Screw vs. Rivet: Difference and Comparison
Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Updated on November 3, 2023
A screw is a fastener with a threaded shaft, driven in with rotation, while a rivet is a metal pin used to join two plates, deformed at both ends to hold them together.
Difference Between Screw and Rivet
A screw and a rivet are both types of fasteners, but they differ in design, application, and functionality. A screw is typically characterized by its external thread, helically wound around a central shaft. The primary function of a screw is to fasten objects by penetrating and being rotated into the material, often with the aid of a screwdriver or drill.
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Sep 25, 2023
On the other hand, a rivet consists of a cylindrical shaft with a head on one end. To use a rivet, it's inserted into pre-drilled holes in the materials to be joined. The protruding end of the rivet is then deformed, usually by hammering or using a rivet gun, to form a second head, thereby securing the materials together.
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Sep 25, 2023
While screws can often be removed and reused if needed, rivets provide a more permanent join. Once a rivet is set in place, it's typically not meant to be removed. If removal is required, the rivet often needs to be drilled out or otherwise destructively removed.
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Sep 25, 2023
The choice between screws and rivets depends on the specific requirements of a project. Screws are more adaptable for applications where adjustments or disassembly might be needed. Rivets, being more permanent, are ideal for situations where a strong, long-lasting bond is required without the need for future adjustments.
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Sep 25, 2023
Screw vs. Rivet Comparison Chart
Function
Fastens by rotation into material.
Joins materials by forming a head on both ends.
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Sep 25, 2023
Removability
Often removable with appropriate tool.
Typically permanent; removal can be destructive.
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Sep 25, 2023
Screw vs. Rivet Definitions
◉Screw
A threaded fastener that is turned to grip.
He tightened the screw with a screwdriver.
William
Sep 25, 2023
◉Rivet
A metal pin for fastening objects by penetrating and then deforming its end.
The bridge was held together with large steel rivets.
Henry
Sep 25, 2023
◉Screw
A twist or turn given to something.
He gave the bottle cap a final screw to seal it.
Leo
Sep 25, 2023
◉Rivet
Something that attracts and holds attention.
Her story was so engaging; it riveted the audience.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
◉Screw
An action that causes pressure or hardship.
The new regulations put the screw on many businesses.
Jonathan
Sep 25, 2023
◉Rivet
To hold (the eye, attention, etc.) firmly.
The suspenseful scene riveted his attention.
Levi
Sep 25, 2023
◉Screw
A cylindrical rod incised with one or more helical or advancing spiral threads, as a lead screw or worm screw.
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May 03, 2023
◉Rivet
A metal bolt or pin having a head on one end, inserted through aligned holes in the pieces to be joined and then hammered on the plain end so as to form a second head.
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May 03, 2023
◉Rivet
To hammer and bend or flatten the headless end of (a nail or bolt) so as to fasten something.
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May 03, 2023
◉Rivet
To fix the attention of (someone)
The audience was riveted by the suspense.
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May 03, 2023
◉Rivet
A cylindrical mechanical fastener that attaches multiple parts together by fitting through a hole and deforming the head(s) at either end.
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May 03, 2023
◉Rivet
(obsolete) A light kind of footman's plate armour; an almain rivet. Category:en:Armor
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May 03, 2023
◉Rivet
A metallic pin with a head, used for uniting two plates or pieces of material together, by passing it through them and then beating or pressing down the point so that it shall spread out and form a second head; a pin or bolt headed or clinched at both ends.
With busy hammers closing rivets up.
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May 03, 2023
◉Rivet
To fasten with a rivet, or with rivets; as, to rivet two pieces of iron.
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May 03, 2023
◉Rivet
To spread out the end or point of, as of a metallic pin, rod, or bolt, by beating or pressing, so as to form a sort of head.
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May 03, 2023
◉Screw
To fasten, tighten, or attach by means of a screw or similar fastener.
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May 03, 2023
◉Rivet
Hence, to fasten firmly; to make firm, strong, or immovable; as, to rivet friendship or affection.
Rivet and nail me where I stand, ye powers!
Thus his confidence was riveted and confirmed.
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May 03, 2023
◉Screw
To attach (a tapped or threaded fitting or cap) by twisting into place.
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May 03, 2023
◉Rivet
ornament consisting of a circular rounded protuberance (as on a vault or shield or belt)
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May 03, 2023
◉Rivet
heavy pin having a head at one end and the other end being hammered flat after being passed through holes in the pieces that are fastened together
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May 03, 2023
◉Rivet
direct one's attention on something;
Please focus on your studies and not on your hobbies
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May 03, 2023
◉Screw
(Slang) To treat (someone) unfairly; exploit or cheat
screwed me out of the most lucrative sales territory.
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May 03, 2023
◉Rivet
hold (someone's attention);
The discovery of the skull riveted the paleontologists
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May 03, 2023
◉Rivet
To fix firmly or secure.
She was riveted in her seat during the thrilling performance.
Muazma Batool
Sep 25, 2023
◉Rivet
To fasten or join with a rivet.
He riveted the metal plates together.
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Sep 25, 2023
◉Screw
A (usually) metal fastener consisting of a partially or completely threaded shank, sometimes with a threaded point, and a head used to both hold the top material and to drive the screw either directly into a soft material or into a prepared hole.
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May 03, 2023
◉Screw
An instructor who examines with great or unnecessary severity; also, a searching or strict examination of a student by an instructor.
