Fasteners are vital for a variety of uses at home and work. Find the nuts, bolts, nails, and screws you need for your next project. Our bulk fastener selection allows customers to purchase by the piece or by the box.
What’s the Difference Between Bolts and Screws?
Sometimes used interchangeably, bolts and screws are distinct items that play an important role in building projects. While they are both hardware fasteners, they do have unique characteristics.
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 twist down to the desired position. Screws come to a point, giving them the ability to be drilled through materials such as wood or metal.
What’s the Best Fastener Material for My Project?
You can find fasteners in various materials, but steel is by far the most common and 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 is a good compromise between less expensive zinc-plated steel and durable stainless steel.
Alloy Steel
Mixed with other metals and treated with heat for further strengthening, this distinctive material has a dark finish. While quite strong, it can be slightly more brittle than other types of steel.
Different Types of Bolts
Bolts come in many shapes and sizes, each suited for a different purpose. Some bolt options include:
- Hex Bolt: A classic hardware essential for a variety of projects, hex bolts have a six-sided head with a partially or fully threaded shaft. 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.
- U-bolts: U-bolts are shaped like the letter U and are threaded on both ends. Their purpose is to fit around pipe work, tubing, bars, and other objects of a similar shape.
Different Types of Screws at Grizzly Supply
Screws also come in many shapes and sizes, each suited for a different purpose. The types of screws we carry at Grizzly Supply include:
- Sheet Metal Screws
- Lag Screws
- Wood Screws
- Self Drilling Screws
- Machine Screws
- Construction Screws
- Concrete Screws
- Structural Screws
Other Fasteners at Grizzly Supply Hardware Store
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Our knowledgeable staff is ready to assist you with any of your hardware and supply needs.