Difference between Bolts and Screws ?

May 30, 2021 |

“Difference between bolts and screws” is a very common query for most, and can be easily answered with basic description of both. Fasteners are used to fasten two or more objects together in a joint. Bolts and Screws both belong to same family of fasteners. Bolts and Screws also perform similar function of fastening objects together, share similar characters, and also look very similar, but possess highly unique qualities of their own.

They both have their own purpose for applications and should be used with proper knowledge. Wrong identification of their application can result in huge error, specially in high-end applications.

Bolts

Bolt consist of a hexagonal head, a threaded cylindrical body and chiseled chamfer at the bottom. Bolts are generally used in combination with Nuts. Bolts Fasteners or Bolt usually consist of 3 sections, a head at top and chamfer at bottom joined by a long cylindrical shaft with helical ridge on outer side known as threads. As the chamfer has beveled edges, it helps to slide the nut easily or even screwing the bolt into holes. Nuts are spun over this threads thus making it tight joint. Primary objective of bolt is to hold two or more objects together. They also help in positioning objects and making a joint stronger. Together the Bolt and nuts helps in resisting the loosening of joint due to vibrations or torque. Various types of nuts can be used with various types of bolts, thus adding a dynamic range to the joint as per the requirement of the material or conditions. Bolts are usually used in heavy-duty applications like – concrete, studs, beams, etc

Screws

Screws is a type of fastener which is very similar to bolts. Screws are made from various alloy. Screws are used to fasten components. Screws consist of a head part followed by a circular cylindrical body with external threads on it and a pointy end at bottom to pierce. They dig into and wedge into components when rotated. The thread cuts grove into the fastened component which helps pull fastened components together and avoid pull-outs. Variety of screws is available for different types of components, commonly used screws are wood, sheet metal and plastic screws. Screws are used in light to medium applications (plywood, pressboard, drywall, sheetmetal, deck planks, etc)

Features Of Bolts :-

1) Bolts are used in unison with washer and nuts.
2) Bolts have constant threaded body which provides greater strength.
3) Bolts posses higher holding strength due to threads on uniform threaded body.
4) Bolts do not cause any damage to the object as washer distributes the load uniformly and nut hold it in firm place.
5) Wrench is required to fit bolt with nut.
6) Bolts require washer and nuts to work.

Features of Screws :-

1) Screws are used independently.
2) Screws possess tapered body making it easy to drive in by tightening it with driver.
3) Screws can be used with existing threads or it can make its own thread by screwing withing the object.
4) Screw either requires a pilot-hole which need to be drilled within object thereby causing damage to object.
5) Screw-driver is required to drive screw inside.
6) Screw works on its own.

Applications of bolts –

Wind Farms
Solar Thermal Plants
Nuclear power Plants
Railways
Marine Industry
Sewage Plants
Pumps and Valves
Petrochemicals and Chemical Plants
Oil and Gas Exploration Rigs
Paper and Pulp Industry
Food Processing Industry

Applications of screws –

Transport and Storage, pressure vessels, tanks, piping, and heat exchangers.
Oil and Gas exploration and processing equipment – piping, tubing, and heat exchangers
Cargo Tanks for Ships, High chloride environments,
FGD / Effluent Scrubber Systems.
Paper and Pulp Industry Digesters, Bleaching equipment and Stock-Handling Systems, Chip Pre-steaming vessels.
Food Processing Equipment.
Flue gas desulfurization / cleaning equipment
Rotors, fans, shafts, and press rolls requiring combined strength and corrosion resistance
Biofuels Plant, Desalination plants
Firewalls and blast walls on offshore platforms

Types Of Bolts :-

Various types of bolts are available and here are some example of them – Round Bend Hook Bolts, Round Headed Bolts, Stove Bolts, Hex Lag Bolts, J Bolts, Machine Bolts, T-Head Bolts, U-Bolt, Rock Bolts, Arbor Bolts, Plow Bolts, Shoulder Bolts, Sex Bolts, Lag Bolt, Round U Bolts, Heavy Hex Bolts, Scraper Blade Bolts, Special Hook, Bolts, Hex Bolts, Square Lag Bolts, Elevator Bolts, Structural Bolts, Square Bend Hook Bolts, Square bend U Bolts, 90 Degree Anchor, All Threaded Rods, Anchor Bolts, Stud Bolts, Bent Anchor Bolts, Square Head Bolts, Tap Bolts, Stove Bolts, Step Bolts, Swedged Anchor Bolt, Timber Bolts, Timber Spikes Bolts, Close Eye Bolts, Carriage Bolts, Draw Bolts, Countersunk Bolts, Headed Anchor Bolts, Flange Bolts, Toggle Bolts, Washer Head Bolts, Hanger Bolts, Hexagon Bolts, Lag Bolts etc.

Types of Screws :-

Below are mentioned few of different types of Screws available in market like – Cap Screws, Flat and Oval Head, Decking Screws, Security Heads, Drywall Screws, Socket Screws, Floorboard Screws, Allen Screws, Hex Head Screws, Button Head Screws, Machine Screws, Flat Head Screws, Self Drilling Screws, Shoulder Screws, Set Screws, Captive Panel Screws, Sheet Metal Screws, Binding Screws, Socket Cap Screws, Multi Material Screws, Wood Screws, Thumb Screws, etc.

Oshwin Overseas is exclusive known as worldwide Stainless Steel Bolts Suppliers and Stainless Steel Screw Suppliers, Manufacturers, Stockist, and Exporters. We supply various form of Stainless Steel Bolts & Screws like

1) Duplex 2205 Bolts and Duplex 2205 Screws
2) Super Duplex S32750 Bolts and Super Duplex S32750 Screws
3) Super Duplex S32760 Bolts and Super Duplex S32760 Screws
4) SMO 254 Bolts and SMO 254 Screws