Choosing a fastener is the first step in any project, but it’s easy to get lost in all of the terminology and numbers. With so many options on the market, how can you choose the right one for your project? Here are some things to keep in mind when selecting a fastener. 

Thread Type 

The most common thread types include steel (ST), stainless steel (SS), brass, copper, aluminum and nylon. The difference between these threads comes down to the material used and its thickness. Steel, for example, is thicker than aluminum and therefore stronger. Threads made from different materials have different advantages and disadvantages. For instance, brass has better corrosion resistance than aluminum, while nylon is stronger than both. When choosing a fastener, it’s important to think about the environment where your product will be located, as well as the strength and durability required. 

Type of Material 

There are two main categories of material: metals and plastics. Metals are generally strong, durable, and long-lasting, but they can be expensive and difficult to work with. Plastics, on the other hand, are often cheaper and easier to use, but they won’t last as long. When you’re looking at fasteners, make sure that they meet your particular needs. If you need something that’s going to hold up over time, a metal fastener is probably the best choice; otherwise, consider using a plastic. Metal screws, for example, are very durable, but they aren’t exactly user-friendly. They require special tools and knowledge to install them properly. On the flip side, plastic screws are usually simple and easy to deal with, but they tend to fall apart after a couple of years. 

Material Thickness 

When working with fasteners, there are three main types of material thicknesses—thin, medium, and thick. Thin means thin gauge, which is usually less than 0.08 inches. Medium thickness is typically between 0.10 and 0.25 inches, while thick means anything above 0.25 inches. There are pros and cons associated with each type of material, so take into account what you want to do before deciding whether or not to use a certain fastener. 

For example, if you’re trying to create a piece of furniture that will last for years to come, then a thin screw may be the right solution for you. You can also opt for a thinner screw if you need to save money by using lightweight materials such as paper. A thicker screw would be appropriate for more permanent fixtures, such as cabinets or shelves. 

In addition to the material itself, you’ll also want to know the diameter of the fastener. Diameter refers to the actual amount of space that the fastener occupies, and it’s measured in units called millimeters (mm). Screws can range anywhere from 1–24 mm. While this may seem like an endless number, there are actually only four standard sizes of screws. Standard #1 screws measure 2.0 mm, while the other three are 3.8 mm, 5.5 mm, and 7.6 mm. This information makes it easier to determine what size screw you need, since a 5.5 mm screw is basically twice as large as a 3.8 mm screw. 

Screw Length 

Another thing to consider when working with fasteners is the length of the screw. Most screws will either come with a specific length or they have multiple lengths available. It’s always best to go with the longest possible screw if you can, but there are times when you’ll need to make a compromise. If you know that you won’t be installing the object onto a surface that requires a lot of torque, then you should avoid using longer screws. This is especially true when dealing with a wooden surface. Longer screws have a tendency to split wood, making them a bad choice for furniture or projects that require stability. 

Tip: Make sure to read the instructions for the fastener you’re using. Some require tightening in a specific direction, while others should be tightened clockwise or counterclockwise. 

Thread Pitch 

Pitch refers to the distance between two adjacent holes on the screw. Common pitches include TPI, EPI, and FPI. TPI stands for the top pitch increment, which represents the distance between the threads themselves. It’s measured in thousandths of an inch. EPI stands for the even pitch interval, which is the distance between the threads and their corresponding spaces. This measurement is also known as the lead. Finally, FPI stands for the fine pitch increment, which is the distance between the threads and their corresponding spaces. This measurement is also referred to as the land. The higher the number, the closer the spacing between the threads. 

Tip: The smaller the pitch number, the tighter the screw will fit into the hole. However, the higher the pitch number, the larger the area between the threads. In general, a lower pitch number is preferred for furniture, while a higher pitch number is better suited for heavy-duty items. 

Head Size 

Head size refers to the size of the part that sits inside the hole. Head size ranges from ½” to 6″. Smaller heads make it easier to insert the fastener into the hole, while larger heads provide more purchase when being installed. Keep in mind that the head should be slightly smaller than the diameter of the hole. 

Tips: When inserting the fastener, make sure to apply just enough pressure to push it through the screw hole without stripping the head. Also, try to avoid overtightening the screw if the head is too small. Overly tight screws can cause damage to the surface around the hole. 

Installation Speed 

How quickly the fastener goes through the hole depends on several factors, including the material and the installation technique. Installation speed is usually expressed in terms of pounds per linear foot. This value tells us the amount of force needed to pull a given weight through a set distance. To put this into perspective, a 10-pound load would take a person roughly 30 feet at a walking pace to move. The faster you install the fastener, the greater the force you’ll need to overcome. So, if you’re installing a fastener on plywood, for example, you’ll likely need to exert more force than if you were using MDF. 

Taps 

Tap refers to the part of the fastener that extends past the head and provides additional support. Tap size ranges from 1/32″, 1/16″, and ¼” to ½”. As mentioned earlier, taps are meant to help distribute the load evenly across the entire surface of the fastener. Since the tap doesn’t have any threads, it’s also much lighter than a screw. This makes tapping a great option for furniture and lightweight objects. 

Tip: Although tapping is a good way to add strength to a weak spot, it shouldn’t be used as an alternative to a screw. The added support provided by tapping isn’t nearly as reliable as the strength offered by a threaded fastener. 

Torsion 

Torsion is the twisting motion caused by turning the screw. The faster you turn the screw, the greater the torsion. Torsional strength is measured in ft·lb/in2, or foot-pounds per square inch. Generally speaking, the higher the number, the stronger the fastener. For example, a fastener rated at 200 ft·lb/in2 would be able to withstand 200 foot-pounds of torque. 

Wear Rate 

One final consideration is the wear rate. Wear rate refers to how long a fastener lasts compared to its original specifications. Manufacturers generally specify the wear rate of a fastener based on the material and the application. For example, the wear rate of a nut is generally significantly slower than the wear rate of a screw. 

The person needs to be alert in choosing the best option that are available in the market. In the long run the option will prove to give favorable results. The person can give a try to the Scrooz Fasteners Drywall Screws as they are the best form of fastener that are available.

If you’ve decided to use a fastener, now is the time to make sure that you’ve selected the correct size and that it meets the requirements of your project. By following these tips, you’ll find that selecting a fastener is no longer a complicated process.