Mostly, all types of fasteners have the same purpose, i.e. join and secure two materials or parts of the machines together. Nuts and bolts come in different types and shapes. If you are about to use any type of fastener, then you should make sure you know the functionality of each fastener to get the work done conveniently. In today’s blog, we’ll discuss the types of fasteners and hand tools used to tighten and loosen them. Let’s get started:
What does the phrase the nuts and bolts mean?
Both bolts and nuts are a type of fasteners used to join two objects or materials together to secure the object. These tools can prevent axial movement.
What are Nuts?
A nut is a type of fastener that has a threaded hole in the middle, and they are used with bolts to secure the object. With these fasteners, locking tools can be used to prevent the loosening of the nuts. Nuts are of different shapes and sizes and designed as per customers’ requirements. Nuts have different types, such as:
- Cap nuts
- Castle nuts
- Coupling nuts
- Flange serrated nuts
- Hex jam nuts
- Hex finish nuts
- Heavy hex nuts
- Hex machine nuts
- Knurled thumb nuts
- Square nuts
- Slotted hex nuts
- Prevailing torque lock nuts
- Nylon hex jam nuts
What are Bolts?
Bolts are considered one of the most versatile fasteners available in different sizes and shapes. These types of fasteners have different thread patterns, head shapes, lengths and various characteristics. They require a hole where they need to be fitted. Most often, people, who don’t have sufficient knowledge regarding bolts, use the terms bolts and screws interchangeably. So, it is best to first understand the difference and then use them accurately. The following are some common types of bolts:
- Carriage bolts
- Hex bolts
- U-bolts
- T-head bolts
- Lag bolts
- Socket head bolts
- Penta-head bolts
- Shoulder bolts
- Round head bolts
- Flange bolts
- Machine screws
- Double-end bolts
Use of Washers with Nuts and Bolts
Many times, people ask the question what is the purpose of using a washer with bolts and nuts? Well, washers help balance the nut’s load evenly and protect the surface from damage. Nuts can have a smooth surface in the form of a washer, and these washers can prevent the fasteners from loosening. In some cases, you need to insert the washer on the side of the bolt, but if the bolt needs to be turned. However, it is not necessary all the time to use a washer with nuts and bolts, but it would be beneficial if you use it with fasteners.
Hand Tools for Nuts and Bolts
The following are some common types of hand tools that are used in tightening and loosening fasteners:
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Adjustable Wrench
An adjustable wrench can tighten and loosen a variety of fasteners, and this thing makes adjustable wrenches popular. These wrenches have three common components, such as a handle with a fixed jaw, a knurled thumbscrew, and a movable jaw.
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Combination Wrenches
Combination wrenches feature box-end and open-end wrenches on opposite sides. For heavy-duty applications, box-ends are appropriate, and they reduce the risk of damage to the fastener. When speed and high accessibility are needed, then open-ends are the best.
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Ratcheting Wrenches
Ratcheting wrenches are much like combination wrenches, but the best thing about ratcheting wrenches is that you don’t need to reposition them after every turn. You can quickly drive fasteners with the help of ratcheting wrenches.
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Socket Wrench
Socket wrenches enable you to drive fasteners without repositioning the socket wrench. It possesses a drive mechanism the same as the ratcheting wrench. Once it meets resistance, then you can repeat the process for tightening or loosening the fasteners.
Tips for Using Hand Tools for Bolts and Nuts
No matter what type of tool you are using, it is important to follow safety precautions while using them. The safety precautions can help minimize the chances of damage to a machine or injury to you.
- Wear safety glasses and gloves when using spanners or other tools.
- Make sure to take care of your tools. Dry and clean them before keeping them back to their actual position.
- If a tool is broken or damaged, then ensure to replace it with a new one.
- Choose the right spanner or wrench as per the nature of the task.
- When using a wrench, ensure to apply minor force.
Summing Up
The blog shares the details of fasteners and different types of hand tools used for tightening and loosening fasteners. Despite this, now you have an idea of why are nuts and bolts called. Additionally, make sure to follow safety precautions while using any tool.