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May 03, 2023
◉Screw
(math) A straight line in space with which a definite linear magnitude termed the pitch is associated. It is used to express the displacement of a rigid body, which may always be made to consist of a rotation about an axis combined with a translation parallel to that axis.
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May 03, 2023
◉Screw
To cheat someone or ruin their chances in a game or other situation.
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May 03, 2023
◉Screw
(transitive) To extort or practice extortion upon; to oppress by unreasonable or extortionate exactions; to put the screws on.
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May 03, 2023
◉Screw
A cylinder, or a cylindrical perforation, having a continuous rib, called the thread, winding round it spirally at a constant inclination, so as to leave a continuous spiral groove between one turn and the next, - used chiefly for producing, when revolved, motion or pressure in the direction of its axis, by the sliding of the threads of the cylinder in the grooves between the threads of the perforation adapted to it, the former being distinguished as the external, or male screw, or, more usually the screw; the latter as the internal, or female screw, or, more usually, the nut.
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May 03, 2023
◉Screw
Specifically, a kind of nail with a spiral thread and a head with a nick to receive the end of the screw-driver. Screws are much used to hold together pieces of wood or to fasten something; - called also wood screws, and screw nails. See also Screw bolt, below.
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May 03, 2023
◉Screw
Anything shaped or acting like a screw; esp., a form of wheel for propelling steam vessels. It is placed at the stern, and furnished with blades having helicoidal surfaces to act against the water in the manner of a screw. See Screw propeller, below.
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May 03, 2023
◉Screw
A steam vesel propelled by a screw instead of wheels; a screw steamer; a propeller.
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May 03, 2023
◉Screw
An instructor who examines with great or unnecessary severity; also, a searching or strict examination of a student by an instructor.
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May 03, 2023
◉Screw
An unsound or worn-out horse, useful as a hack, and commonly of good appearance.
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May 03, 2023
◉Screw
A straight line in space with which a definite linear magnitude termed the pitch is associated (cf. 5th Pitch, 10 (b)). It is used to express the displacement of a rigid body, which may always be made to consist of a rotation about an axis combined with a translation parallel to that axis.
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May 03, 2023
◉Screw
An amphipod crustacean; as, the skeleton screw (Caprella). See Sand screw, under Sand.
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May 03, 2023
◉Screw
To turn, as a screw; to apply a screw to; to press, fasten, or make firm, by means of a screw or screws; as, to screw a lock on a door; to screw a press.
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May 03, 2023
◉Screw
To force; to squeeze; to press, as by screws.
But screw your courage to the sticking place,And we'll not fail.
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May 03, 2023
◉Screw
Hence: To practice extortion upon; to oppress by unreasonable or extortionate exactions.
Our country landlords, by unmeasurable screwing and racking their tenants, have already reduced the miserable people to a worse condition than the peasants in France.
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May 03, 2023
◉Screw
To twist; to distort; as, to screw his visage.
He screwed his face into a hardened smile.
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May 03, 2023
◉Screw
To examine rigidly, as a student; to subject to a severe examination.
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May 03, 2023
◉Screw
To use violent mans in making exactions; to be oppressive or exacting.
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May 03, 2023
◉Screw
To turn one's self uneasily with a twisting motion; as, he screws about in his chair.
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May 03, 2023
◉Screw
a simple machine of the inclined-plane type consisting of a spirally threaded cylindrical rod that engages with a similarly threaded hole
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May 03, 2023
◉Screw
a propeller with several angled blades that rotates to push against water or air
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May 03, 2023
◉Screw
have sexual intercourse with;
This student sleeps with everyone in her dorm
Adam knew Eve
Were you ever intimate with this man?
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Screw
cause to penetrate, as with a circular motion;
drive in screws or bolts
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May 03, 2023
◉Screw
tighten or fasten by means of screwing motions;
Screw the bottle cap on
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Screw
A cylindrical pin with a helical ridge.
The wooden table was held together by long screws.
Elijah
Sep 25, 2023
◉Screw
A device operated by a screw mechanism, e.g., a clamp.
She used a bench screw to hold the wood in place.
Elijah
Sep 25, 2023
Screw vs. Rivet Frequently Asked Questions
Is a rivet considered a more permanent fastener?
Yes, rivets typically provide a more permanent join than screws.
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Sep 25, 2023
How does a rivet work?
By inserting into pre-drilled holes and deforming the end to hold materials together.
Muazma Batool
Sep 25, 2023
Are screws generally reusable?
Yes, screws can often be removed and reused.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
Can rivets be used in plastic materials?
Yes, while metal is common, rivets can also join plastic or other materials.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
Which is stronger, a screw or a rivet?
It depends on the application, material, and type of screw or rivet used.
Elijah
Sep 25, 2023
Do screws and rivets come in various sizes?
Yes, both come in a variety of sizes to suit different applications.
Nolan
Sep 25, 2023
In what industries are rivets commonly used?
Rivets are often used in construction, aircraft manufacturing, and fashion.
Leo
Sep 25, 2023
Do screws require pre-drilled holes?
Not always, some screws are self-tapping and can create their own holes.
Henry
Sep 25, 2023
What's the primary purpose of a screw?
To fasten objects by penetrating and rotating into the material.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
Is a rivet gun always necessary to set a rivet?
Not always; some rivets can be set using a hammer, but a rivet gun provides precision and ease.
William
Sep 25, 2023
Content Creators
Written by
Muneeza RehmanAt Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.
Edited by
Muazma BatoolAs a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.
