There are several people who use both the words Screw and bolt for the same kind of fastener. But only some are familiar with the right information. A screw, by definition, is not a bolt. Screws, bolts, nails and staples all are different types of fasteners we used in our daily life. These are designed to perform different kinds of job from auto making to carpentry. Sometimes it becomes difficult to differentiate between screws and bolts because majorly both are performing the same job but still there is a little distinction between the two. To optimize the efficiency you need to choose the right one for your project. The common examples of screws are wood screws, deck screws and stainless steel screws. Each and every screw has its own use so you should know about every fastener to make proper use of it and same with the case of bolts.
Below are some specific points that show the difference between bolts and screws:
? Threading: Only with the threading concept it will be difficult to determine the difference between these two fasteners. By definition, screws were made externally threading winding all the way to head where as bolts are partially threaded with a specific portion. However there are several other screws that do not fit in this distinction but meets other standard of being screw.
? Heading: Heading is also not an exact way to different between them because both are defined as a threaded and headed fasteners. When torque is applied to the bolt's intended fastening, bolts must be held stationary by head where as screws have applied torque to the head to fastener it to the stationary material.
? Fastening: Probably one can differentiate between the two with the fastening materials they are used in. Bolts must meet the qualification of being threaded and while torque is applied to tighten it must be held stationary. In order to categorize as screws, they must have torque applied to the head while using for different construction materials.
The main confusion occurs when bolts are being threaded into the stationary nuts. The nut becomes a stationary tapped hole and the head of the bolt is receiving the applied torque while the torque is not being applied on the nut. The main difference between these two fasteners lies on the method of tightening them. When you are using screw you tighten it by turning its head in clockwise rotation itself where as when using bolts you tighten it by turning the nut underneath. Machines screws and bolts both are versatile fasteners used to fastener different types of machine components. So make your choice wisely by using the appropriate fastener for your construction project.
