The Beginner's Guide to Threaded Fasteners

Threaded fasteners are found just about everywhere. Even if you're unfamiliar with them, you may have seen or even used them before. You can find threaded fasteners in furniture, building panels, vehicles and other man-made objects and structures. To learn more about threaded fasteners and how they work, keep reading.

What Is a Threaded Fastener?

A threaded fastener is a connecting device that consists of helical threading. The helical threading may be found on the interior or exterior of the threaded fastener. Regardless, all threaded fasteners have threading. That's essentially what distinguishes threaded fasteners from unthreaded fasteners.

One of the most common types of threaded fasteners is screws. Screws are used to connect multiple parts or objects together. Using either a manually operated or powered screwdriver, you can drive a screw into the parts or objects. A bolt is another type of threaded fasteners. While most screws can be drive directly into parts and objects, bolts often require the use of a pilot hole. You'll need to drill a pilot hole through which you can insert the bolt.

How Threaded Fasteners Work

Threaded fasteners work by leveraging internal or external threading. As previously mentioned, all threaded fasteners have helical threading, which may be found on the interior or exterior. This helical threading means you can easily drive threaded fasteners into and out of the parts or objects with which they are used.

Safety Tips to Follow When Using Threaded Fasteners

There are several safety tips you should follow when using threaded fasteners. For starters, make sure they are the appropriate size for your fastening application. Using threaded fasteners that are too big or too small may increase the risk of injury.

You should also wear the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) when using threaded fasteners. Impact-resistant eyewear, for instance, can lower your risk of injury. Gloves are another form of PPE that can lower your risk of injury when using threaded fasteners. Eyewear and gloves are essential forms of PPE for threaded fasteners.

Remember to keep your hands away from the threaded fasteners while you drive them into parts or objects. Even with gloves, placing your hands near the threaded fasteners could result in injury.

In Conclusion

Threaded fasteners are connecting devices that contain helical threading on the interior or exterior. The two most common types of threaded fasteners are screws and bolts.