Security Bolts

Difference Between a Screw and a Bolt

Actually, there isn’t a perfect way to distinguish screws and bolts. Various definitions have existed, but none have ever been able to perfectly reconcile the imperfect distinctions. Often, however, bolts and screws are defined as follows:

Bolts:
[1] A type of threaded fastener with a head. It is used in combination with a nut.
[2] A fastener with external threading that is made to be inserted into holes in assembled parts. It is usually meant to be released or tightened via torquing a nut.
Screws:
[1] A fastener with a threaded head meant to be used together with a pre-formed internal head, or otherwise forming its own thread. Previously considered to be a threaded fastener where the thread ran to the head of the fastener (so had no plain shank).
[2] A fastener with external threading. It is able to be inserted into holes in assembled parts or can be used in combination with a pre-formed internal thread (or form its own thread). It is generally meant to be tightened and released by by torquing the head.

How does a security bolt differ from a standard bolt?

Security bolts offer more protection that standard bolts. Their purpose is to prevent and minimize the occurrence of burglary, tampering, and vandalism. Security bolts can only be install with unique tools, which are generally unavailable at everyday hardware stores. Similarly, these secure bolts can only be removed with the same set of unique installation/removal tools. Therefore, it is much harder for criminals and vandals to tamper with any property that needs superior protection.

More about security screws.