Different types of Bolts, Nuts and Screws used in industry

Carriage bolts - Also known as a “coach” bolt, has a domed or countersunk head.
The square section under the head grips into the part being fastened preventing
the bolt from turning when the nut is tightened.

Hex Head bolts - Hex tap bolts, hex cap screws, trim head hex cap screws, and
hex serrated flange bolts fall under this category. They share a hexagonal head
and are driven with a wrench. Referred to as both bolts and screws.

Machine screws - A machine screw is a screw or bolt with a flat point. Available
in a variety of drive types and heads, they fit a wide variety of applications. Often
driven into tapped holes. Used with nuts and washers, also known as “stove bolts”
or “stovers”.
Socket Cap screws - Socket cap screws are available in button socket, button
flange socket head, flat socket, and socket cap. Driven with a socket wrench or a
hex allen key. The term socket head cap screw typically refers to a type of
threaded fastener whose head diameter is nominally 1.5 times or more than that of
the screw shank diameter.

Castle nuts - Used with cotter pins to prevent loosening, a castellated nut, also
called a castle or slotted nut, is a not with slots cut into the top. Used in low-
torque applications such as holding a wheel bearing in place.

Hex Jam Nuts - A jam nut is often used when a nut needs to be locked in place
without clamping to another object. Hex jam nuts are hex shaped with internal
threads, but they are thinner than hex finish nuts.

Square nuts - A four sided nut that may be flat or beveled on

top. Square nuts provide a greater surface contact area which provides more
resistance to loosening. Typically mated with square head bolts.
T–Nuts - A t-nut or tee nut is used to fasten wood, particle or composite board
leaving a flush surface. A long thin body with a flange at one end resembles a T in
profile. T-nuts often have 3 or 4 prongs that sink into the surface providing better
retention.

Wood Screws - Wood screws are partially threaded with large cutting threads and
a smooth shank. They are designed to slide through the top piece of wood and
tightly pull all boards together.

Self –Drilling Screws - Self-drilling screws have a sheet metal thread with a self-
driller cutting (TEK) point to pierce through 20 to 14 gauge metals. The higher
the TEK number, the larger the drill point to pierce heavier gauge metals.

Sheet Metal Screws - Sheet metal screws (SMS) have sharp cutting threads that
cut into sheet metal, plastic or wood. They have a fully threaded shank and
sometimes have a notched point at the tip to aid in chip removal during thread
cutting.