Bolt and nut

Another type of screw that can be used in woodworking are bolts and nuts. The bolt is a rod that sticks through both of the wood pieces, to be fastened at the end by tightening the nut.

They are a durable and easy to disassemble mechanical connection. They are available in different types of metal (for a more extensive environmental profile, check galvanized steel, stainless steel and brass screws).

Bolts and nuts can get damaged when they are forced together, or when they are exposed to water extensively. In case of stainless steel, the oxide layer (formed by the chromium) can be scraped off. Galvanised bolts can loose their zinc layer and go rusty. Both cases will make it very difficult to remove the nut.

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The life cycle	Pro	Con
		High energy Because bolts and nuts systems use a lot of metal, normally stainless steel, they have a high embodied energy. Show Alternatives » Alternatives connections Low Energy Animal glue Casein glue Dowels, biscuits and lamellos Soy glue Tie-wraps High footprint Stainless steel production is very polluting, about 10 times more than regular steel. Keep in mind that a thick bolt and nut requires several times more material than a screw (1). Show Alternatives » Alternatives connections Low footprint Animal glue Dowels, biscuits and lamellos Soy glue

	Non toxic No toxics offgas or leach from bolts and nuts. Quick Easy and quick connection.	Costly Compared to normal screws, bolts and nuts are more expensive. Show Alternatives » Alternatives connections Low cost Animal glue Casein glue Dowels, biscuits and lamellos Nails – Brass Nails – Stainless steel Natural fibre straps Plastic straps Screws – Galvanized steel Screws – Stainless steel Staples Wood glue (PVA based)	Tips if you want a fastener that does not rust, use brass. If you want one that does not bend, use galvanized steel. In plumbing they use a steel bolt with a brass nut, so that they do not weld together.
	Space saving When a wooden construction is fastened with bolts and nuts, it will be easily dis- and reassembled. This will save space and therefore energy in transport.
	Non toxic No toxics offgas or leach from bolts and nuts. Long lifespan Metal bolts and nuts do not degrade fast so they make a durable connection. However, when they rust, the thread wil get damaged and this will make it difficult to release the nut from the bolt.

	Easy recycling Bolts and nuts made out of steel can be easily recycled, even if the product is fully incinerated. Easy reuse Wooden constructions that are fastened with bolts and nuts are easy to disassemble. The wooden components can be reused easily.