Screw vs. Rivet: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 10, 2023
A "Screw" is a threaded fastener turned into materials, while a "Rivet" is a metal pin used to join two pieces of metal by passing through and then flattening its end.
Key Differences
"Screw" and "Rivet" are both types of fasteners, but they are used differently and have distinct characteristics. A "Screw" is a threaded fastener that can be turned into materials, either by a groove in its head or by interfacing with internal threads. It can be removed and re-used, making it versatile in many applications. On the other hand, a "Rivet" is a metal pin or bolt used to join two pieces of metal or other materials. Its end is passed through the materials and then flattened or otherwise secured, creating a permanent bond.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
In terms of installation, screws require rotation, which is facilitated by the threads, and are typically driven by tools like screwdrivers or drills. "Rivets," in contrast, don't need rotation but are instead set by driving or pressing the tail, typically using a rivet gun or a hammer. This action causes the tail to expand and form a "head" on the opposite side of the materials, securing them together.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
The primary difference in their functionality is reversibility. While screws can be easily removed, making them ideal for applications requiring adjustments or disassembly, rivets are more permanent. Once set, a "Rivet" typically can't be removed without drilling it out or otherwise destroying it.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
From a grammatical standpoint, both "Screw" and "Rivet" function mainly as nouns but can also be used as verbs. To "screw" can mean to attach or tighten using a screw, while to "rivet" can mean to fix firmly or command attention. In conclusion, while both serve as fastening tools, their methods, and permanency in attachment differ considerably.
Sara Rehman
Oct 10, 2023
Comparison Chart
Primary Function
Threaded fastener for reversible attachment.
Metal pin for permanent attachment.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
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Installation Method
Rotation (using threads).
Driving or pressing (forming a head).
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
Grammatical Usage
Used as both a noun and a verb.
Used as both a noun and a verb.
Janet White
Oct 10, 2023
Screw and Rivet Definitions
Screw
A cylindrical rod incised with one or more helical or advancing spiral threads, as a lead screw or worm screw.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 16, 2022
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Rivet
A metal pin used to fasten two pieces of metal together.
The bridge's beams are held together by steel rivets.
Sara Rehman
Oct 10, 2023
Rivet
To attract and completely engross.
The suspenseful movie riveted the audience's attention.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
Rivet
A fastener that is hammered or pressed into place.
The leather jacket had decorative rivets.
Sara Rehman
Oct 10, 2023
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Rivet
To fix or hold something firmly in place.
His gaze was riveted on the screen.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 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.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 16, 2022
Rivet
To hammer and bend or flatten the headless end of (a nail or bolt) so as to fasten something.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 16, 2022
Rivet
To fix the attention of (someone)
The audience was riveted by the suspense.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 16, 2022
Rivet
A cylindrical mechanical fastener that attaches multiple parts together by fitting through a hole and deforming the head(s) at either end.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 16, 2022
Rivet
(obsolete) A light kind of footman's plate armour; an almain rivet. Category:en:Armor
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Nov 16, 2022
Screw
To attach (a tapped or threaded fitting or cap) by twisting into place.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 16, 2022
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 16, 2022
Rivet
To fasten with a rivet, or with rivets; as, to rivet two pieces of iron.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 16, 2022
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 16, 2022
Screw
(Slang) To treat (someone) unfairly; exploit or cheat
Screwed me out of the most lucrative sales territory.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 16, 2022
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 16, 2022
Rivet
Ornament consisting of a circular rounded protuberance (as on a vault or shield or belt)
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Nov 16, 2022
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
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 16, 2022
Rivet
Direct one's attention on something;
Please focus on your studies and not on your hobbies
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 16, 2022
Rivet
Hold (someone's attention);
The discovery of the skull riveted the paleontologists
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 16, 2022
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 16, 2022
Screw
An instructor who examines with great or unnecessary severity; also, a searching or strict examination of a student by an instructor.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 16, 2022
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 16, 2022
Screw
(transitive) To extort or practice extortion upon; to oppress by unreasonable or extortionate exactions; to put the screws on.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 16, 2022
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 16, 2022
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 16, 2022
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 16, 2022
Screw
A steam vesel propelled by a screw instead of wheels; a screw steamer; a propeller.
