Bolts and Screws – what is the difference?

In accordance with the thesaurus, there is no obvious variation between bolts and screws, and they are known as each other’s synonyms. However, there are some substantial differences that a user needs to keep in mind before investing.

There is no denying that they do not seem to have a major difference between a bolt and a screw to the naked eye. They both have a head for the purpose of tightening a fastener and they both are threaded however there are more points to consider.

The most apparent means of determining the difference between a screw and a bolt is that a bolt is not threaded to its shank and it has a plain part. On the other hand, a screw, however, is fully threaded to the head.

Commonly, a screw will be put into a tapped hole, if it is a self-tapping screw that builds its thread. Moreover, Screws don’t require nuts to be used; they build and secure themselves by being fastened into the hole with the help of a screwdriver.
Screws are shorter compared to the width of the material that they are screwed into.

Bolts are constructed to be incorporated into befitting nuts. A bolt will be longer than the material’s width it is being used on, as a bolt requires extending through to the different side to tighten into the nut. The unthreaded portion that settles inside the material enhances stability, preparing it to be more reluctant to cut down certain pressures, in comparison with the screws that are fully threaded. Bolts are usually tightened with the help of a particular tool like a spanner that holds the grip while the nut is tightened.
Screws and bolts can be used in the same means if they are incorporated into threaded components.

The advancement of screws and bolts has been propelled primarily by the application especially where security is an aspect,they are being utilized for and the high level of security needed. For example, if there is permanent fixing and does not require any removal, then a shear bolt which possesses a snap off head giving back a plain head with zero drive for the removal of the bolt is more acceptable.

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Global Xpress provides a broad spectrum of security fasteners and general fixings for all sorts all applications. As you scan the ranges being offered ,you will notice the extent of the choice available.


If you are unable to choose which fastener will be most adequate for your desired application, don’t hesitate to contact us.Our sales team are dedicated and on call to help with your queries.