Clamps, screws, bolts, and other fasteners are invaluable tools during prototyping when used correctly. Here is a quick guide on fasteners:

Nails

• Threadless
• Headless
• Used for softer materials, mainly wood
• Installation:
  • Hand tools- using a hammer to drive nail
    • WARNING: inaccurate drives will cause injury on impact
  • Power Tools- using a pressurized air-powered nail gun pressed against the target to drive the nail
    • WARNING: pressurized air will launch a nail at high speed if actuated wrong, causing serious injuries

Screws

• Threaded
• Normally Phillips or Flat headed, occasionally Torx or Allen (hex) headed
• Used for harder materials, usually "self-driving", meaning it creates its own hole.
• Installation:
  • Hand tools- Screwdriver with matching bit
  • Power tools- Various drills
    • WARNING: Take normal power tool precautions.
    • TIP: Make sure you are using the correct bit for driving screws. Incorrect size or type will strip the screw, making it extremely difficult to remove.

Bolts

• Threaded
• Shaped head, no indent
• Used to hold materials together with a corresponding nut or exact thread, will not stay in place otherwise.
• Installation:
  • Hand tools- wrench or ratchet with correct size to tighten nut
  • Power tools: impact wrench or other powered tool with a corresponding bit
    • WARNING: Take normal power tool precautions.
    • TIP: use a washer to stop the nut from loosening and expand the surface area of the bolt's force. The latter will prevent damage to the surface.

Tubing Clamps

• Many types, commonly presented as screw clamps or ear clamps