This glossary is intended to present general practice relative to nomenclature prevailing in industry. Its availability will tend to make possible, through further development, the elimination of inconsistencies in nomenclature and provide the basis for cataloging by users and producers. It has been arranged to give as much specific information as possible, in as brief a scope as practicable, both by definitions and illustrations. Articles shown in this glossary are not necessarily available or manufactured.

The requirements of mechanical design have resulted in an extensive variety of types and sizes of mechanical fasteners. The large number of products and the variety of names by which they are known have made this glossary necessary. The naming of these products should be based on the shape or features of the products. Unfortunately the names have been taken from the machines, appliances, material, or application on which they are used, and sometimes from the size of the fastener. Thus a clear concept of the product for which a particular name stands requires specific information with regard to the distinguishing features of the product, its usual applications, and other characteristics which differentiate similar products having different names.

This information is published by the American Society of Mechanical Fasteners located in the United Engineering Center, 345 East 47th Street in New York City.