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How to Remove a Stripped Screw15/10/2026Read moreA practical guide to removing stripped, rounded and broken screws using common tools, specialist methods and...
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Find the Right Plastic & Nylon Fastener13/10/2026Read moreA practical guide to choosing plastic and nylon fasteners, covering screws, nuts, washers, thumb screws,...
Find the Right Plastic & Nylon Fastener
How to Find the Right Plastic & Nylon Fastener
Our range of plastic and nylon fasteners is extensive and with so many different fixing styles, thread types and applications available it can be daunting to know which product is right for your requirements.
In this guide we will go through the different types of nylon fasteners, explain what each style is designed to do and help you identify the most suitable option for your assembly.
Whether you need nylon bolts and nuts, nylon washers, thumb screws, spacers, bushes, snap rivets or cable fixings, starting with the function of the component makes choosing the correct product much easier.
Browse Plastic & Nylon Fasteners →
What Is Nylon Used for in Fastening?
The application of nylon in fastening covers everything from threaded screws and nuts to insulating washers, spacers, bushes and panel fasteners. Nylon is often selected where a lightweight and corrosion-resistant alternative to a metal fixing is required.
Nylon components can also help electrically isolate parts and reduce direct metal-to-metal contact. The suitability of a plastic fastener still depends on the required mechanical load, operating environment, dimensions and assembly design.
Electrical Isolation
Useful in assemblies where conductive metal fixings may be unsuitable.
Lightweight
Plastic components provide a low-weight fastening option for suitable applications.
Corrosion Resistant
Nylon does not rust like an unprotected ferrous metal fastener.
Multiple Fixing Styles
Choose threaded fasteners, thumb screws, washers, nuts, spacers, bushes, rivets and cable mounting components.
What Does Your Nylon Fastener Need to Do?
Start with the purpose of the component. This helps determine whether you need a threaded fixing, hand-adjustable fastener, washer or spacer, panel fastener or cable management component.
Join Components
Start with nylon screws and bolts or Nylon All Thread when you require a threaded fastening system.
Adjust by Hand
Thumb screws, wing nuts and knurled nuts are useful where regular manual adjustment is required.
Space or Isolate
Nylon washers, spacer washers, spacers and bushes help separate components or create controlled spacing.
Push Fit or Mount
Snap rivets and cable tie mounts are useful where a threaded nut and bolt assembly is unnecessary.
Which Plastic or Nylon Fastener Do I Need?
Use this table to narrow down the product type before comparing the detailed options below.
| Product Type | Best For | Fixing Style | Why Choose It? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nylon Screws & Bolts | Joining components with a threaded fastener | Male thread | Lightweight threaded fastening with the benefits of nylon construction |
| Low Profile Thumb Screws | Hand-adjusted assemblies with limited head clearance | Male thread with finger-operated head | Combines manual adjustment with a lower-profile head |
| Slotted Head Thumbscrews | Assemblies requiring hand operation with an additional slotted drive | Male thread with thumb head and slot | Can be adjusted by hand while also allowing slotted-tool operation |
| Nylon Washers | Spacing, isolation and protecting mating surfaces | Fits around a screw, bolt or threaded rod | Adds a non-metallic layer between the fixing and component |
| Nylon Hex Nuts | General threaded assemblies | Female thread | Standard nut format for compatible nylon screws, bolts and threaded rod |
| Nylon Dome Nuts | Covering the end of an exposed thread | Female thread | Creates a more enclosed finish over the end of a compatible threaded fastener |
| Nylon All Thread | Longer threaded assemblies and custom fixing lengths | Fully threaded rod | Useful where a standard screw or bolt length is not suitable |
| Locking Wing Nuts | Assemblies requiring hand adjustment with additional retention | Female thread | Winged profile allows tightening without conventional spanners |
| Nylon Wing Nuts | Frequently adjusted or removable assemblies | Hand-tightened female thread | Useful where quick manual tightening and removal are required |
| Knurled Nylon Nuts | Hand-operated threaded assemblies | Female thread with textured outer surface | Provides additional finger grip for manual adjustment |
| Nylon Spacers | Separating panels, boards or components | Positioned around or between fixings | Maintains a controlled gap between assembled components |
| Snap Rivets | Panels, covers and lightweight assemblies | Push or snap fixing | Quick non-threaded fastening without a conventional nut and bolt |
| Nylon Bushes | Spacing, isolating or protecting openings | Fits within or through a compatible hole | Provides a plastic interface between adjoining components |
| Cable Tie Mounts | Cable routing and wire management | Mounting point for a cable tie | Creates a defined fixing point for cable ties and clips |
Nylon Washers vs Spacers vs Bushes: What's the Difference?
