If you are working on a construction project or maintenance tasks, you need fixings, fasteners, and other hardware accessories. A fastener such as an anchor acts as the glue that holds your project together. 

Using high-quality anchor bolts or other fixings provides a tighter job and increases the longevity of the construction. But, which fixings and fasteners are the most reliable variety for your hardware project?

What Are Fasteners and Fixings?

Fasteners and fixings are both types of hardware equipment used to secure materials. Typical examples include screws, washers, nuts, bolts, and rivets.  

Let’s face it, without these fasteners and fixings, construction projects and maintenance tasks just could not take place!

What Is the Difference Between Fastenings and Fasteners?

Fasteners and fixings are very similar in theory, although fixings will secure an item to a wall or a floor permanently. A key example is using a connector and screws to fix a cupboard to a wall.

Fasteners, on the other hand, secure similar materials together. For example, you would use screws to fasten together the cupboard in the first place. But, how can a screw be a fastener and a fixing? 

Many items such as screws are considered to be both fixing and fastening. It depends on what you do with it that provides a screw with a fixing or fastener label. A fixing will then secure items to a different surface whereas a fastener attaches similar materials together.

What Should I Look For In a Fixing or Fastening?

The fixings and fastenings used in your hardware projects should be durable, airtight, weathertight, and structurally sound. If your fixings and fastenings do not meet all four components, then your project will fall into trouble.

If your fastenings and fixings are not airtight and weathertight, they may experience corrosion or become loose. Similarly, if they are neither durable nor structurally sound, your fixings and fastenings may break or damage the materials they are attached to. 

You need to choose fasteners and fixings that offer longevity and that will not need replacing too soon. Check out any valid warranties and certification of your screws and fastenings before purchase.

Additionally, the head of the screws and fasteners you use should look good as they may be visible. You should choose the colour and shape of the screw head succinctly to match your other aesthetics. 

Also consider the materials used, with stainless steel being the best material to purchase due to its strength and resistance to the weather elements. If your location is close to the coast, pay special attention to the materials used. Salt in the air will corrode some materials so make your material choice wisely.

What Types of Fasteners Are Reliable?

Whilst screws and fasteners of other varieties are often an afterthought, choosing high-quality fixings and fastenings can make a significant difference to your project finish. But what types of reliable fastenings and fixings should you invest your hard-earned cash into?

1.  Screws

The most common fastener is the screw, housing the drive to turn the screw into the material. It also ensures that a stopping point is achieved by providing the stopping point. However, screws come in a variety of sizes and shaped heads. 

• Flat. A flat screw has a head that is countersunk and ensures a smooth fit.
• Hex. Used in automotive and construction, a slotted or flat head is available.
• Fillister. A higher profile screw with a deep slot is used in electrical applications.
• Binder. Used in electrical applications, a binder provides space for wire connections.
• Socket head. The strongest screw fastener, achieving a flush fit with the surface.
• Mushroom. Lower profile and a bigger bearing surface.

2.  Thumb Screws

Thumb screws are larger screws, typically made from plastic or metal. They are chunky enough to turn with your own hand so there is no need for a screwdriver. Thumb screws are perfect for areas where easy, fast access is required, for example, battery covers.

• Thumb screw knob. A circular, ribbed design that is easy to use with your hand.
• Plastic wing thumb screw. The specially shaped head offers an easy grip and can be bought in different sizes.
• Knurled thumb screw. Perfect for smaller areas to fix to panels and other components.
• Metal knurled thumb screw. A stainless steel option, typically used in industry.

3. Nuts and Bolts

Nuts and bolts work together to strengthen and secure the items you are fixing. You will usually find that the nut is a hexagonal shape to provide an easy grip with the wrench. The bot itself will be cylindrical, however, similar to a standard screw fastener.

You can also purchase wingnuts that have two side tabs so you can turn the nut manually. Additionally, cap nuts have a sealed top that provides a better aesthetic and finish.

Due to the nature of the net and bolt, they may be prone to movement due to vibrations. It is important to tighten the nut and bolt as much as possible to prevent any loosening from occurring.

• Wingnut. Tabs at either side are great for tightening and loosening the wingnut manually.
• Hex nut. The standard nut is a hexagonal design, perfect for gripping and installing.
• Grommet nut. A secure nut for panels that is resistant to vibrations.

 

• Cage nut. A square shape nut made from steel, perfect for hard-to-reach locations.

4. Rivets

Another reliable fastener is the rivet, providing a push-in method that is simple to use. You can purchase countersunk rivets to ensure a flush finish and a nice aesthetic. Alternatively, a snap rivet joins a male part and a female part together to ensure a finished edge. There are many benefits to using rivets for your maintenance tasks.

• Push-in rivet. A blind rivet pulls the head into the rivet body.
• Countersunk push-in rivet. Hand installation and a flush finish.
• Snap rivet. The head pushes in and the grommet expands.

5. Anchors

Also known as wall plugs, anchors can be made from plastic or metal. An anchor ensures that the screw is safely attached to drywall or into masonry. 

• Self-drive anchor. Hole and plastic self-drive anchor with a coarse thread.
• Toggle. A metal fastener with sprung wings for a good fit.
• Molly. An expanding metal anchor that offers a grip to the rear.

Visit Trade Warehouse for Your Fixings and Fastenings!

If you are looking for screws, bolts and fasteners, Melbourne and Wangara residents need to visit Trade Warehouse! We stock an extensive range of anchor screws and fixings for every job and project. 

For the full range available in Australia, visit Trade Warehouse now and stock up on your anchor and fastener supply! You can also ask our Trade Warehouse experts for a huge range of advice for all trades and the varying services you need!

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the best frequently asked questions for you to consider before purchasing fasteners, fixings, and more!

Is a fastening a fixing?

Sometimes a fastener is a fixing. Fasteners are used to attach similar materials, whereas a fixing attaches an item to a surface such as a wall or a floor. Depending on the job at hand, you may use the same type of screw, etc, in either task. Therefore, the terms ‘fastener’ and ‘fixing’ are used interchangeably. 

Why are there so many types of fasteners?

Different threads are manufactured according to different standards. For example, a UNF fine pitch or a UNC coarse pitch are typically used in the US. In contrast, German DIN standards use the Metric fine pitch and Metric coarse pitch standards.

What tools do I need to use with my fasteners and fixings?

The tools you need will depend on the type of fastener and fixings you use. It will also depend on whether you are building furniture such as flat pack chairs or completing tasks such as decking flooring. 

 

Whichever tools you use, be careful to store them away in a dedicated storage area for safekeeping. Contact Trade Warehouse for a full list of advice and the list of tools and connectors you need! Simply log into your account and find the Trade Warehouse page for the best fasteners on the market.