• IFE logo header
  • IFE 2025
      • SHOW
        • About
        • Schedule
        • Exhibitor List/Floor Plan
        • Special Events
        • Sessions
        • Speakers
        • IFE Awards
        • Sponsors & Partners
        • FAQ
        • Sustainability
        • Contact Us
      • EXHIBIT
        • Why Exhibit?
        • Exhibit/Inquire
        • Exhibitor Resources & Tools
        • Advertising & Sponsorships
      • ATTEND
        • Why Attend?
        • Registration & Pricing
        • Hotel Information
        • Travel Information
      • SUBMISSIONS
        • Call for Speakers
        • IFE Awards
        • Rising Star Program
        • WIFI Scholarship
  • RESOURCES
      • TYPES
        • Blog
        • IFE Replay
        • Press Releases
        • Content Submissions
      • TOPICS
        • Engineering/Production
        • Industry Application
        • Hiring and Culture
        • Technology
        • Supply Chain
        • Event Updates
        • Industry News
  • .
  • IFE 2025
    • SHOW
      • About
      • Schedule
      • Exhibitor List/Floor Plan
      • Special Events
      • Sessions
      • Speakers
      • IFE Awards
      • Sponsors & Partners
      • FAQs
      • Sustainability
      • Contact Us
    • EXHIBIT
      • Why Exhibit?
      • Exhibit/Inquire
      • Exhibitor Resources & Tools
      • Advertising & Sponsorships
    • ATTEND
      • Why Attend?
      • Registration & Pricing
      • Hotel Information
      • Travel Information
    • SUBMISSIONS
      • Call for Speakers
      • IFE Awards
      • Rising Star Program
      • WIFI Scholarship
  • RESOURCES
    • TOPICS
      • Engineering/Production
      • Event Updates
      • Hiring and Culture
      • Industry Application
      • Industry News
      • Supply Chain
      • Technology
    • TYPES
      • Blog
      • IFE Replay
      • Press Releases
      • Content Submissions
  • .
M

September 15-17, 2025
Expo: September 16-17
Mandalay Bay, Halls E & F, Las Vegas

REGISTER TO ATTEND EXHIBIT

high precision steel automotive part manufacturing by CNC machining process, mass production part, high accuracy machining part

Posts:
Blog | Industry Application
October 6, 2021

The Complete Guide to Threaded Fasteners and Their Applications

high precision steel automotive part manufacturing by CNC machining process, mass production part, high accuracy machining part

Posts:
Blog | Industry Application
October 6, 2021

The Complete Guide to Threaded Fasteners and Their Applications

Threaded fasteners remain one of humanity’s most essential inventions since their discovery more than 2,400 years ago. Since Archytas of Tarentum first introduced the technology to improve presses for oils and extracts in ancient times, the screw principle behind threaded fasteners found new life during the industrial revolution and now manufacturers depend on these mechanical joints to support millions of different applications.

In the 1860s, the first standardized thread angle and number-per-inch allowed companies to use factory-made threaded fasteners in all types of equipment and products. Today, analysts predict the mechanical and industrial fasteners market will reach $109 billion by 2025, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of more than 4% over the next five years. Modern threaded fasteners support every industry in modern manufacturing from consumer electronics to rugged mining equipment and beyond. 

Quick Takeaways:

  • Threaded fasteners use the screw principle to transform tension strength into a linear force
  • Modern threaded fasteners support almost every industry, including electronics, aerospace, automotive, and industrial sectors
  • Threaded fasteners come in all shapes and sizes, suitable for any application including custom designs when required

Modern Threaded Fasteners and Their Applications

Over the years, fastener types and designs continued to evolve and now you have a range of solutions to pick from for your specific application. According to fastener experts, 95% of failures occur either due to selecting the wrong threaded fastener or because of the incorrect installation of the part. Different functions, design features, coatings, and material choices all influence the strength of the joint and weight of the product’s overall design. 

Here’s a handy guide to everything you need to know about modern threaded fasteners and their applications.

The Mechanics Behind How Threaded Fasteners Work

The definition of a threaded fastener is a fixture that uses a spiraling ramp edged out of a cylindrical shaft to join two or more pieces of material together. A thread or spiral ramp converts rotational force (or torque) in a linear joint capable of maintaining tension on multiple bounded materials. 

When the thread is on the outside of the cylindrical shaft (like with bolts), it’s called a male thread and those inside the shaft (nuts) are female. When internal and external threads interact with each other, the tension properties of a linear fastener can withstand the shear stress that two or more pieces of material joined together will exert on each other.

Applications for Modern Threaded Fasteners

Threaded fasteners use tension strength to resist being pulled apart and prevent different parts from sliding relative to one another. The tensile strength and tension properties make them ideal for situations where you need a strong, non-permanent joint between any kinds of materials. Threaded fasteners support the automotive, aerospace, fabrication, construction, and agricultural industries, among others. 

Designs range from fine to coarse threads, enabling different joint strengths to suit the specific application. When designing a new product or optimizing existing designs, you’ll need to know what threaded fasteners are available to support your joints and assemblies.

Modern Types of Threaded Fasteners

Wide varieties of designs are available today suitable for any number of joining and fastening applications. Choosing the right design remains an essential part of the product’s overall specification including the head type, thread count, and material strength. 

