nutandscrew

Nutandscrew is a term that refers to the basic mechanical fastener system formed by a nut threaded internally to mate with a screw or bolt. The assembly converts rotational motion into linear displacement, enabling clamping, positioning, or actuation in machines and structures. Although commonly described as "nut and screw" in most technical literature, some catalogs or discussions coin the fused form "nutandscrew" as a shorthand for the paired components.

Components and operation: The screw has external threads cut along its cylindrical body; the nut contains internal threads that match the screw. When the screw is turned, the nut travels along its length, or vice versa, producing straight-line motion. Performance depends on thread pitch, diameter, lubrication, and material. Nuts and screws may be made from steel, stainless steel, brass, or plastics, and may include locking features or coatings to resist loosening and corrosion. Common nut shapes include hex, square, jam, and wing nuts, while special nuts like acme or trapezoidal profiles are used for different loads.

Variants and related mechanisms: For higher efficiency or precision, ball screws or roller nuts use rolling elements to reduce friction. Lead screws with high-pitch threads provide fast travel but lower self-locking in some materials. The choice of thread standards (e.g., metric or imperial) and tolerances affects stiffness and repeatability.

Applications: Nutandscrew assemblies are ubiquitous in machinery, automation, robotics, automotive components, electronics hardware enclosures, and adjustable furniture. They support clamping forces, linear actuators, and adjustable positioning.

History and terminology: The concept dates back to early screw-thread development in the 18th–19th centuries, with standardized threads enabling interchangeability. The term "nutandscrew" is not a formal technical designation but may appear in nonstandard writing as a mnemonic for the nut-and-screw pair.