If you are a DIY enthusiast, you are familiar with the thrill that comes with turning your ideas into reality. But whether you are setting up a shelf, assembling your furniture, or just doing a simple repair, there’s one thing that remains constant: you will need reliable and effective fastening solutions. These help hold everything together, and will definitely determine the strength and durability of what you create.
Fasteners however come in a different shapes, sizes, and materials, each with its own unique purpose. Knowing and using the right one will take your DIY projects to the next level, and today, we’ll look at the five most popular ones.
Screws
Screws are popular types of fasteners as they are quite versatile and offer secure connections. They come in different types and sizes, with the most common being wood screws, machine screws, and sheet metal screws. Wood screws come with sharp points and threads and are designed to bite into wood fibres. Machine screws, on the other hand, are more suitable for metal-to-metal applications and have much finer threads. Sheet metal screws feature sharp, self-drilling tips and are specifically designed for fastening thin metal sheets together.
The biggest advantage of screws is that you can easily remove and re-use them. And if you go for self-tapping screws, such as those from RS, you will only need a screwdriver for installation and removal. However, note that screws come with different types of heads, such as flat heads, pan heads, and hex, and each offers different aesthetic and functional benefits.
Nails
For centuries, people have relied on the effectiveness and affordability of nails. And whether you want to hang up a picture frame or build a wooden structure, nails can help you achieve your desired outcome successfully.
One remarkable advantage of nails is that they provide strong connections that are suitable when you want something permanent. When attaching them, you can make the nail head rest on the surface or sink it a bit for a cleaner finish.
Adhesives
Adhesives offer a more unique and versatile approach, especially when you compare them to screws and nails. These are more of bonding agents in that they are not mechanical. However, they still offer strong and durable connections. You can use them in lots of places, from simple crafts to complex construction projects.
Adhesives come in different forms. Some of the most common are liquid glues, epoxy resins, adhesive tapes, and adhesive putties. Each of these has various sub-types, and they are also used for various materials. The most important thing about adhesives is to understand which are the most suitable for each material.
Clamps
Clamps are different from the above in that they are not used to permanently fast materials. However, they play a huge role in DIY projects. They provide a stable and secure, yet adjustable way to hold pieces of work together, which helps ensure precision. The one you’ll most likely need is C-clamp, named after its distinctive shape. This type of clamp has an arm that is stationary, then a movable screw mechanism that tightens the clamp around the workpiece. Clamps are what allow you to hold items as you fix them together using other fastening solutions.
Bolts & Nuts
If you need some heavy-duty fastening, bolts and nuts can be your most reliable dynamic duo. Bolts are rods that have threads and a head, while nuts are small, typically hexagonal-shaped pieces with threads on the inner side. The threads of the nuts make them fit on the rods, creating a powerful fastening mechanism. Bolts and nuts are useful during constructions or when working with machinery. Note that to create a strong, secure, and lasting connection, you will need to select the right fastening solution for the material you are working with.
