Hardware Fasteners

The Ultimate Guide to Hardware Fasteners: Rivets, Screws, Nuts & Where to Buy Them

Introduction: Why fasteners matter more than you think

Fasteners are the unsung heroes of almost every project around the house, workshop, or job site. Whether you’re mending a torn fence, building a shelf, or crafting a leather jacket with decorative spikes, the right rivet, screw, nut, or retaining ring can make the difference between a job that holds for years and one that wobbles apart next season. This guide focuses on common fasteners sold by retailers like PandaHall and Walmart, and it also points you to other U.S. suppliers—Home Depot, Lowe’s, Ace Hardware, Fastenal, and McMaster-Carr—so you can choose the right hardware for DIY or pro-level work.

Types of hardware fasteners at a glance

Fasteners come in dozens of shapes and metals, but they fall into a few core categories: rivets, screws, nails, nuts & washers, and specialty items like spikes and retaining rings. Each category serves a different purpose—some resist shear, some hold tensile loads, some are purely decorative. Think of fasteners like different types of stitches in sewing: some are for strength, some for detail, and a few are for both.

Rivets: permanent joins and decorative accents

Rivets are perfect when you want a permanent, tamper-resistant connection. PandaHall, for example, offers a variety of rivets suited to decorative and light structural work: alloy screw rivets, iron rivets, brass rivet sets, and brass rhinestone rivets. These are useful for leatherwork, bags, or metal sheet applications where you want an attractive finish. Sizes for rivets are typically referenced by shank diameter and grip range—common DIY sizes include 1/8" and 3/16" diameter rivets with grip ranges from 1/16" up to 1/4". If you need a flashy look, brass glass rhinestone spikes or star rivet studs from PandaHall add character to garments and crafts without sacrificing hold.

Screws: the everyday fastener for structural work

Screws are the go-to for projects that may need disassembly or adjustable tightening. Walmart stocks many common screws ideal for construction and metalwork, including stainless steel self-drilling screws and machine screws. Examples include #6-20 x 5/8" and #6-20 x 1" Phillips pan head self-drilling screws in 410 stainless steel, and #10-24 x 5/8" Phillips truss machine screws in 18-8 stainless. These sizes are typical for metal-to-metal and light structural joins. Remember: the first number (like #6 or #10) refers to diameter, while the fraction (5/8", 1") is the length measured from under the head to the tip.

Nuts & washers: tiny parts that prevent big failures

Nuts and washers seem trivial until a joint loosens and the whole assembly fails. Walmart lists items like 3/4"-16 thin pattern nylon insert hex lock nuts in 18-8 stainless—those nylon inserts (often called “nyloc nuts”) are excellent for vibration-prone assemblies. Washers distribute load and help prevent pull-through on soft materials. When pairing nuts and bolts, match thread size and material—stainless steel fasteners pair best with stainless nuts to reduce galvanic issues.

Specialty fasteners: spikes, rhinestones, and retaining rings

Not every fastener is about brute strength. PandaHall’s brass glass rhinestone spikes and 3-color star rivet studs are decorative yet sturdy for fashion and craft use. On the industrial side, retaining rings (Walmart lists a DIN 471 external retaining ring equivalent to about 2.36" in diameter) are critical for axles, shafts, and assemblies where you need a removable shoulder to hold components in place. Always convert specifications to inches if suppliers use metric when you’re working with U.S. hardware and tools.

How to choose the right fastener for the job

Choosing the right fastener is a mix of art and logic. Consider material, load type, and environment. For outdoor and wet environments, stainless steel (18-8 or 410) and brass resist corrosion better than plain steel. Think about the forces involved—shear vs. tensile—and pick a fastener with appropriate diameter and length. As a rule of thumb, have at least 1/2" of thread engagement for screws into metal and at least twice the thickness of the thinner material for screw length when fastening two pieces together.

Tooling: what you'll need to install common fasteners

Installing the right fastener is only half the job—the tools make the installation clean and quick. For rivets, a hand rivet gun or pneumatic riveter matched to the rivet diameter (1/8" or 3/16" are common) is essential. For screws, a set of quality driver bits and an impact driver can save time. Walmart even lists specialty tools like the Jones Stephens J40035 lavatory nut removal tool, which demonstrates how targeted tools speed up tricky tasks. For retaining rings, pliers sized for the ring’s diameter make the job safe and repeatable.

Rivet guns & hand tools

Rivet guns come in hand, pneumatic, and battery-powered models. Choose a gun that accepts the rivet shank size you plan to use. For small DIY projects, a hand rivet tool for 1/8" rivets does the trick. If you’re installing thousands of rivets or working on heavier material, a pneumatic gun reduces fatigue and gives consistent pull force.