Depending on the application, the main types of threaded fasteners include:

  • Nuts – Usually a female threaded nut fits over a bolt in a variety of designs to fix two pieces of material together
  • Bolts – Male threads on the outside of a cylinder that either screw into a female threaded piece of material or uses a nut to fasten materials in place
  • Screws – Doesn’t require a nut and comes in almost any shape or size, using the screw principle to join two pieces of material
  • Washers – Distributes loads evenly while tightening a screw, bolt, nut, or threaded rod

The types above are only main design configurations, with different subtypes like hex bolts, machine screws, sheet metal threaded fasteners and a variety of materials and grades available.

Specialized Threaded Fasteners

For specialized applications, you can design threaded bolts and custom fasteners (usually made to order) if a standard product won’t suffice. Anchor bolts join structural steel to building foundations while pipe hangers and cable trays regularly need higher strength threaded fasteners to support industrial designs. 

Threaded rods operate like bolts but usually have a unique head or form part of the piece that has the most force in a joint. Modern manufacturers can work with you to find the ideal material, head design, and tensile strength to support any application while keeping cost and weight in mind. Plastic threaded fasteners are now also common in electronic products, enabling quick assembly while allowing for disassembly when the product needs to go in for repairs.

Notations on Threaded Fasteners

Most threaded fasteners will come with a codified (or notated) identifier on the product. The information contained in these codes will help you make the right decision when choosing a product for your application. 

The notation on threaded fasteners describes:

  • The drive type – Driving the fastener into place may require a special tool or device. Drive types include tools like Phillips (screws), Hex Socket (nuts), Square, (screws or nuts), and Star (special threaded fasteners).
  • The head style – Describes the head of the fastener that can be flat, round, pan, hex, or oval types. Selecting a head type depends on the type of finish you want for your product or assembly. 
  • The material – Material is one of the most important considerations when choosing a threaded fastener. As the material determines the overall joint strength, you should ensure you choose a threaded fastener that comes with adequate tensile strength as part of its properties. 
  • The measurement – Each threaded fastener will also have a measurement stamped on the product to guide you. It includes the diameter, thread count, and length. In the United States, bolts or screws smaller than 1/4” may use a number while metric sizes in the rest of the world will provide you with millimeter measurements. 

The notation on the side or head of the threaded fastener gives you all the information you need to determine if the product will be suitable for your design.

Find Out More at IFE 2022

International Fastener Expo 2022, October 17 – 19 at Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas, will help you learn more about modern threaded fasteners and their latest uses across industries. Sign up to be the first to know when registration opens.

Blog•Industry Application

SHARE

← Previous Article Next Article →
Posts BlogEngineering/ProductionIndustry ApplicationTechnology

The Role of Magnetic Fasteners in Medical Device Design

Discover how magnetic fasteners are revolutionizing medical device design by enhancing usability, streamlining maintenance, and improving patient comfort, while addressing challenges like biocompatibility and electromagnetic interference.
Posts BlogIndustry ApplicationIndustry News

5 Top Industry Trends that Defined 2024

Here’s a closer look at some of the key themes that emerged throughout 2024 and during IFE 2024.
Posts BlogEngineering/ProductionIndustry ApplicationTechnology

The Role of Magnetic Fasteners in Medical Device Design

Discover how magnetic fasteners are revolutionizing medical device design by enhancing usability, streamlining maintenance, and improving patient comfort, while addressing challenges like biocompatibility and electromagnetic interference.
Posts BlogIndustry ApplicationSupply ChainTechnology

Blockchain Technology in Industrial Supply Chains: A New Era of Transparency and Traceability

Discover how blockchain technology is revolutionizing industrial supply chains by enhancing transparency, securing part authenticity, and improving traceability. Learn how blockchain’s secure, decentralized ledger can elevate supply chain standards
Posts BlogEngineering/ProductionIndustry ApplicationTechnology

Why Vibration-Resistant Fasteners are Crucial for Electric Vehicle Performance

Vibration-resistant fasteners are essential in electric vehicles, securing components against unique high-frequency motor vibrations. Explore how these fasteners enhance safety, reliability, and longevity, preventing loosening or failure in critical
Posts BlogHiring and CultureIndustry Application

Leadership Tops Keynote Message at IFE 2024

Take a look at Beau Groover’s keynote at IFE 2024, as well as strategies we have put together that help to build strong managers, avoid temporary fixes, and create an empowered culture that drives growth.
Posts BlogEngineering/ProductionIndustry ApplicationSupply Chain

How to Detect and Avoid Uncertified Parts in Your Fastener Supply Chain

Learn practical tips to detect uncertified fasteners in your supply chain, from spotting red flags in supplier documentation to verifying part quality, ensuring compliance, and protecting your business from potential failures.
Posts BlogHiring and CultureIndustry Application

Preventing Burnout in the Fastener Industry

This post explores burnout in the fastener industry, offering practical tips on self-care, collaboration, setting boundaries, and continuous learning to help industry professionals maintain energy and motivation in a demanding work environment.
EXHIBIT/INQUIRE
REGISTER TO ATTEND

Register now for the opportunity to connect with thousands of atttendees and vendors

ATTEND
Exhibit
FOLLOW US ON
  • Follow
  • Follow
  • Follow
  • Follow
Emerald Logo
© 2025 Emerald X, LLC. All Rights Reserved
ABOUTCAREERSAUTHORIZED SERVICE PROVIDERSYour Privacy ChoicesTERMS OF USEPRIVACY POLICY