Nails, Screws & Anchor Bolts (Fasteners) — Complete Guide
Fasteners — nails, screws, anchor bolts and wall plugs — are the small but critical components that join, fix and anchor materials together in construction. Choosing the right fastener (type, size, material, grade) for each substrate (wood, concrete, masonry, metal, drywall) ensures strong, safe, lasting connections. From hanging a frame to anchoring heavy machinery, the correct fastener & anchoring method makes all the difference.
Indian fasteners follow IS 1363 / IS 1367 (bolts & screws), IS 723 (wire nails). Major brands: Hilti, Fischer, Bosch, GKW, Kundan, Caparo, TVS, Unbrako, Sterling.
Nails
| Type | Use |
|---|
| Wire / Common Nail | General woodwork, framing |
| Concrete / Masonry Nail | Fixing to concrete / brick (hardened) |
| Finishing Nail | Trim, beading (small head) |
| Roofing Nail | Sheets, felt (large head) |
| Panel Pin / Brad | Light woodwork, panels |
| U-Nail / Staple | Mesh, fencing |
| Clout Nail | Roofing, soft materials |
Sizes: by length (1" to 6") & gauge. Materials: MS (common), GI (rust-proof), SS, copper.
Screws
| Type | Use |
|---|
| Wood Screw | Joining wood, hardware fixing |
| Self-Tapping Screw | Sheet metal, no pre-drill |
| Self-Drilling (Tek) Screw | Metal sheets (drills own hole) |
| Drywall Screw | Gypsum board to frame |
| Machine Screw | Threaded holes / nuts |
| Chipboard / Particle Board Screw | MDF, particle board |
| Coach / Lag Screw | Heavy timber, structural |
| CSK (Countersunk) | Flush finish |
| Pan / Round Head | General fixing |
Drives: Phillips, Pozi, slotted, Torx, hex. Materials: MS zinc-plated, SS, brass.
Anchor Bolts & Wall Plugs
| Type | Description | Use |
|---|
| Nylon Wall Plug (Rawl Plug) | Expands with screw | Light fixing in masonry |
| Sleeve Anchor | Expanding sleeve | Medium load in concrete |
| Wedge Anchor | High-load expansion | Heavy fixing, machinery |
| Drop-In Anchor | Flush internal thread | Overhead / ceiling fixing |
| Chemical / Resin Anchor | Epoxy-bonded rod | Heavy / dynamic loads, rebar |
| Toggle / Cavity Anchor | Hollow wall fixing | Drywall, hollow blocks |
| Foundation / J-Bolt | Cast in concrete | Structural base plates |
| Hammer-Drive Anchor | Quick fix | Light / medium fixing |
Match anchor to load & substrate: nylon plugs for light loads in solid masonry; wedge / sleeve anchors for medium-heavy in concrete; chemical anchors for the heaviest / dynamic loads & rebar starter bars. Always drill the correct hole diameter & depth.
Fastener Materials & Grades
| Material | Property |
|---|
| Mild Steel (zinc plated) | Common, economical (mild rust resistance) |
| Stainless Steel (SS 304/316) | Rust-proof, coastal / exterior |
| Galvanised (HDG) | Rust-resistant, outdoor |
| Brass | Decorative, corrosion-resistant |
| High-Tensile (Grade 8.8/10.9/12.9) | Structural / heavy loads |
Bolt grades: 4.6 (mild), 8.8 (high tensile, common structural), 10.9 / 12.9 (very high strength).
