Building & Buying Guides

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

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

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.

Squirrel coming out of Dektite roof pipe flashing

Choose the right flashing for your roof

When installing or repairing roofing, you should use flashing that fits your roof pitch and profile, material, and environment. 

Choose the right flashing for your roof

When installing or repairing roofing, you should use flashing that fits your roof pitch and profile, material, and environment. 

Common screw mistakes

Common screw mistakes

Make your fasteners last by avoiding common hardware errors, such as using the wrong screw type, not meeting the project’s structural or design needs, and improper installation technique. 

Common screw mistakes

Make your fasteners last by avoiding common hardware errors, such as using the wrong screw type, not meeting the project’s structural or design needs, and improper installation technique.