These are the three factors to consider before you decide which side to take in the bolts-vs.-screws debate on your next project.
APPLICATION
The most important factor in deciding whether to use bolts or screws is your project. Bolts offer great holding strength, while screws provide some holding power. Screws are better for light to medium-sized construction projects like framing or fencing. Bolts are the best choice for heavy-duty projects. Tension Control Bolts work best when the project is intended to be disassembled and assembled easily.
MATERIAL
You need to consider how bolts vs. Screws will apply to sheet metal, concrete, wood, or drywall, no matter what material you are using for your DIY project. Material is important.
Materials that require screws:
- Plywood
- Board of Directors
- Drywall
- Sheet metal
- Deck plans
MATERIALS THAT WORK BEST FOR BOLTS:
Some materials may require a bolt or a screw for fastening. A 2″x4 inch stud might be fastened using screws as part of a wall framework. However, bolts would work well for deck assembly or other applications that require bolts. When choosing between screws and bolts, consider the load that will be placed on the fastener.
COST
Budgeting for a project is always important, especially if you need to purchase a lot of fasteners. Although bolts are more expensive, choosing the right fastener will help you save money over time. You will end up spending more money if you use the wrong fastener.
FREQUENTLY ASKED Questions About BOLTS VERSUS SCRWS
1. What is the difference between a BOLT and a SCREW?
Both screws and bolts can provide secure holds in fastening applications. These fasteners, however, are not all the same. A screw is usually self-tapping and has a helical groove around the shaft. To hold the screw in its place, the threads of the screws mate with the material through which it is turned. Bolts, however, are not self-tapping. They require a nut to keep them secure.
Also, bolts and screws have different shapes and costs. Bolts are more expensive than screws and are usually tapered.
2. Is a BOLT STRONGER THAN a SCREW?
Yes, bolts have a greater hold than screws. The washer spreads the load across a wider area, partly because it has a greater holding strength than screws. Bolts are great for heavy-duty load-bearing applications due to their increased strength.
3. IS A MACHINE SCREW A BOLT?
Machine screws have threads that spiral up the whole cylinder. This fastener uses a nut or threaded hole. Technically, a machine screw is a bolt. They are sometimes called machine bolts.
4. What is a NUT, BOLT, AND SCREW?
A nut is an item that attaches to the bolt’s end and holds it in place. A bolt is a non-tapered fastener that uses a washer or nut to attach objects. A screw is a tapered fastener that can mate with existing threads or create its own thread from a material as it turns.
5. What is a SCREW without ahead?
Sometimes, a screw without a head can be called a blind screw. There are two types: set screws and dowel screws. Dowel screws are used for joining wood. They have threads on both ends. Set screws can be threaded fully and driven with an internal wrenching driver. These screws are great for attaching an object to or within another object.
6. What do you call a BOLT without ahead?
There are many types of bolts available that do not have the typical head. The hanger bolt is made with two threaded ends and one that looks like a wooden screw. These fasteners can be used to attach something to the ceiling or to fasten metal to wooden surfaces. A stud bolt is another type of bolt that does not have ahead. These fully threaded fasteners can be used to make flange connections using nuts on either end of the bolt.
7. WHAT ARE ALLEN KEY SCREWS DESCRIBED?
An Allen key screw can also be called a socket screw, Allen bolt, or socket screw. These fasteners feature a hexagonal drive hole that is sunken into their head. This type of bolt can be tightened using a compatible Allen wrench.
8. What is the difference between a BOLT and a HEX HEAD CAP SCREW?
Bolts are similar to Hex Head Cap Screws. They differ in how they are installed. To secure materials or objects together, a bolt can be used in conjunction with nuts. You must turn the cap screw inside a tapped hole to install it.
It can be difficult to know when to use screws instead of bolts, and vice versa. This is because you don’t have enough experience. Our team of experts can help you make your project easier. You also have access to our contractor-approved inventory.
Construction Fasteners and Tools has a friendly and energetic team that is available to assist you in finding the right fasteners for any job. We offer same-day shipping for most orders.