Nail vs Screw vs Bolt
| Parameter | Nail | Screw | Bolt / Anchor |
|---|
| Holding Power | Low (shear OK) | High (threaded grip) | Highest |
| Removable | Difficult | Easy (unscrew) | Yes (unbolt) |
| Installation | Hammer (fast) | Screwdriver / drill | Drill + tighten |
| Load | Light-medium | Medium | Heavy / structural |
| Substrate | Wood, masonry | Wood, metal, drywall | Concrete, structural |
| Cost | Lowest | Low-Medium | Higher |
Where to Use
- Carpentry & woodwork (wood screws, nails)
- Drywall / gypsum (drywall screws)
- Fixing hardware to walls (wall plugs + screws)
- Heavy fixtures / machinery (anchor bolts)
- Sheet metal / roofing (self-drilling screws)
- Structural steel (high-tensile bolts)
- Anchoring to concrete (wedge / chemical anchors)
- Rebar starter bars (chemical anchors)
- False ceiling framing
- Fencing & mesh (staples)
Top Brands
| Brand | Products |
|---|
| Hilti | Anchors, chemical anchors, fasteners (premium) |
| Fischer | Wall plugs, anchors (German) |
| Bosch | Anchors & fasteners |
| GKW / Kundan | Screws & fasteners |
| Caparo / TVS | Fasteners, bolts |
| Unbrako | High-tensile bolts |
| Sterling / Sundram | Fasteners |
Advantages of Correct Fasteners
- Strong, reliable connections
- Right anchor = safe heavy fixing
- SS / galvanised = rust-free outdoor / coastal
- Screws & bolts removable (maintenance)
- Chemical anchors carry highest loads
- Wide range for every substrate
- Economical (small cost, big role)
- Self-drilling screws speed metal work
Disadvantages / Common Mistakes
- Wrong fastener for substrate (fails / pulls out)
- Under-sized anchor for load (dangerous)
- MS fasteners rust outdoors (use SS / GI)
- Wrong hole diameter / depth (loose anchor)
- Over-tightening strips threads / cracks substrate
- Nails split wood (no pre-drill)
- Cheap counterfeit bolts fail under load
- Galvanic corrosion (mixing metals)
Cost (Approximate, Indian Market, 2025-26)
| Item | Cost |
|---|
| Wire Nails (per kg) | Rs 70 – 130 |
| Wood Screws (per 100) | Rs 60 – 250 |
| Drywall Screws (per kg / box) | Rs 120 – 350 |
| Self-Drilling Screws (per 100) | Rs 100 – 400 |
| Nylon Wall Plugs (per 100) | Rs 50 – 200 |
| Sleeve / Wedge Anchor (each) | Rs 10 – 80 |
| Chemical Anchor (capsule + rod) | Rs 60 – 300 |
| High-Tensile Bolt 8.8 (each) | Rs 15 – 150 |
| SS Screws (premium, per 100) | Rs 200 – 600 |
Best Practices
- Match fastener type, size & grade to load & substrate
- Use SS / galvanised fasteners outdoors & coastal
- Use correct anchor for concrete / masonry (not just plugs for heavy loads)
- Drill correct hole diameter & depth for anchors
- Use chemical anchors for heavy / dynamic / rebar fixing
- Pre-drill hardwood to avoid splitting (nails / screws)
- Don't over-tighten (strips / cracks)
- Use drywall screws for gypsum board (not nails)
- Use high-tensile bolts (8.8+) for structural connections
- Avoid mixing dissimilar metals (galvanic corrosion)
- Buy genuine branded anchors for safety-critical fixing
- Follow anchor manufacturer load tables & edge distances
Applicable Standards
| Standard | Description |
|---|
| IS 723 | Steel Wire Nails |
| IS 1363 / 1364 | Hexagon Head Bolts, Screws & Nuts |
| IS 1367 | Technical Supply Conditions for Threaded Fasteners |
| IS 6639 | Hexagon Bolts for Steel Structures |
| IS 451 | Wood Screws |
| IS 2016 | Plain Washers |
| ASTM A307 / A325 | Structural Bolts |
| ETA (European Tech Assessment) | Anchor performance approval |
Conclusion
The right fastener — matched to load and substrate — makes connections safe and lasting. Use nails for fast light woodwork, screws for stronger removable fixing, and anchor bolts (sleeve / wedge / chemical) for heavy fixing into concrete. Choose SS / galvanised outdoors, use correct hole sizes for anchors, follow manufacturer load tables, and never under-size fasteners for the load.
Fasteners fix hinges, locks & handles, latches & tower bolts, false ceiling frames, and every hardware item in construction. For bonding (non-mechanical), see tile adhesives, silicone sealants & PU / PVA adhesives.