Automotive Fasteners

Nuts
Used to clamp threads, nuts have internal, female threads that allow bolts or threaded rods to be threaded into the nut. While the hex nut is the most popular, other types of nuts exist that provide additional features.

Bolts
Bolts are externally threaded and are used in conjunction with nuts to attach two or more components together. They have a head of varying shapes, a threaded portion, and sometimes an unthreaded shank. Bolts are non-tapering and can be partially or fully threaded.

Lock Washers
Not all washers are fasteners, but certain variations like the lock washer do, in fact, fasten. Lock washers have special features like serrations, split ends, or bent tabs that are designed to prevent the fastener from loosening. Lock washers work by providing a spring force that pushes between the head of the bolt and the component being fastened. They're commonly used with bolts and nuts to provide additional security and prevent unintended loosening from vibration and thermal fluctuations.

Clips
For positioning of trim and for holding panels in place, clips are hard to beat. Most clips function similarly to drywall anchors by being flexible enough to squeeze through a pre-drilled hole and then expanding once through. Clips do a great job of holding components in place, but special tools are required to remove the clips without damage.

Studs
Looking and operating like threaded bars, studs are often permanent fasteners welded or molded into components. Studs function similarly to bolts and can have components like nuts threaded onto them. For automotive applications, wheel studs are the most common example.

Pins
Sometimes components don't need to be fixed in place, but need to be constrained in certain dimensions instead. Pins allow for some movement in some dimensions, while restricting movement in others. Common pin types include clevis pins, cotter pins, and linchpins.

Rivets
Rivets are single-use fasteners made from plastic or metal that firmly hold two components together. They're quick and easy to use and provide extremely strong connections. Rivets are typically pushed through pre-drilled holes in the components to be joined, then they're expanded with a special tool. Typical rivet types include blind rivets, tubular rivets, split rivets, and solid rivets.