What is the difference between fasteners, bolts and screws?

Fasteners, bolts, and screws are all hardware items that are used to connect two or more objects together. While they share some similarities, there are some key differences between these three types of hardware items.

Fasteners is a broad term that refers to any type of hardware item that is used to secure two or more objects together. This can include bolts, screws, nuts, washers, and more. Fasteners are typically used in construction, manufacturing, and other industries.

Bolts are a type of fastener that typically have a threaded shaft and a head that is larger than the shaft. Bolts are commonly used in construction and manufacturing to secure heavy objects, such as beams and machinery, in place. Bolts usually require a nut to be fastened securely.

Screws are another type of fastener that have a threaded shaft and a head that is smaller than the shaft. Screws are commonly used in woodworking and other applications where a more permanent fastener is needed. Unlike bolts, screws do not require a nut to be fastened.

The main physical distinction between screws and bolts is that screws are entirely full of threads while bolts contain shanks without threads.