Nuts and bolts are essential supplies for a variety of uses at home and work. Find the right nuts and bolts to complete your next DIY project, then shop other home hardware essentials at Ace.
What is the Difference Between Fasteners, Bolts and Screws?
Sometimes used interchangeably, bolts and screws are distinct items that all play an important role in building projects. While they are both hardware fasteners, they do have their differences.
A bolt is a threaded fastener that is secured on the threaded end by a nut. It has a similar appearance to a screw, but the shaft does not taper, which allows the nut to wind down to the desired position.
Different Types of Bolts and Nuts
Bolts come in many shapes and sizes, each suited for a different purpose. Here are many popular bolt options you should know:
- Hex Bolt: A classic hardware essential for a variety of DIY projects, hex bolts have a six-sided head and the shaft may be partially or fully threaded. You'll find hex bolts in common use for construction and machinery applications.
- Carriage Bolt: Designed with a domed head, carriage bolts ensure that you can only remove them from the nut side. Use carriage bolts when installing hinges and locks for extra security, as unlike an ordinary bolt they will not be removable from the outside.
- Eyebolts: Incredibly handy when you need them, eyebolts are designed with a loop at one end so that when secured, you can attach a cable or a rope to it. Use eyebolts to hang up everything from swings to punching bags.
- U-bolts: True to their name, U-bolts are shaped like the letter U and are threaded on both ends. Their purpose is to fit around pipework, tubing, bars and other objects of similar shape. Use them for installation or for restraining materials during shipping.
- Toggle Bolt: Also known as a butterfly anchor or wall anchor, a toggle bolt is a long, slender bolt with a spring wing toggle. This is a useful fastener for work with hollow materials such as drywall. Use a toggle bolt to create a sturdy support for hanging items from walls and ceilings.
- Coupling Nut: Sometimes referred to as extension nuts, coupling nuts join together male threads, thus helping alleviate the load any one thread will carry.
Need help keeping your nuts and bolts organized? Tool storage bins from leading brands like Stanley, Milwaukee and Craftsman.
Which Steel Should You Choose?
You can find nuts and bolts in different materials, but steel is by far the most common and highly durable. With stainless steel, zinc-plated steel, galvanized steel and more, knowing which is best for your project is a necessity.
- Stainless Steel: Highly resistant to rust and corrosion, stainless steel is an incredibly durable material that tends to have a higher up front cost but offers greater long-term savings.
- Zinc-plated Steel: Coated in zinc using an electrical current, zinc-plated steel is an affordable alternative to stainless steel. Zinc provides a protective coating against rust and an easier to weld surface.
- Galvanized Steel: Similar to zinc-plated steel, galvanized steel uses zinc that has been applied through the hot-dip method. This material strikes a balance between less pricey zinc-plated steel and durable stainless steel.
- Alloy Steel: Alloyed with other metals and treated with heat for further strengthening, this distinctive material has a dark finish but, while quite strong, can be slightly more brittle than other types of steel.
Shop Nuts and Bolts Near You at Ace
Make sure that you have the right hardware for your next project by stocking up on fasteners near you at Ace, then shop more home improvement solutions like cabinet and furniture hardware, door hardware and more. Visit our experts today online or at your local Ace for helpful tips and expert recommendations.
