The bolt supply at your local hardware store can be overwhelming if you are not familiar with nuts and bolts. A bolt is simply a threaded fastener to be used with a nut. It is very similar to a screw. It seems silly, but there is a history associated with screws, nuts and bolts.
The Early Days
Wine presses, olive oil presses and clothes presses used the first wooden screws. By the early 1800’s the United States saw the first handheld screwdriver. Most likely, this screwdriver was known as the slotted screwdriver. This is what we refer to today as a flat head screwdriver.
Facts and Figures
Now, the bolt supply is now supported by over four thousand nut and bolt manufacturers. With nearly 119 thousand employees in the United States, fastener manufacturers keep up with demand for screws and other parts. They produce all shapes and sizes of screws, bolts, and nuts.
Screws vary in size and are identified by a number. A higher the number on the screw, indicates a wider and thicker screw. Most screws are designed to be fastened by turning clockwise. Thus, many people use the phrase “righty-tighty, lefty-loosey” when working with screws. There are also many different head types for screws and bolts, like hex and square heads. Different jobs require different shaped screws. The bolt supply in most hardware store will display the different shapes and sizes, including metric fasteners.
Successful Repairs
The next time you embark on a repair job, consider asking for help when reaching the bolt supply aisle. It can be overwhelming to see so many different sized and shaped screws and bolts. When you shop for your specialty fastener, it is best to take the part you are replacing with you. The staff at your local hardware store will be better able to navigate the bolt supply to find you the right fastener if they can compare it to the old part.
Screws, nuts and bolts are not something you probably think about until you need them. Do not be afraid to ask for help with the bolt supply at your local hardware store. You have a wide variety of choices and the staff at the store is trained to help you. Getting you the right part is their top priorit
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