Threaded vs. Non Threaded Fasteners
Threaded fasteners allow for reusability and adjustment flexibility, while generally non-threaded fasteners provide a permanent connection.
These two fasteners play an important role in permanently joining two or more components. However, understanding the various variations between these two types is critical to choosing the best solution for increasing the efficiency of your project assembly.
Continue reading to discover how to make the best choice for your manufacturing projects. This article will cover their differences on:
- Types
- Definition
- Applications
- Characteristic
Clearing the Confusion: Fastener vs. Screw
Fastener is an umbrella category of devices that connect materials, compared to screws that are a specific type of it defined by their installation procedure due to their threaded shaft.
Other types of fasteners include bolts, screws, nails, rivets, and so on.
Definition of Threaded Fasteners and Non-Threaded Fasteners
Threaded fasteners are tools that link two or more components by placing and twisting their spiral threads to tightly grip onto the materials’ drilled holes.
Meanwhile, non–threaded fasteners do not include spiral threads on their bodies; they resort to other methods to bind components together, including deformation as with rivets.
Non-threaded Fastener vs Threaded Fastener Applications
Threaded Fastener
They have distinctive spiral ridges that contribute to their higher clamping force, which makes their connection to the material stronger.
They have numerous suitable applications, such as:
- Electronics: Threaded fasteners are utilized for a variety of applications, including component mounting, enclosure assembly, and heat sinks.
- Automotive: They are often employed in this sector due to their remarkable strength. Engine assembly, bodybuilding, and suspension systems are some of the primary uses.
- General Manufacturing: These fasteners are utilized for holding components together, such as metal. It ensures that the connection is reliable and precise in situations of operational stress.
Non-Threaded Fastener
They are designed to provide a robust link to the material without threads.
Which is why they are also widely used, including:
- Automotive: These fasteners contribute significantly to vehicle manufacturing and maintenance, such as car bumpers.
- Aerospace: Aerospace relied on non-threaded fasteners to secure access panels, doors, fuselage parts, lightweight panels, and so on.
- Industrial Machinery: Fasteners aimed to maintain the operational efficiency and safety of the machines’ metal parts, particularly by forming permanent connections and avoiding leaks. They are also ideal for mass production applications because of their quick installation.
Common Types of Threaded and Non-Threaded Fasteners
Learning the different types of threaded and non-threaded fasteners is one of the ways to further differentiate them and know if some of them fit your requirements.
Here are a few of them:
Threaded Fastener
| Type | Description | Application |
| Nuts | A fastening tool with threaded holes that must be matched with bolts or screws to firmly join numerous components together | Construction, Machinery, Furniture Assembly, Automotive |
| Studs | A type of fastener with no head and threaded on both heads; they are used in holes that already have internal threads. | Automotive, mining industry, construction, marine equipment, heavy machinery |
| Threaded Screw | A fastener that contains threads and usually a head, while they’re designed to be drilled into the material. | Depends on the type of screw, for example:Wood screws: DIY woodworking projects, wooden fencing, cabinetry, and much more |
Non Threaded Fastener
| Type | Description | Application |
| Clips | A quick fastener that connects two components without screws. They also come in different types, sizes, and shapes; some of them are spring lock or snap clips. | Automotive, machines, electronics |
| Rivets | A mechanical tool intended to permanently connect two or more materials by deforming the tail to generate a second head and secure the connection. | Construction, automotive, sports equipment like bicycle frames, aerospace, marine industry |
| Retaining Rings | A circular fastener that is inserted into a shaft’s groove to serve as a barrier that holds the components in place. | Automotive, Aerospace, Military |
Fastening and Non-Threaded Fastening Differing Characteristics
Threaded fasteners have a distinct spiral thread that runs along its whole body and requires twisting the head to tighten or loosen its grip on the material drilled hole. These threaded fastener types include screws, threaded barrels, and nuts, which this article will discuss later.
Non-threaded fasteners consist of a smooth body, and their heads are intended to help users secure components rather than twisting them. As a result, they are often faster or easier to install because they rarely require fastening equipment. Finally, there are numerous other forms of non-threaded fasteners, including dowel pins and rivets.
Comparison of Threaded Fasteners and Non-Threaded Fasteners Advantages
| Threaded Fasteners | Non-Threaded Fasteners |
| Durable connection due to their helical threads that create a high clamping force. | Simple and quicker to install without the requirement for precise torque settings and special tools, |
| Fast Assembly and Disassembly with Standard Tools | Non-threaded fasteners are also available in types that provide permanent connections, including rivets. |
| Adaptable as they can be used from automotive to construction, as well as available in various materials and sizes. | They’re more available in lower or flatter heads, which gives a cleaner look on materials that are attached to it. |
| Generally have wide availability because of its adaptability to be used in multiple fields or industries. | Less expensive that results in reducing total project cost if properly used. |
Major Distinctions in Manufacturing Techniques of Threaded Fastener and Non-Threaded Fastener
Both threaded and non-threaded fasteners are allowed to be manufactured in similar methods, such as hot forging, cold forging, and machining. Furthermore, both types can be made from the same materials, like steel
However, threaded fasteners can be more complicated due to the required precise forming of the threads and the possibility for extra steps such as thread rolling. Lastly, they might need materials that have higher tensile strength to endure high-stress environments.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- What is the strength of a threaded fastener?
- The tensile strength of threaded fasteners ranges from 330 to 1220, whereas the yield strength ranges from 180 to 1080. Its strength and property class depend on the different factors like material and manufacturing process.
- What are the pros and cons of a threaded barrel?
- Threaded barrels enable easier attachment of additional handgun accessories while enhancing stability; however, the threads can cause increased barrel wear and influence shot precision.
CNRL: China’s Custom Fastener Manufacturer
CNRL is one of the leading global manufacturers of customisable fasteners designed to suit the different needs of industries. Their 30 years of dedicated service to client pleasure have earned them the titles of “China’s Famous Auto Parts Enterprise” and “National High-Tech Enterprise.”
Their superior quality performance led to their products being frequently used in automobiles, urban light rail projects, construction machinery, and manufacturing tool industries.
So, from bolts to washers and even custom-made fasteners, they ensure it meets the quality standards, such as ISO, DIN, JIS, and so on.
They also provide a diverse selection of fasteners for various automobile parts, including:
- Body Parts
- Engine Parts
- Brake System
- Chassis Parts
- Transmission Parts
Hence, contact CNRL today to collaborate with a partner that has the expertise and manufacturing capabilities to deliver exactly what your business needs.
Resources
CNRL Fasteners uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Our commitment to accuracy and reliability ensures that readers receive well-researched information they can trust.
- Non-Threaded Fasteners(1)
- How Nuts and Bolts are made(2)
- 11 Different Types Of Automotive Fasteners(3)
- Types of Rivets And Their Applications | An Overview(4)
- ISO 898-1, ISO 3506-1, ASTM F606: testing of threaded fasteners(5)
- The Complete Guide to Threaded Fasteners and Their Applications(6)
- How Are Wood Screws Used In DIY and Home Improvement Projects?(7)
- What is Mechanical Fastening? (Overview of Methods and Applications)(8)
- Unleashing the Power of Threaded Fasteners: Everything You Need to Know(9)
- United States Industrial Fasteners Industry Research Report 2024-2029: Technological Advancements and Innovation, Sustainability and Environmental Responsibility, Customization and Specialization(10)
