How to Call Out Fasteners

Almost daily, we receive phone calls from customers who are trying to describe a fastener that they have or that they need, but don’t know how to articulate in the way most fastener industry experts do. Here, we will offer some quick guidance on how to call out a fastener like the pros.

In all cases, you’re going to start a fastener call out with some sort of diameter. You’ll then move on to another dimension (length, outside diameter, etc.), followed by the type of fastener it is, and the finish or coating you require. Let’s explore some examples for different types of fasteners.

Screw Example
1/4-20 x 1-3/4” Phillips Pan Head Machine Screw Steel Zinc Plated

  1. 1/4 → Diameter

  2. 20 → Thread pitch

  3. 1-3/4” → Length

  4. Phillips → Drive

  5. Pan Head → Head style

  6. Machine Screw → Type of screw

  7. Steel → Material

  8. Zinc Plated → Coating or plating

Nut Example
1/2-13 Finished Hex Nut Grade 8 Yellow Zinc

  1. 1/2 → Diameter

  2. 13 → Thread pitch

  3. Finished Hex Nut → Type of nut

  4. Grade 8 → Material

  5. Yellow Zinc → Coating or plating

Bolt Example
3/8-16 x 2-1/4” Carriage Bolt Grade 5 Zinc

  1. 3/8 → Diameter

  2. 16 → Thread pitch

  3. 2-1/4” → Length

  4. Carriage Bolt → Type of bolt

  5. Grade 5 → Material

  6. Zinc → Coating or plating

Washer Example
5/16 x 1-1/4 Fender Washer Brass Nickel Plated

  1. 5/16 → Bolt diameter for which the washer will be paired with

  2. 1-1/4 → Outer diameter

  3. Fender Washer → Type of washer

  4. Brass → Material

  5. Nickel Plated → Coating or plating

Now that you’re a fastener call-out expert, give us a call at (800) 634-0406 or text us at (951) 270-1360 to try out your new skills. If you’re still trying to figure out which fastener is right for your application, contact us for help.

Kyle Domer