These components can look similar but their function within an assembly is different.
Start by deciding whether you need a thin layer beneath a fixing, a defined distance between components or a sleeve through an opening.
| Type | Typical Purpose |
|---|---|
| Nylon washer | Fits beneath a fastener head or nut to separate surfaces, spread contact or provide a non-metallic interface |
| Shoulder washer | Useful where a washer also needs to locate within or insulate part of a hole |
| Spacer washer | Adds a controlled amount of spacing within an assembly |
| Nylon spacer | Creates a larger fixed distance between panels, boards or components |
| Nylon bush | Fits through or inside an opening to provide separation or protection around the hole |
Plastic & Nylon Fastener Types Explained
Once you know the basic function you need, use the product guide below to compare each fastener family. The linked products can also be combined to create complete nylon fastening assemblies.
Nylon Screws & Bolts
Nylon Screws & Bolts provide the main threaded fixing within a plastic fastening assembly. They are useful where a metal fastener is unnecessary or where the assembly benefits from a lightweight and electrically insulating fixing.
They can be used with compatible nylon nuts and plastic washers to create an all-plastic threaded assembly.
Commonly paired with nylon washers and nylon hex nuts.
Nylon Washers
Nylon washers sit between a fastener and the adjoining surface. Plastic washers can help separate materials, protect a mating surface and provide a non-metallic interface within the assembly.
The correct nylon washer should be selected using the internal diameter, outside diameter and thickness required around the fixing. For applications requiring additional location through a hole, a nylon shoulder washer may be more appropriate than a standard flat washer. Our nylon washers are commonly used alongside nylon screws and bolts, nylon nuts and nylon spacers to create lightweight, corrosion-resistant and electrically insulating fastening assemblies.
Nylon washers pair particularly well with:
Nylon Hex Nuts
Nylon Hex Nuts provide a conventional hexagonal nut format for compatible externally threaded fasteners. They are a useful starting point when you need a standard nylon nut rather than a hand-operated wing or knurled style.
Pair Nylon Hex Nuts with:
Nylon Dome Nuts
Nylon Dome Nuts combine a threaded nut with an enclosed upper section. This makes them useful where the exposed end of a compatible screw, bolt or threaded rod needs to be covered.
Complete the assembly with Nylon Screws & Bolts, Nylon All Thread or Nylon Washers.
Nylon All Thread
Nylon All Thread provides a continuous male thread for assemblies where a standard screw or bolt length is not the most suitable solution. It can form part of a longer fastening arrangement with compatible nuts and washers.
Use with Nylon Hex Nuts and Nylon Washers to create a compatible threaded assembly.
Need a Fastener You Can Adjust by Hand?
Thumb screws, wing nuts and knurled nuts are useful where a fastening point needs to be tightened, loosened or removed regularly without relying entirely on conventional tools.
Plastic & Nylon Thumb Screws
Thumb screws are designed for assemblies that need regular adjustment, removal or repositioning. Their enlarged head allows the fastener to be operated by hand, making them particularly useful for covers, access panels, equipment, fixtures and other applications where frequent access is required.
When searching for nylon thumb screws, M6 thumb screws or M8 thumb screws, always check the individual product range for the required thread size, thread length and head style rather than selecting by diameter alone.
Plastic Threaded Low Profile Thumbscrews
Low Profile Thumbscrews provide a hand-operated threaded fixing while keeping the head height relatively compact. This makes them useful where finger adjustment is required but available space above the fastener is limited.
Best suited to assemblies requiring frequent manual adjustment with a lower-profile head.
View Low Profile Thumbscrews →
Slotted Head Thumbscrews
Slotted Head Thumbscrews combine a finger-operated head with a slotted drive. This gives the user the convenience of hand adjustment while retaining the option to use a suitable slotted tool when required.
