Fasteners

Fasteners are used to fix different objects together.

Flat-Head Socket Cap Screw
Designed for high-tensile strength applications Flush Mounting Operations Common in Tools and Dies

Button-Head Socket Cap Screw
Wide bearing surface Offers a finished appearance Designed for light fastening operations

Socket-Head Cap Screw
High-strength tension applications Designed for clamping assemblies Reliable and Durable

Hex-Head Cap Screw
General Purpose Fastening

Set Screw
Designed to hold objects in place

Thumb Screw
Adjustable by hand Use in applications where hand tightening is adequate

Machine Screw*
Available in different head styles Use in lower strength applications

Carriage Bolt*
Neck keeps bolt from turning when tightening a nut Use in applications where the bolt cannot be easily accessed after assembly

Threaded Rod*
Alternative to a bolt Used to anchor elements to surfaces, mount wheels and pulleys, etc.

Hex Nuts
General Purpose Fastening

Lock Nuts*
Nylon insert grips teeth to prevent loosening Can only be reused a few times Available in various types

Slotted Lock Nuts (Castle Nuts)*
Light duty locking applications Secured using a cotter pin through a hole in a bolt

Flange Nuts*
Flange distributes load over a larger surface area

Tee Nuts*
Use to fasten wood or soft materials using steel bolts

Flat Washer
General Purpose Fastening Spreads load over a larger surface area

Lock Washer, Spring (Split Lock)
Prevents bolts from loosening under vibrations

Lock Washer, Star (Tooth Lock)
Prevents bolts from loosening under vibrations Use when bolt head can come into contact with the teeth

Dowel Pin
Use for alignment of machine components Alternate use as a guide for machine parts

Spring Pin, Slotted
Slot is pressed close when inserted No flex after installation

Spring Pin, Coiled (Roll Pin)
Absorb shock and vibration after installation Higher load capacity than slotted spring pins

Cotter Pin
Used to hold assemblies, such as bolts and nuts, together Use with a slotted lock nut

Taper Pin*
Use to position components and secure assemblies

Rivets
Permanently hold two pieces of material together Punch through a pre-drilled hole

* Not available in the machine shop

** For other types of fasteners not listed, go to http://www.mcmaster.com

Pictures and descriptions derived from McMaster-Carr

Useful links: (link to tapping wiki)