Screwdrivers, impact drivers & bits

A modern workshop needs an impact driver and a range of bits: Phillips sizes #1–#3 for common screws, Torx sizes for specialty fasteners, and hex bits for machine screws. Using the right bit size avoids cam-out and stripped heads. For high-volume jobs, keep bulk packs of bits on hand and replace them when they show wear.

Specialty tools & kits

Some tasks require specialist gear: lavatory nut tools for plumbing, retaining ring pliers for circlips, and countersink bits for flush installations. Buying a small set of specialty tools can pay for itself by saving time and preventing damage to parts.

Where to buy: comparing stores that stock fasteners

Different stores cater to different needs. PandaHall shines for decorative rivets, spikes, and jewelry-style fasteners—great for crafters and fashion projects. Walmart offers a broad selection of screws, nuts, and tools in bulk quantities—items like packs of #6-20 x 5/8" screws sold in thousands are ideal for contractors and large projects. For professional contractors or when you need exact industrial specs, turn to Fastenal or McMaster-Carr. Home Depot and Lowe’s balance consumer and pro lines, while Ace Hardware provides personal service and local stock for quick fixes.

Buying smart: bulk, brands, and material grades

If you need hundreds or thousands of fasteners, buying in bulk saves money—Walmart’s large pack offerings (5,000-count or 10,000-count in certain screws) can dramatically lower per-unit cost. But watch for quality: cheap screws in bulk may use lower-grade steel or inferior threading. Look for material grades like 18-8 stainless for corrosion resistance, 410 stainless for cost-effective corrosion resistance, and brass for decorative or non-magnetic applications. When aesthetics matter—say for brass rhinestone rivets—buy a reputable supplier like PandaHall that specializes in decorative finishes.

Installation best practices to prevent failures

Proper prep extends the life of your fastened assemblies. Pre-drill pilot holes to the recommended diameter—typically slightly smaller than the screw’s root diameter—and choose countersinking when a flush finish is required. For sheet metal, self-drilling screws save time, but confirm the self-drilling tip’s capacity—some cover up to 1/8" thick metal. Torque to manufacturer specs; over-torque strips threads, under-torque leads to loosening. Use locking nuts or thread locker for high-vibration applications, and match materials to reduce galvanic corrosion.

Maintenance and corrosion protection

Maintenance is simple: check critical joints periodically, especially outdoors or near saltwater. Clean and lubricate threads with anti-seize on stainless fasteners to prevent galling during disassembly. For long-term outdoor use, choose stainless grades or hot-dip galvanized finishes. Brass is corrosion-resistant and visually appealing, but it’s softer than steel—use it where appearance and moderate strength are needed, not for heavy structural loads.

Special considerations for decorative fasteners and fashion

Decorative fasteners like brass rhinestone spikes or colored star rivets add flair, but they still need secure installation. PandaHall’s decorative rivets are great for leather, fabric, and accessory work. Choose rivet shank length to match combined material thickness—too short and the fastener won’t clinch, too long and it can snag. Consider backing plates or washers on soft materials to distribute load and prevent pull-through.

Testing strength: simple checks you can do at home

Before you commit to a new fastener type for a project, test a small sample. Use a basic pull or shear test with clamps and a bathroom scale or luggage scale to get a feel for how the fastener behaves under load. While not a substitute for lab testing, this method reveals obvious weak points—brittle heads, poor thread engagement, or unexpected deformation. For critical applications, stick to fasteners with specified tensile and shear values from reputable manufacturers.

Summary of recommended suppliers by use

Want decorative rivets and spikes? PandaHall is an excellent source for brass and rhinestone-style pieces. Need bulk construction screws, machine screws, or specialty tools at affordable prices? Walmart offers a wide selection and large pack quantities. For professional-grade industrial supplies and precise specifications, check Fastenal or McMaster-Carr. For a balance of consumer and pro options with local pickup, Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Ace Hardware are convenient and reliable. Choose the vendor that matches the project scale, quality needs, and delivery timelines.

Final practical checklist before you buy

Before purchasing, run through a quick checklist: (1) Confirm material—stainless, brass, or alloy; (2) Confirm size—diameter and length in inches; (3) Verify pack quantity and whether bulk pricing actually saves you money for your project; (4) Ensure you have the right tools—rivet gun, driver bits, or retaining ring pliers; (5) Test-fit a sample piece to check alignment and fit. This simple routine prevents wasted trips and returns while saving time and money on the job.

Conclusion

Hardware fasteners may seem small, but choosing the right ones makes your project stronger, cleaner, and longer-lasting. Whether you’re picking up brass rivet sets and rhinestone spikes from PandaHall for a creative project or buying bulk stainless self-drilling screws and lock nuts from Walmart for a construction job, the key is matching fastener material, size, and style to your needs. With the right tools, a little testing, and smart buying—bulk where it makes sense, specialty suppliers where quality matters—you can tackle anything from simple repairs to complex assemblies with confidence and a professional finish.