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Nov 16, 2022
Screw
An instructor who examines with great or unnecessary severity; also, a searching or strict examination of a student by an instructor.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 16, 2022
Screw
An unsound or worn-out horse, useful as a hack, and commonly of good appearance.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 16, 2022
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 16, 2022
Screw
An amphipod crustacean; as, the skeleton screw (Caprella). See Sand screw, under Sand.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 16, 2022
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 16, 2022
Screw
To force; to squeeze; to press, as by screws.
But screw your courage to the sticking place,And we'll not fail.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 16, 2022
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 16, 2022
Screw
To twist; to distort; as, to screw his visage.
He screwed his face into a hardened smile.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 16, 2022
Screw
To turn one's self uneasily with a twisting motion; as, he screws about in his chair.
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Nov 16, 2022
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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Nov 16, 2022
Screw
A propeller with several angled blades that rotates to push against water or air
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Nov 16, 2022
Screw
Have sexual intercourse with;
This student sleeps with everyone in her dorm
Adam knew Eve
Were you ever intimate with this man?
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 16, 2022
Screw
A threaded fastener used to join materials together.
I need a screw to fix this chair.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
Screw
A simple machine consisting of a cylindrical rod incised with one or more helical or spiral grooves into its surface.
The ancient Greeks used the screw in various applications.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 10, 2023
Screw
To manipulate or alter, often in a dishonest way.
Don't screw with the settings on my computer!
Sara Rehman
Oct 10, 2023
FAQs
Do screws require a tool for installation?
Yes, typically a screwdriver or a drill.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
Are both screws and rivets used for fastening?
Yes, but screws are removable, while rivets are more permanent.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
Is a rivet considered a permanent fastener?
Generally yes, removing a rivet often involves drilling it out.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
Are screws always made of metal?
No, screws can be made of various materials including plastic.
Janet White
Oct 10, 2023
Can screws be used in wood?
Yes, there are screws specifically designed for wood.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
What's the main difference in installation of screws vs rivets?
Screws require rotation while rivets are set by driving or pressing.
Harlon Moss
Oct 10, 2023
Can the word "screw" be used as a verb?
Yes, e.g., "Screw the lid onto the jar."
Harlon Moss
Oct 10, 2023
How do screws hold pieces together?
Through the action of their threads gripping material.
Janet White
Oct 10, 2023
Are rivets used in leatherwork?
Yes, rivets are often used to join pieces of leather.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 10, 2023
Can the term "screw" have other meanings?
Yes, it can mean to manipulate or alter dishonestly, among others.
Harlon Moss
Oct 10, 2023
Are rivets only made of metal?
While traditionally made of metal, rivets can also be made of plastic or other materials.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
Can "screw" imply a twisting action?
Yes, like "screw the cap onto the bottle."
Janet White
Oct 10, 2023
Can both screws and rivets be used in metalwork?
Yes, both are used to join pieces of metal.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 10, 2023
Is there a type of screw that doesn't require pre-drilled holes?
Yes, self-tapping screws can create their own hole as they're driven.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
Are there different types of rivets?
Yes, including pop rivets, solid rivets, and more.
Harlon Moss
Oct 10, 2023
Are rivets used in aircraft construction?
Yes, rivets are commonly used in aircraft due to their strength and permanence.
Janet White
Oct 10, 2023
Are rivets typically used where disassembly is needed?
No, they're used for more permanent joins.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 10, 2023
In what scenarios are screws preferable over rivets?
In scenarios requiring potential adjustments or disassembly.
Janet White
Oct 10, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
