Cabinet fasteners

Screws
- Wood Screws: Used for joining wooden parts of cabinets. They come in various sizes and lengths. Common types include flathead, panhead, and roundhead screws.
- Drywall Screws: Typically used for attaching cabinets to wall studs or for securing cabinet panels.
- Confirmat Screws: Specifically designed for use with particle board or MDF, often used in modular or flat-pack furniture.

Nails
- Finish Nails: Small nails with a small head, used for trim work and attaching thin panels or moldings.
- Brad Nails: Smaller than finish nails, used for delicate trim work or securing thin materials.

Cabinet Dowels
- Wood Dowels: Wooden rods used to align and join pieces of wood. They are inserted into pre-drilled holes and glued to create a strong, invisible joint.
- Plastic or Metal Dowels: Often used in modular or pre-fabricated cabinets for alignment and stability.

Hinges
- European Hinges: Also known as concealed or cup hinges, they are hidden when the cabinet door is closed and provide adjustable, smooth operation.
- Pivot Hinges: Allow doors to swing open from a single point, often used in specialty or decorative cabinets.

Drawer Slides
- Side-Mount Slides: Attached to the sides of the drawer and cabinet. They offer easy installation and adjustment.
- Under-Mount Slides: Mounted underneath the drawer, providing a clean look and smooth operation. They are often used for heavy-duty applications.
- Center-Mount Slides: Positioned in the center of the drawer, they are less common but can be used for certain design preferences.

Cam Locks and Cam Bolts
- Cam Locks: Used in flat-pack or modular cabinets to securely join two panels together. A cam lock is turned to pull the panels tight against each other.
- Cam Bolts: Paired with cam locks, these bolts fit into pre-drilled holes and are tightened by turning the cam lock.

Fastener Plates
- Metal Plates: Used to join or reinforce joints, such as corner braces or cabinet back plates. They provide additional strength and stability.

Corner Brackets
- L-Brackets: Provide extra support at corners or joints. They are commonly used for reinforcing cabinet corners or securing cabinets to the wall.

Bumpers and Pads
- Cabinet Bumpers: Small rubber or felt pads placed on the inside of cabinet doors to prevent noise and damage when closing.
- Soft-Close Mechanisms: Not exactly fasteners but often used in conjunction with cabinet hardware to ensure smooth, quiet closing of doors and drawers.

Material Compatibility
- Wood: Ensure screws and dowels are suitable for the type of wood used in your cabinets. Use corrosion-resistant screws for damp or humid environments.
- Particle Board/MDF: Use confirmat screws or other fasteners designed for engineered wood products.

Load-Bearing Capacity
- Weight Support: Choose fasteners that can support the weight of the cabinet and its contents. Heavy-duty applications may require larger or more robust fasteners.

Aesthetic Considerations
- Visibility: Consider whether the fasteners will be visible. For visible areas, choose decorative or concealed options.

Ease of Installation
- Tools Required: Ensure you have the right tools for the fasteners you choose. For example, cam locks require a screwdriver and possibly a cam tool for installation.

Durability
- Long-Term Use: Opt for high-quality fasteners that will hold up over time and with regular use.

Adjustability
- Hinges and Slides: Look for adjustable hinges and slides to ensure proper alignment and smooth operation of cabinet doors and drawers.

By selecting the right cabinet fasteners and understanding their specific applications, you can ensure a sturdy, functional, and visually appealing cabinetry installation that meets your needs.