
The two key types are:
| 304/305 Series Stainless Steel | An excellent choice for corrosion resistance in most outdoor applications. It stands up to most atmospheric conditions and is a perfect choice when working in a moist environment (as long as it is not exposed to chlorides). It is perfect for outdoor furniture, fences, and garden beds. |
| 316 Stainless Steel (Marine Grade) | The preferred choice in coastal environments. Type 316 Stainless Steel can hold up against chlorides. It is used in environments that come in contact with salt air and can be used in and around salt water. It is also the preferred alloy for use around pools and chlorine. Using type 316 stainless steel will avoid pitting and staining and ensure the longevity of your project. |
The Professional’s Basic Checklist: How to Choose the Right Fastener Every Time
- Step 1: Load Requirements. Is the stress tension (pulling apart) or shear (sliding sideways)?
- Step 2: Environment. Inland vs. coastal conditions (304 vs. 316 stainless steel).
- Step 3: Base Material. Wood, masonry, steel, or composite?
- Step 4: Finish/Aesthetics. Does the project require color-matched heads or a completely hidden system?
There are many types of fasteners, and using the right fastener for the job makes a difference. That is why questions like, “What are the best types of fasteners for wood, steel, or composite materials?” are always worth asking.
Key benefits of choosing the right fastener:
- The proper fastener provides the strength and load-bearing capacity required for demanding builds, such as decks.
- Matching the fastener to the base material helps ensure long-term performance and durability.
- Appearance matters when deciding which types of fasteners to use. Hidden fasteners are ideal when a clean, finished look is important.
- Builders in coastal areas, like Florida, should select fasteners designed to withstand salt air and moisture.
Conclusion
Choosing the right fastener ensures installation efficiency, superior holding power, and quality. Choosing the correct stainless steel fasteners will help your projects last for decades. It’s about making sure your work holds up for decades. As your trusted fastener suppliers, Manasquan provides the same high-quality hardware to DIYers that professional builders rely on every day.
Ready to start? Explore our products and get the peace of mind that comes with professional-grade hardware.
