10 Types of Automotive Fasteners for Industrial Use
Automotive fasteners are small but vital components that hold vehicles together and ensure their safety and performance.
These fasteners are used across the automotive industry, from manufacturing to repairs, to join parts securely and withstand mechanical stresses.
If you’re looking for the best types of fasteners, this guide explores their classifications, and the standards governing their use in the automotive industry.
Whether you’re assembling new vehicles or repairing old ones, understanding fasteners is key to doing the job right. So, read on to learn more.
What are Automotive Fasteners?
Automotive fasteners are small yet critical components that hold vehicle parts together securely.
They ensure the proper functioning of a car by preventing parts from loosening or falling apart.
These industrial fasteners are found in various forms, such as bolts, nuts, screws, and rivets, depending on the application.
Examples of fasteners include car bolts and nuts for heavy-duty tasks and car screw clips for securing lightweight panels.
Automotive fasteners are integral to the structural integrity, safety, and durability of a vehicle.
They are designed to withstand vibration, temperature changes, and mechanical stress.
The choice of fasteners depends on the specific requirements of the component and its location in the vehicle.
Reliable fasteners ensure that a car’s systems perform as intended without compromising safety.
What Types of Bolts are Used in Automotive?
Bolts are one of the most versatile fasteners used in the automotive industry. These automotive bolts are used in applications ranging from securing engine parts to attaching suspension systems.
Automotive bolts are designed to handle high stress and provide a secure connection. They often pair with nuts to create strong joints capable of withstanding significant forces. The specific type of bolt used depends on the requirements of the automotive assembly or repair task.
Automotive Fastener Classification by Specific Parts
Each type of fastener has a distinct function and is crucial for specific automotive systems. Below is an in-depth look at the ten main types of automotive fasteners:
Bolts
Bolts are one of the most commonly used fasteners in automotive applications.
They are threaded fasteners designed to create a strong connection when paired with nuts or threaded holes.
Bolts are widely used to secure large and critical components, such as the engine block, transmission housing, and suspension systems.
For example, in the suspension system, bolts fasten control arms, struts, and stabilizer bars to maintain stability and safety while driving.
The durability and load-bearing capacity of automotive bolts makes them essential for high-stress areas.
Nuts
Nuts are complementary fasteners that work in conjunction with bolts to create a secure assembly.
They are threaded internally, allowing them to fit tightly onto the threads of a bolt.
Nuts are used in areas like wheel hubs, where they fasten the wheels to the axles, and in engine mounts to secure brackets and supports.
Common types include hex nuts, lock nuts, and flange nuts, each offering specific advantages in terms of vibration resistance and load distribution.
Screws
Screws are versatile fasteners used for smaller and less demanding connections.
Unlike bolts, screws typically thread directly into the material, making them suitable for lightweight applications.
They are commonly used to attach interior panels, dashboards, and trim pieces in a vehicle.
For example, car screw clips are often paired with screws to secure door panels and plastic covers without damaging the material.
Studs
Studs are threaded rods that can be screwed into a part, leaving threads exposed for additional components to be attached.
They are particularly useful in areas where disassembly and reassembly occur frequently, such as in cylinder heads or exhaust manifolds.
Studs are used in wheel assemblies to hold the wheel securely while allowing easy removal for maintenance or tire replacement.
Rivets
Rivets are permanent fasteners commonly used in body panels and frames.
Unlike bolts or screws, rivets do not have threads but instead rely on deformation to hold components together.
Blind rivets, for instance, are widely used in automotive manufacturing to join sheet metal parts where access is limited to one side.
In electric vehicles, rivets are often used in battery enclosures due to their lightweight and secure nature.
Washers
Washers are thin, disc-shaped components placed under bolts or nuts to distribute the load evenly.
They help prevent damage to surfaces and reduce the risk of fastener loosening due to vibration.
In automotive applications, flat washers are commonly used in suspension systems, while spring washers provide additional tension to prevent loosening in dynamic environments.
Washers are essential in ensuring that fasteners maintain their grip over time, especially in high-vibration areas like engines and drivetrains.
Pins
Pins are non-threaded fasteners used to align and secure components in place.
Common types include cotter pins, dowel pins, and roll pins, each serving a unique purpose.
For example, cotter pins are often used to lock nuts in place on wheel hubs or axle shafts.
