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ASVAB · Fasteners and Hardware

What is the purpose of a nail compared to a screw?

Reviewed by Jordan Morley, Editorial Lead at 247SimpleTests. Written by the 247SimpleTests Editorial Team from the official source material cited on every question.

Correct answer

A nail is driven straight in for quick fastening and good shear strength, while a screw threads in for greater holding (pull-out) power

  1. A A nail has threads
  2. B A screw is hammered in
  3. C Nails and screws are identical
  4. D A nail is driven straight in for quick fastening and good shear strength, while a screw threads in for greater holding (pull-out) power

Why this is the answer

A nail is a straight fastener driven in with a hammer; it goes in quickly and offers good resistance to shear (sideways) forces, making it common in framing. A screw has threads and is turned in with a screwdriver or drill; the threads grip the material and give much greater holding (pull-out) power and the ability to be removed and reused. Screws take longer to install but hold better in applications subject to pulling forces. Choosing nails for speed and shear strength versus screws for holding power is a practical fasteners concept on the Shop subtest.
Source: ASVAB SI, Nails vs Screws

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About this topic: Fasteners and Hardware

Fasteners and hardware questions cover screws, bolts, nuts, washers, nails, rivets and anchors, including thread types and when to use each. Expect questions on the difference between a wood screw, a machine screw and a lag bolt. This is one of 9 Shop Information questions on fasteners and hardware, each with a full explanation on a single study page.

New to this exam? Our ASVAB exam guide explains the format, scoring, and how to prepare.

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