Bolt and Nut vs. Tapped Hole

Bolt and Nut 

 A bolt passes through two or more materials and is secured with a nut on the opposite side. 

 Advantages: 

 

 High strength connections 

 Easy to replace damaged hardware 

 Good for structural joints 

 

 Disadvantages: 

 

 Requires access to both sides 

 Can be slower to assemble 

 

 Tapped Hole 

 A tapped hole has internal threads cut into the material, allowing a screw to thread directly into the part. 

 Advantages: 

 

 Only one-side access needed 

 Clean and compact assemblies 

 

 Disadvantages: 

 

 Threads can strip if over-tightened 

 Not ideal for thin materials