Dowel pins are used to align components precisely during assembly, such as in engine blocks and transmission housings.
Helicoil Inserts
Helicoil inserts are coiled-wire threads used to repair damaged threads in metal components.
They are particularly valuable in engine repairs, where stripped threads in aluminum parts need reinforcement.
For example, a Helicoil insert might be used to restore threads in a spark plug hole or an oil drain pan, ensuring that the fastener can be reused securely.
These inserts are also used proactively in softer metals to improve thread durability.
Threaded Inserts
Threaded inserts are pre-formed threads inserted into soft materials like plastic or aluminum to create strong threads.
They are often used in dashboards, interior trims, and lightweight alloy components to enhance fastening strength.
For example, a threaded insert might secure a dashboard screw without causing damage to the surrounding plastic.
Threaded inserts are also popular in lightweight automotive designs that prioritize weight reduction without sacrificing reliability.
Exhaust Hanger Rods
Exhaust hanger rods are specialized fasteners used to support and secure the exhaust system under the vehicle.
They are designed to handle high temperatures and vibrations while maintaining the exhaust system’s position.
These rods work in conjunction with rubber hangers to provide flexibility and reduce noise and vibration.
Properly installed exhaust hanger rods ensure that the exhaust system stays aligned and doesn’t rattle during operation.
Automotive Fastener Type by Material
The material of an automotive fastener significantly influences its strength, corrosion resistance, and overall performance.
Choosing the right material ensures that the fastener performs reliably under the conditions it faces in a vehicle.
Steel Fasteners
Steel is the most widely used material for automotive bolts and screws, offering a balance of strength, cost-effectiveness, and availability.
Steel fasteners are often coated with zinc or other finishes to enhance corrosion resistance, especially in areas like engine mounts or chassis connections.
Stainless Steel Fasteners
Known for their excellent corrosion resistance, stainless steel fasteners are ideal for applications exposed to moisture or chemicals, such as exhaust systems, fuel tanks, and external trim components.
They maintain their appearance and integrity even in harsh environments.
Aluminum Fasteners
Lightweight and resistant to corrosion, aluminum fasteners are preferred in parts where weight reduction is essential, such as electric vehicle batteries, body panels, and suspension components.
While not as strong as steel, they excel in non-load-bearing applications.
Plastic Fasteners
Plastic automotive fasteners are non-corrosive, lightweight, and cost-effective.
They are used extensively in interior panels, dashboards, and wire harnesses, providing flexibility and easy installation without scratching or damaging surfaces.
Specialty Alloys
Titanium and other advanced alloys are found in high-performance and luxury vehicles.
They provide exceptional strength-to-weight ratios and withstand extreme temperatures, making them ideal for engines, brake systems, and aerospace-inspired designs.
Selecting the right material ensures the fastener can withstand the conditions it will be exposed to.
Factors like heat, vibration, and exposure to moisture influence material choice.
Fastener Grades and Standards
Fastener grades reflect the mechanical properties of bolts, screws, and other components.
In automotive applications, grades determine the strength and load capacity of the fastener.
The most common grading systems include SAE, ISO, and ASME standards.
The ASME fastener standard outlines specifications for dimensions, material properties, and testing requirements.
Higher-grade fasteners are required for critical areas like engine mounts and suspension systems.
Understanding fastener grades helps in selecting the appropriate fastener for specific automotive applications.
More Automotive Fasterner FAQs
- What are the 3 Most Common Types of Screws?
- The three most common types of screws are Phillips-head screws, flat-head screws, and hex-head screws, commonly used for automotive and general applications.
- What is the Most Commonly Used Fastener on Today’s Automobiles?
- The bolt is the most commonly used fastener in automobiles due to its strength and versatility in connecting various parts.
- What is the Most Common Automotive Bolt?
- The hex-head bolt is the most common automotive bolt because it is durable and easy to work with in many applications.
- What is the ASME Fastener Standard?
- The ASME standard provides guidelines for the design, testing, and mechanical properties of fasteners to ensure their reliability in industrial and automotive use.
- What are the Standard Threaded Fasteners?
- Standard threaded fasteners include bolts, nuts, screws, and threaded inserts, all of which are essential for assembling automotive components.
- How Do I Choose a Fastener Size?
- To choose the right size, consider the load requirements, the material of the parts being joined, and the dimensions of the assembly.
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.
