Screws: meaning, definitions and examples

Screws are used to hold objects together, often wood, by creating strong joints. They are ideal for tasks requiring durability and strength.

• I need some screws to assemble this bookshelf.
• The picture frame was secured to the wall with screws.

Bolts are suitable for connecting heavy and metal pieces, often used with a corresponding nut. They are typically found in machinery, construction, and automotive applications.

• We need bolts to fasten the two steel beams together.
• The mechanic tightened the bolts on the engine.

Nails are used primarily for fastening wood and are driven into the material with a hammer. They are common in carpentry and basic construction work.

• He used nails to build the wooden fence.
• The carpenter hammered nails to secure the planks.

Fasteners encompass a broad category including screws, bolts, nails, and other items used to join materials together. It's a general term that can be used in various professional and DIY contexts.

• We need various fasteners for this home improvement project.
• The store has a wide variety of fasteners available.

Typically used to fasten materials together, especially in woodworking, construction, and smaller assembly tasks.

• He used screws to attach the shelf to the wall.
• The table's legs are held in place by screws.

Often used to secure larger structures and objects, particularly in construction, automotive, and mechanical engineering. Bolts are generally larger and more robust than screws.

• The parts of the bridge were connected using heavy bolts.
• Make sure to tighten the bolts on the machine before starting it.

A rotating machine part having cut teeth, which mesh with another toothed part to transmit torque. Used in various machines, from bicycles to vehicles and industrial machinery.

• The bicycle's gears help you adjust the effort it takes to pedal.
• The car's engine drove the gears that turned the wheels.

Refers to a toothed wheel or bar that engages with another to transmit motion in machinery. Commonly used in contexts involving gears and mechanisms.

• The old clock stopped working because one of its cogs was broken.
• You could hear the clicking of the cogs inside the mechanical doll.

Use when referring to the metal fasteners with a helical ridge that you insert into materials to hold them together.

• He used screws to assemble the furniture
• I bought some screws to fix the broken chair

Use in a general sense when something needs to be closed or attached securely, such as seat belts, zippers, or buttons.

• Please fasten your seat belt before the plane takes off
• She fastened her coat tightly to stay warm

Use when making something firmer or less loose, often involving screws, bolts, or caps.

• You need to tighten the screws to keep the shelf from wobbling
• I tightened the lid on the jar

Use when emphasizing making sure something is safe or firmly in place to prevent movement or loss.

• He secured the bike to the rack with a lock
• Make sure you have secured the lid tightly to prevent spills