Fasteners and Hardware Guide

What are the main types of fasteners?

Nails are quick and handle shear loads well, while screws hold tightly and can be removed. Bolts with nuts and washers clamp heavy parts together, and lag screws and structural screws carry large loads. Each has strengths, and many projects use more than one.

Pick by the job: framing, decking, fencing and furniture each have different needs. Ask staff at a well-run lumber yard or hardware store, and read the package labels for the intended use.

Learn the names, since it makes buying much easier. Knowing the difference between a carriage bolt, a lag screw and a wood screw lets you ask for exactly what you need. A short visit to the fastener aisle with a notebook is a good use of an hour.

Which works better, nails or screws?

Nails are faster and flex slightly under movement, while screws pull boards tight and resist pulling out. Screws are often preferred for decks, gates and anything that may need disassembly. Nails suit rough framing and sheathing where speed matters.

Use the fastener type and size that the plan or manufacturer calls for in structural work. Where a building code applies, local rules decide what is allowed, so check with your building office.

Photograph or keep a sample of fasteners that worked well for a particular job, then label the container with the project. Next time you build something similar, you will know exactly what to buy.

• Nails for fast framing and sheathing
• Screws for gates, decking and repairable work
• Bolts for heavy, structural joints
• Hardware connectors where the plan calls for them

How do I match fasteners to weather?

Outdoor fasteners must resist corrosion. Coatings and materials differ in how long they last, and some treated lumber is corrosive to certain fasteners. Check the lumber maker's guidance and the fastener's rating before pairing them.

Mixing metals can speed corrosion. Use matching materials for hinges, brackets and fasteners where possible. In damp or salty places, choose more resistant materials and inspect more often.

Check the packaging and the maker's literature for the lumber you use. Treated lumber, composite boards and metal each have recommended fastener types, and following them can mean the difference between a project that lasts and one that rusts out in a few seasons.

How long and how thick should they be?

A fastener must go deep enough into the second piece to hold it. As a general principle, most of the length should be in the receiving piece, but exact requirements depend on the load and material. For critical connections, follow a tested plan.

Too thick a fastener can split wood, especially near ends. Pilot holes prevent splitting, and the correct drill size depends on the screw and wood.

Think about movement. Wood expands and shrinks, so fastening wide boards rigidly across the grain can split them. Use slotted holes or leave small gaps where the plan calls for it, and follow a tested design for decks, gates and similar projects.

What hardware do I need besides fasteners?

Hinges, latches, brackets, straps, washers and anchors all matter. Metal connectors make joints stronger than nails alone, and washers spread the load under a bolt head. Choose pieces rated for the weight and use, and install them with the fasteners recommended by the maker.

Keep a stocked set of common sizes. Organized bins save trips to town and keep a project from stalling.

Keep a small notebook of the sizes and types that suit your most common jobs. When a project comes up, a quick look gives you the shopping list, and you avoid buying the wrong size three times.

How do I avoid common mistakes?

Do not use interior drywall screws for structural jobs, since they can snap. Do not over-tighten, which strips threads and crushes wood. Do not skip washers on bolts through wood, and do not drive fasteners too close to the edge.

If you are unsure about a load-bearing joint, such as a loft, ladder or roof, ask a qualified builder or engineer and follow local codes.

Wear eye protection when driving or cutting fasteners, since pieces can fly. Keep magnets or a magnetic tray nearby to pick up dropped nails and screws, and sweep the floor, because stray fasteners injure feet, tires and animals.

How should I buy and store them?

Buy in amounts you will use, with extras for mistakes. Bulk boxes cost less per piece but can rust if stored damp. Keep them in labeled containers in a dry spot.

Sort by type and size, and note what you use so you can restock before a project begins.

Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Homestead & Small Farm Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.