Best suited to removable panels, equipment and adjustable assemblies where both hand operation and a slotted drive are useful.
View Slotted Head Thumbscrews →Need a Metal Thumb Screw Instead?
Alongside our plastic and nylon thumb screws, we also stock a large range of stainless steel thumb screws for applications where a metal fastening solution is preferred. Our wider Knurled Thumbscrews range includes hand-operated metal fixing options for engineering, machinery and equipment applications.
Why Choose Nylon Fasteners over Metal
Non-Conductive
Suitable for electrical and electronic assemblies where metal fasteners may be unsuitable.
Corrosion Resistant
Won't rust, making nylon fasteners useful in damp or chemically exposed environments.
Lightweight
Lower component weight than comparable steel fasteners.
Non-Marring
Helps protect finished, painted and delicate surfaces.
Locking Wing Nuts
Locking Wing Nuts provide a hand-operated fastening option where the assembly benefits from a winged grip and additional resistance to unwanted loosening.
Pair with compatible Nylon Screws & Bolts and Nylon Washers.
Nylon Wing Nuts
Plastic Wing Nuts use two extended wings to provide a larger finger grip. They are particularly useful in assemblies that need repeated adjustment or removal without relying on a spanner.
Use with compatible Nylon Screws & Bolts or Nylon All Thread.
Knurled Nylon Nuts
Knurled Nylon Nuts provide a textured outer surface that is easier to grip by hand than a smooth nut. They are suitable for assemblies where compact manual adjustment is preferred over larger wing-style projections.
Pair with compatible Nylon Screws & Bolts and Nylon Washers.
Nylon Spacers
Nylon Spacers create a defined distance between two components while allowing a compatible fastener to pass through the centre. They can be used in equipment, panels and electronic assemblies where parts must be kept separated.
For applications involving PCB standoffs, PCB board standoffs or circuit board standoffs, check whether your assembly requires a simple through spacer or a dedicated fixing style before selecting the component.
Spacers can be used alongside Nylon Screws & Bolts and Nylon Washers where the dimensions are compatible.
Snap Rivets
Snap Rivets provide a quick plastic fastening method for compatible panels and lightweight assemblies. Unlike threaded nylon bolts and nuts, these products use a push or snap installation method.
Plastic push rivets are particularly useful where quick installation is more important than creating a conventional threaded joint.
View Snap Rivets →
Nylon Bushes
Nylon Bushes can be used to create separation between a component and an opening or to provide a plastic interface around a fixing point. They are useful when a plain washer does not provide enough coverage through the hole.
View Nylon Bushes →
Cable Tie Mounts
Cable Tie Mounts provide a defined anchor point for cable ties and clips. They are useful for organising electrical wiring, hoses and smaller cable runs within equipment, panels and other installations.
Where you are comparing cable tie clips, plastic cable clips and other cable fixings, first consider how the mounting point attaches to the application and what size of cable bundle needs to be supported.
View Cable Tie Mounts →Building a Complete Nylon Fastening Assembly
Many of these products are designed to work as part of an assembly rather than in isolation. Use the combinations below as a starting point before checking thread size and dimensions.
| Application | Suggested Combination |
|---|---|
| Standard threaded joint | Nylon screw or bolt + nylon washer + nylon hex nut |
| Hand-adjustable threaded joint | Plastic thumb screw + compatible threaded component |
| Long threaded assembly | Nylon All Thread + nylon washers + nylon hex nuts |
| Hand-adjustable nut fixing | Nylon screw or bolt + nylon wing nut |
| Spaced panel assembly | Nylon screw or bolt + nylon spacer + nylon nut |
| Quick panel fastening | Snap rivet |
What Should You Measure?
Once you have identified the correct fastener type, check the dimensions required by the assembly before choosing the final product.
Thread Size
Ensure screws, thumb screws, bolts, threaded rod and nuts use compatible thread sizes.
Fastener Length
Check the total material thickness and the amount of thread needed for engagement.
Hole Diameter
Bushes, spacers, snap rivets and push-fit fasteners need to match the mounting hole.
Required Spacing
Check the required washer thickness, shoulder depth or spacer length within the assembly.
Frequently Asked Questions
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