Fasteners, Anchors & Adhesives
The right fastener is determined by the materials being joined, loads, moisture/corrosion exposure, embedment, edge distances, and the product approval—not just by length or head style.
Critical distinction: General-purpose screws are not substitutes for structural screws, approved anchors, connector nails, or specified bolts. For load-bearing, overhead, guardrail, ledger, masonry anchoring, or life-safety applications, follow approved plans and the exact manufacturer's instructions.
Choose the application
This is a selection checklist, not an engineered fastener specification.
Fastener selection reference
| Type | Typical use | Check before use |
|---|---|---|
| Wood/deck screw | Wood assemblies and decking where product-approved. | Length, coating, head, shank, board material, treated-lumber compatibility, and required edge distances. |
| Structural wood screw / lag / bolt | Specified structural wood connections. | Approved load values, diameter, embedment, pilot holes, washers, spacing, edge distance, and installation instructions. |
| Connector nail / connector screw | Joist hangers, straps, hold-downs, and metal connectors. | Use only the connector manufacturer's listed fasteners and specified holes; substitutions can reduce capacity. |
| Drywall screw | Attaching drywall board to suitable wood or metal framing. | Thread type, length, board thickness, framing gauge, spacing, and fire-rated assembly requirements. |
| Finish nail / brad | Trim and finish carpentry. | Length, holding power, material thickness, concealed utilities, and substrate. |
| Concrete screw / masonry anchor | Approved attachments to concrete or masonry. | Base material, cracked/uncracked concrete rating where applicable, embedment, hole diameter/depth, edge distance, spacing, and load. |
| Self-drilling sheet-metal screw | Specified light-gauge metal-to-metal connections. | Combined metal thickness, screw point, corrosion protection, pullout, and assembly requirements. |
| Adhesive / construction adhesive | Bonding specified compatible materials. | Substrate, moisture, temperature, cure time, load rating, surface prep, and whether mechanical fastening is also required. |
| Sealant | Flexible joints and weather seals. | Joint movement, backer rod, joint dimensions, substrate, paintability, UV exposure, and drainage design. |
Compatibility checklist
Tools and supplies
- Measure, mark, and verify substrate thickness before choosing fastener length.
- Use the correct driver bit, drill bit, pilot-hole size, and depth stop.
- Use a torque-controlled tool where the specification requires it.
- For anchors, use the specified hole-cleaning method and setting tool.
- For adhesives/sealants, check surface preparation, temperature, ventilation, and cure time.
- Wear eye protection; control dust when drilling masonry or concrete.