Building & Buying Guides

Squirrel with various screws and nails pointing away from it

Countersinking vs. Non-Countersinking Fasteners

When should you use a fastener that sits above material instead of one that sits flush with the surface?

Countersinking vs. Non-Countersinking Fasteners

When should you use a fastener that sits above material instead of one that sits flush with the surface?

A metal roofing screw with EPDM washer displayed over a cartoon roof

EPDM Rubber Washers on Metal Roofing Screws

What makes EPDM rubber washers the best option to protect metal roofing screws from leaks, weather, and degradation?

EPDM Rubber Washers on Metal Roofing Screws

What makes EPDM rubber washers the best option to protect metal roofing screws from leaks, weather, and degradation?

Fastener Dictionary

Fastener Dictionary

All the need-to-know terms related to the design, material and finish, and installation of screws, nails, and bolts. 

Fastener Dictionary

All the need-to-know terms related to the design, material and finish, and installation of screws, nails, and bolts. 

Chain link fence wire fabric with gold padlock attached

How to Secure the Bottom of a Chain Link Fence

The best methods, tips, and tools for securing and strengthening a chain link fence along the bottom. 

How to Secure the Bottom of a Chain Link Fence

The best methods, tips, and tools for securing and strengthening a chain link fence along the bottom. 

Black Labrador dog in front of chain link fence wire mesh pattern

Dog-Proof a Chain Link Fence

Strengthen your chain link fence to prevent even the most determined pets from breaking through. 

Dog-Proof a Chain Link Fence

Strengthen your chain link fence to prevent even the most determined pets from breaking through. 

A squirrel thinking about screw and bolt drive patterns

Drive Types Explained

How does a fastener's drive design affect torque capacity, holding power, and function? Learn how in this guide to the most common drive types.

Drive Types Explained

How does a fastener's drive design affect torque capacity, holding power, and function? Learn how in this guide to the most common drive types.

Roof framing with a protractor to measure slope

Measure the Pitch of Your Roof

Learn what roof pitch represents, how it is measured, and how to find the pitch of your roof. 

Measure the Pitch of Your Roof

Learn what roof pitch represents, how it is measured, and how to find the pitch of your roof. 

Shear Strength vs. Tensile Strength

Shear Strength vs. Tensile Strength

Depending on structure and design, fasteners may face greater shear or tensile stress. Various features and materials help resist these breaking forces.

Shear Strength vs. Tensile Strength

Depending on structure and design, fasteners may face greater shear or tensile stress. Various features and materials help resist these breaking forces.

Squirrel pointing to a spinning screw head

Torque Explained: The Force in Fastening

Proper torque is key to reliable screw installation. Learn how torque affects fasteners, what influences tightening torque, and how to apply it correctly to a project.

Torque Explained: The Force in Fastening

Proper torque is key to reliable screw installation. Learn how torque affects fasteners, what influences tightening torque, and how to apply it correctly to a project.

A squirrel with an apron and tools in front of a chain link fence

Measure the Diameter of Your Fence Pipe

Order the right chain link fence hardware by understanding pipe sizing and accurately measuring pipe outside diameter (OD). 

Measure the Diameter of Your Fence Pipe

Order the right chain link fence hardware by understanding pipe sizing and accurately measuring pipe outside diameter (OD). 

What to Know About Nails Before Starting a Project

What to Know About Nails Before Starting a Project

The nail shank, head, material, and size are all important features on the fastener. Learn about the most common nail types and their uses. 

What to Know About Nails Before Starting a Project

The nail shank, head, material, and size are all important features on the fastener. Learn about the most common nail types and their uses. 

A squirrel measuring a screw with a ruler

How to Measure Your Screws

Pay attention to diameter, length, and thread when sizing your screws. Each measurement affects how the fastener performs.

How to Measure Your Screws

Pay attention to diameter, length, and thread when sizing your screws. Each measurement affects how the fastener performs.