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ASVAB · Fasteners and Hardware

What is the difference between a bolt and a screw?

Correct answer

A bolt requires a nut to fasten; a screw threads directly into a material — though the distinction in modern usage is often about application rather than absolute design

  1. A Bolts are larger; screws are smaller
  2. B A bolt requires a nut to fasten; a screw threads directly into a material — though the distinction in modern usage is often about application rather than absolute design
  3. C Bolts have hex heads; screws have flat heads
  4. D Screws are only for wood

Why this is the answer

Technically, a BOLT is designed to be tightened by a nut on the opposite side — it clamps two parts together through holes. A SCREW is designed to thread directly into a material (wood, metal, plastic) without a separate nut. In practical shop use, these definitions blur — 'machine screw' often refers to what is technically a bolt when used with a nut. The key concept: bolt + nut = clamping joint; screw = threads into material directly.
Source: ASVAB SI, Fastener Types

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