Bolts are one of the most common basic hardware parts you can see in any industry–automotive, construction, agriculture, etc. Bolts definition is they are mechanical fasteners that connect different parts. Its parts include the head and a threaded cylindrical body. Bolts are usually used with washers and nuts to lock them in position and prevent loosening or crushing. One reason bolts are popular across all industries is that it makes assembly, disassembly, and reassembly easier compared to permanent fastening such as welding.

Bolts should not be confused with screws, however. As mentioned previously, bolts definition is they are mechanical fasteners that connect different parts. Screws are also mechanical fasteners; however, how they look and how they are used are different.

As stated above in the bolts definition section, bolts are headed and have a cylindrical, threaded body. Screws are headed and have a cylindrical, threaded body as well. However, the thread on screws are capable of piercing a surface. Also screws do not require nuts and washers to keep them in place. For this reason, screws may be drilled directly into a surface while bolts require a pre-drilled hole. This is why the opposite end of screws are usually sharp–to help pierce a surface easily.