When undertaking a home improvement project or a repair around the house, it’s critical to have the right fastener for the job. If you use the wrong fastener and your project falls apart, all of your hard work practically disappears. Of all the hardware products you use, fasteners may be the most important. The hardware experts at GNG Plumbing and The Hardware Store in Orange Beach, AL, are here to describe common types of fasteners and what they can best be used for.

Here's a guide to finding the ideal fastener for your project:

• Wood Screws: Wood screws pull two pieces of wood or other soft materials together. They have large threads, a smooth shank, and a flat head that is designed to be flush with the material when installed.
• Sheet Metal Screws: These can be used in wood, fiberglass, or plastic as well as sheet metal. They have sharp threads and a sharp point.
• Large Bolts: Large bolts are an essential hardware product often used for wood construction and landscaping projects. They are thick wood screws with hex heads that you tighten with a wrench.
• Carriage Bolts: These bolts are domed on the top and square underneath so they don’t spin while being installed.
• Nails: One of the most common hardware products available, nails come in a huge variety of sizes, types, and materials. Choose a nail at least three times the length of the material you are nailing through. Choose a galvanized nail if you’re working on an exterior project and the nails will be exposed to the elements.

Selecting the right hardware products for all your projects can be overwhelming — unless you know who to ask. The experts at GNG Plumbing and The Hardware Store will quickly show you the best fasteners and other products to use for any job. Call them at (251) 974-5630 or visit them online to learn more about the wide variety of hardware products they stock, as well as their residential plumbing and grinder pump service.