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Fastener Identification Chart

At one time or another, all of us (even the pros) misidentify a fastener.  Not that the guys at the hardware store don't need a chuckle every now and them.  Use this handy chart, courtesy BoltDepot.com, to get the name right the first time!

Fastener Categories

Wood Screws
Screws with a smooth shank and
tapered point for use in wood.
Abbreviated WS
Machine Screws
Screws with threads for use with a nut or tapped hole.
Abbreviated MS
Sheet Metal Screws
Fully threaded screws with a point
for use in sheet metal.
Abbreviated SMS
Self Drilling SMS
A Sheet metal screw with
a self drilling point.

 
Hex Bolts
Bolts with a hexagonal head with
threads for use with a nut or
tapped hole.
Abbreviated HHMB or HXBT
Carriage Bolts
Bolts with a smooth rounded
head that has a small square
section underneath.
Lag Bolts
Bolts with a wood thread
and pointed tip.
Abbreviated Lag
Set Screws
Machine screws with no
head for screwing all the
way into threaded holes.

 

Head Styles

  
 
  
Flat
A countersunk head
with a flat top.
Abbreviated FH
Oval
A countersunk head
with a rounded top.
Abbreviated OH or OV
Pan
A slightly rounded head
with short vertical sides.
Abbreviated PN
Truss
An extra wide head with a rounded top.
Abbreviated Truss
  
Round
A domed head.
Abbreviated RH
Hex
A hexagonal Head.
Abbreviated HH or HX
Hex Washer
A hex head with built
in washer.
Slotted Hex Washer
A hex head with built
in washer and a slot.

 

Drive Types

  
  
  
  
Phillips and Frearson
An X shaped drive.
Abbreviated PH
Slotted
A slot in the head.
Abbreviated SL
Combination
A combination of slotted
and Phillips drives.
Abbreviated Combo
Socket or Allen
A hexagonal hole for use
with and Allen wrench.

 

Nut Types

Hex
A six sided nut. Also referred
to as a finished hex nut.
Nylon Insert Lock
A nut with a nylon insert
to prevent backing off.
Also referred to as a Nylock
Jam
A hex nut with a reduced
height.
Nylon Insert Jam Lock
A nylock nut with a reduced
height.
Wing
A nut with 'wings' for hand
tightening.
Cap or Acorn
A nut with a domed top over
the end of the fastener.
Flange
A nut with a built in washer
like flange.
Kep
A nut with a built in external
tooth lock washer, used to
speed up assembly.
 
Tee
A nut designed to be driven
into wood to create a threaded
Hole.
Square
A four sided nut.

Prevailing torque lock
A non-reversible nut used for high temperature applications.

 

 

Washer Types

Flat
A flat washer used to
distribute load. Available in
SAE, USS, and other patterns.
Fender
An oversize flat washer used
to further distribute load
especially on soft materials.
Finishing
A washer used to obtain a
'finished' look. Usually used
with oval head screws.
Split Lock
The most common style of
washer used to prevent nuts
and bolts from backing out.
 
External Tooth Lock
A washer with external 'teeth'
Used to prevent nuts and
bolts from backing out.
Internal Tooth Lock
A washer with internal 'teeth'
Used to prevent nuts and
bolts from backing out.
Square
A square shaped washer.
 

Our thanks to BoltDepot, your online source for ALL your fastener needs, for sharing this chart with us!

Back to Fastener Articles

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