Power Tool Buying Guide For Fasteners

What Are Fasteners?

Fasteners are hardware used to mechanically join or secure materials together. Screws, nails, bolts, anchors, washers, and nuts all fall into this category. You’ll find them in just about every build or repair—framing, decking, drywall, roofing, cabinetry, and everything in between.

The type, size, and material of the fastener matter just as much as what you’re fastening. Using the wrong one can lead to structural failure, corrosion, or a job that doesn’t hold up over time.

History of Fasteners

Fasteners have been around in some form for thousands of years. The threaded screw, as we know it, dates back to ancient Greece. Mass production of standardized fasteners didn’t kick off until the 1800s with the industrial revolution. Companies like Phillips, Hillman, and Simpson Strong-Tie helped create today’s massive variety of specialty fasteners used in framing, construction, and manufacturing.

What They’re Used For

Fasteners are used in nearly every building trade and DIY project. Common uses include:

  • Framing and general construction
  • Hanging drywall and paneling
  • Securing decking boards and outdoor structures
  • Anchoring heavy items to concrete or block
  • Cabinet and furniture assembly
  • Roofing, siding, and fencing

Choosing the right fastener ensures the work stays secure and holds up under stress, weather, or time.

What to Look for When Buying

Picking the right fastener depends on what you’re fastening, where it's going, and what tools you're using. Here’s what to consider:

  • Type:
    • Screws: Used for wood, metal, and drywall. Provide strong hold and easy removal.
    • Nails: Faster install, commonly used in framing, roofing, and trim.
    • Bolts and Nuts: Heavy-duty connections for framing, fencing, structural work.
    • Anchors: Used for securing fasteners into drywall, masonry, or concrete.
    • Washers: Help distribute force and protect surfaces.
  • Material and Coating:
    • Zinc: Good for indoor use
    • Stainless Steel: Best for outdoor or moisture-prone environments
    • Galvanized: Affordable corrosion resistance for decks and fences
    • Brass or Black Oxide: Often used in finish or decorative work
  • Thread Type and Shank:
    • Fine Thread: Better for harder materials like metal
    • Coarse Thread: Better grip in wood or drywall
    • Self-Tapping: Cuts its own thread as it drives in
    • Smooth Shank (nails): Easier to drive, less holding power than threaded options
  • Length and Gauge:
    • Match to your material thickness
    • Don’t go too short or too long—either one can cause problems

Pros

  • Essential for nearly every building and repair task
  • Wide variety to suit any material or job
  • Many options for corrosion resistance
  • Affordable and easy to find

Cons

  • Choosing the wrong type leads to failure
  • Rust or corrosion if used in the wrong environment
  • Cheap fasteners can shear, strip, or break
  • Inconsistent sizing or quality with low-end bulk packs

Compatibility and Usage Tips

  • Match fastener type to the material and job—don’t mix indoor fasteners with outdoor use
  • Pre-drill when needed to avoid splitting wood
  • Use proper drive types, stripped heads waste time and make removal harder
  • Store fasteners in a dry place to avoid rust and corrosion
  • Organize by size and type to avoid grabbing the wrong one on the fly

Safety and Maintenance Tips

  • Wear eye protection when nailing or driving fasteners
  • Watch your hands and fingers when using nailers or hammers
  • Replace rusted or corroded fasteners before they fail
  • Avoid reusing fasteners that show signs of wear, bending, or thread damage
  • Keep magnet trays or bins on hand to collect dropped pieces

FAQ

Can I use indoor screws outside?

No. They’ll rust quickly and fail. Use stainless or galvanized fasteners for anything exposed to weather.

What’s better, nails or screws?

Depends on the job. Nails are faster and more flexible for framing. Screws offer better holding power and are easier to remove.

Are all anchors the same?

Not even close. Use drywall anchors for light loads, toggle bolts for heavier items, and masonry anchors for block or concrete.

Final Thoughts

Fasteners don’t get much attention, but they make or break the job—literally. Using the wrong one can lead to structural issues, rust, or things just falling apart over time. Take a few minutes to match the fastener to the material, environment, and load. It’s not just about driving something in—it’s about holding everything together the right way.