Fasteners
Nails, screws, bolts and anchors There are many ways to ensure your material is secured into place. This module will go over the unique methods to do just that.
Nails
When choosing the nail for the job it can be difficult at first because of the vast selection, however, as you become more experienced it becomes second hand.
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There are hundreds of types of nails available for use that vary in length, size, density and strength. There are 3 common finishes for nails, uncoated, zinc plated or galvanized. Uncoated steel nails are called bright nails They are typically cheaper than their counterpart. Sometimes nails are coated in different treatments to prevent corrosion or rust such as zinc-plated or galvanized nails.
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You may encounter any number of nails on the job, like:
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Roofing nails
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Finish nails
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Galvanized Spiral nails
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Box Nails
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It is important to note the category a nail may fall under.
Common Nails
Made of wire, with a heavy gauge and a medium-sized head. They also have a pointed end and smoother shank, with a barbed section under the head to improve the hold.
Box Nails
Similar to Common Nails except they have a thin design. This makes these nails ideal for closing edges in tight areas without the danger of splitting the wood.
Finish Nails
These nails are light gauge and have small heads, making them a perfect option for fasting trim and other thin materials. The thin profile on the shank and small head allows for easy filling of holes and reduces the risk of splitting the material.
Casing Nails
Similar to finishing nails, however many carpenters use them for exterior fastening. It has a cone-shaped head which is bigger, but still smaller than a common nail.
Duplex Nails
This nail is typically used for a temporary structure such as scaffolding or concrete forms. The lower head ensures the fastening, while the upper head allows for easy removal.
Brad Nails
These are basically smaller finishing nails and are sized according to length in inches and gauge. The higher the gauge number, the skinner the brad nail.
Roofing Nails
Shorter nails, with a heavier gauge and a wide round head. They are designed for fastening thinner material such as soft board wall sheathing.
Masonry Nails
Made from hardened steel to prevent bending when being driven into things like concrete.
Screws
Just like nails, screws come in different shapes, sizes and profiles. When a screw is installed properly the only visible part of the product is the head. Even though there are a variety screw heads these 3 types are the most common.
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Oval Head
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Round Head
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Flat Head
Torx Bits
Torx Bits were designed in 1967 by Camcar Textron. Since then, these bits have become more common in the construction feild. They are not as popular as Philips and Robertson head screws, however you will now see them commonly used for trim screws, composite decking fastners and GRK structural screws.
Screw Slots
One of the more common screw slots used for things like drywall would be the Phillips screw. While things like hardware typically use Robertson screws (square head).
Screw Sizes
The typical range for screws is anywhere between 1/4 to 4 inches. Gauges run from 0-24, and shanks differ from that as well.
Nuts & Bolts
Typically bolts are made of steel galvanized steel or stainless steel. To prevent rusting on exterior projects use galvanized and stainless steel bolts. Like nails and screws, there is a variety to choose from when completing a job.
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Types of Bolts
Carriage Bolts: This bolt has a square section under its round head. This part is inserted into the wood to prevent the nail from turning.
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Machine Bolts: This has a square or hexagonal head which allows for the wrench to hold it in place while tightening the nut.
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Stove Bolts: Can be round or flat heads with an insert for the screwdriver. Typically threaded the whole way.
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Anchors
Anchors are special types of fasters that will insert into masonry or drywall and will provide a strong fastening point when being secured to the object. Are used when a strong connection can not be made by simply inserting a screw. Anchors act in different ways depending on the design of the fastener.
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Solid Wall Anchors
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There are different applications as heavy, medium, or light duty. Heavy is mainly used for machinery and handrails, while medium and light-duty are typically used for bathroom fixtures, hanging picture frames and Televisions all depending on the size and weight.
Heavy Duty Anchors
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Wedge Anchor: This is used when high resistance is needed. The anchor and hole diameter is the same.
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Sleeve Anchor: After the anchor is inserted in the hole it expands by tightening the nut. Great for brick.
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Drop-in Anchor: Consists of an expander shield, and a cone-based internal expansion plug. Must take a machine screw or a bolt.
Medium Duty Anchors
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Split-Fast Anchors: One-piece shield with two shared expanded halves. When driven in, these halves expand to exert pressure on the inner walls of the hole.
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Lag Shield: This can only be used with a lag screw, and is made up of a soft metal that splits when driven into.
Light Duty Anchors
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Light-duty anchors are typically called drive anchors and there are 3 of them. They vary in the material in which they are made of.
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Hammer Drive Anchor: Used in concrete, brick and block base materials.
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Aluminum drive anchor: Inserting or expanding them into predrilled holes in concrete, brick or cement block.
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Nylon Nail Anchor: Used for a variety of things such as concrete, stone, solid brick, solid block, grout filled block and hollow block
Other Anchors include:
Toggle Bolts, Chemical Anchoring Systems, Plastic Toggles, Expansion Anchors, Conical Screws, Nylon Plugs​
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Make sure it stays in place
Overall, there are going to be unique situations you will encounter on the job that may require some creative thinking. Knowing which combination of fasteners will do the job correctly the first time is just one of the things you will learn with Snyder Construction.
