How does a bolt differ from a screw?

A bolt is typically designed to be used in conjunction with a nut for securing objects together, while a screw is often self-threading and can create its own hold in materials such as wood or metal without the need for a nut. This means that bolts are generally used in applications where the fastener will be subjected to significant shear or tension forces, requiring the added stability of a nut. In contrast, screws are usually driven directly into a material and are often used in a wider variety of applications, including in softer materials like wood or plastic.

Understanding this distinction is essential for selecting the appropriate fastener for a given project, particularly in terms of the materials being joined and the load that will be applied to the joint.