Aircraft fasteners are paramount to the construction and functionality of countless aviation systems, allowing for two or more components to be secured together. While many fasteners may play similar roles in creating assemblies through their installation, different types, materials, and shapes may all affect the capabilities of the fastener and dictate where and how they are best used. By understanding the differences between common fasteners such as bolts, nuts, and washers, one can ensure that their aircraft assemblies have long and reliable service lives while being able to withstand the extreme forces that aircraft commonly face during flight.