The ultimate guide to fasteners

Here are the basics you’ll come across in most projects:

• Screws – Perfect for a strong, secure hold
• Nails – Great for quick and easy installations
• Bolts, nuts, and washers – Ideal for heavy-duty jobs
• Threaded rods and studs – For added length and strength
• Measuring tools – Like a thread gauge and caliper for getting the size right
• Tools – Hammer, screwdriver, drill, wrench depending on the fastener

Fasteners are more than just screws and nails. You’ll find:

• Screws – With threads for a tight hold
• Nails – Smooth and quick to hammer in
• Bolts, nuts, and washers – Used together to clamp parts tightly
• Threaded rods and studs – When you need extra reinforcement over a longer distance

Yes, there’s a difference! American fasteners are measured in inches with a 60° thread angle. European ones use millimeters and a 55° thread angle. Mixing them can lead to loose fits or stripped threads. Always check your materials and tools for compatibility.

Use screws when you need strength and staying power. They grip the material thanks to their threads.

Use nails when speed is key, like in framing or temporary setups. They’re easy to hammer in and remove.

Each fastener works best with a certain material:

• Wood – Use wood screws
• Drywall – Use anchors for a secure hold
• Roofing – Use specialized roofing nails
• Metal – Choose metal screws or Tek screws

The tool you choose depends on the fastener:

• Screws – Use a screwdriver or drill
• Nails – Use a hammer or nail gun
• Bolts and nuts – Use a wrench
• Specialty heads (like Torx or Allen) – Use the matching bit or key

Using the wrong tool can damage your fastener or make the job harder than it needs to be.

Size matters! Measure:

• Screw pitch – The distance between threads
• Bolt diameter – The width across the bolt

A thread gauge or caliper will help. And if you’re unsure, ask the Kooyman experts in-store. They’ll guide you to the perfect match.

There are many types of screws, each made for a specific task:

• Wood screws – Designed to hold wood pieces together
• Drywall screws – Strong and sharp for securing drywall
• Tek screws – Made for sheet metal and thin materials
• Lag screws – Thick and tough for heavy-duty use

Make your choice based on the material and how much load the screw needs to carry.

• If you’re not sure which fastener to use, bring a sample or photo to your nearest Kooyman store. Our team can help you pick the perfect match, and the right tool to go with it.
• Use small containers or boxes to organize your fasteners by size and type
• Color-code your fasteners if you use them often for different materials
• Add labels to jars or bins so you can grab what you need quickly

Understanding your fasteners takes the guesswork out of building. With the right ones, your project will be safer, sturdier, and more professional. Kooyman has pre-packed fastener kits sorted by project, just grab and go! Visit Kooyman today or check out our fasteners section online. We’ve got everything you need to build with confidence.