Carpentry is an art, skill and trade. Carpenters are responsible for building cabinets, walls, window frames, shelving, house frames and more. Without carpenters, our homes, offices, schools and other dwellings wouldn’t exist. With nearly 670,000 carpenters in the US, there’s a high need for reliable fasteners. And many hobby carpenters are also taking part in this skill. Whether you are a construction worker, business owner or proud DIY-er, using the right fastener for your carpentry project is essential. Below, the experts at Global Certified Fasteners explore standard fasteners used in carpentry.
Common Fasteners Used in Carpentry: Make Your Project Excel
Nails
Nails are one of the most basic fasteners, but they are incredibly useful for various carpentry projects. Nails can be used to fasten wood, drywall, plaster, concrete and more. Different types of materials require different types of nails. Subsequently, there are various types of nails used in carpentry, including:
- Roofing nails
- Siding nails
- Framing nails
- Finishing nails
- Specialty nails
Screws
Whereas nails are smooth, screws have threading to help resist tension. Screws come in many materials, including steel, aluminum, bronze and brass. Screws are especially useful for woodworking carpentry. For example, screws secure wood, cabinets and shelving to walls. Screws are also helpful for joining furniture pieces. Different materials are more useful for different projects:
- Steel screws are useful indoors.
- Brass screws are also useful indoors for simple projects like door and cabinet hinges.
- Stainless steel screws are useful outdoors because they resist rust from rain and humidity.
- Construction screws are necessary for building, framing and other large-scale projects.
Anchors
Anchors are handy fasteners for drywall and concrete projects. In addition, an anchor provides additional security. These fasteners are useful for projects involving drywall or open spaces where a screw or nail isn’t necessarily secure. To affix an anchor, follow these steps.
- Choose a drill bit that’s sized appropriately.
- Drill the hole.
- Push the anchor sleeve into the hole.
- Drill the provided screw into the anchor.
Dowels
Dowels are cylindrical rods made of wood, metal or plastic. These fasteners are useful for projects where the fastener cannot be visible. Typically, the carpenter drills a hole into two pieces of wood, then inserts the dowel into each hole to fasten the pieces together. Dowels make stronger joints and are commonly used in furniture, cabinets and shelving.
At Global Certified Fasteners, our quality standards ensure you receive the best fasteners and products for your carpentry projects. Contact us today to learn more about our products. Our expert team members can help you find the perfect products for your project!