| Fasteners |
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Fasteners include nails, screws, bolts, nuts, and adhesives. There are special nails for masonry, roofing, finishing, and other common applications. Nails are classified by the size of the shank and the shape of the head. The most common type is called common, with large, flat heads for secure fastening. Next is finish nails with smaller heads that aren't so obvious if flush to or below the wood's surface. Nails are sized by length, indicated by a d or "penny." For example, a 4d nail is 11/2 inches long; an 8d nail is 21/2 inches long. Screws are pointed-tip, threaded fasteners installed with a screwdriver. Round- and pan (flat)-head screws require a straight-tip screwdriver, and Phillips-head screws require a Phillips screwdriver. Screws are sized by length. Bolts are flat-tipped, threaded fasteners that use a threaded nut to attach wood or metal together. A washer may be placed under the bolt head or the nut for a firmer fasten. Bolts are classified by the type of head. Stove bolts and machine screws (actually bolts) are turned with a screwdriver. Hexagon- and square-head bolts are held in place with a wrench while the nut is turned to tighten. A carriage bolt's head imbeds itself into the wood when the nut is turned. Bolts are sized by length and thread. Adhesives secure the surfaces of two materials together. Adhesives come in liquid, solid, or powder form, and some require a catalyst to activate them. Some adhesives are waterproof while others are not; some need to be held together (clamped) while drying and others don't. Select adhesives based on their characteristics, strength, setting time and temperature, and bonding method.
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