# Quick Insert, One-Way Hardware "Screws"? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [April 7, 2019, 1:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quick-insert-one-way-hardware-screws/832158 "2019-04-07T01:45:59Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 8\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Jinx](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/c6cbf5/32.png) [@Jinx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jinx)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2019, 1:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quick-insert-one-way-hardware-screws/832158/1 "2019-04-07T01:45:59Z")
I am seeking some one-way fasteners often used on cars to hold molding in place. My daughter has a Hyundai, and my big clumsy feet sheared the top of some plastic (probably fiberglass) molding or trim piece that covers the threshold where the inside of the car meets the outside of the car immediately beneath where the door closes shut. (It is technically inside the car.) I believe these plastic fasteners press into place for a quick insert and grab, plus the “teeth” (i.e.: what might look like angled threads) on these fasteners act in only one direction to avoid falling out. They are inserted by hand, requiring no tools. FYI: For those into housing construction, I believe a similar item is often used to hold shutters on a house (with vinyl siding). What are these items called? As one might guess, if it matters, these items come in various sizes. ---
**Author:** ![Kent\_Clark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kent_clark/32/105_2.png) [@Kent\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kent_Clark)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2019, 2:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quick-insert-one-way-hardware-screws/832158/2 "2019-04-07T02:03:00Z")
[Push fasteners, aka clips/clip fasteners.](https://www.amazon.com/slp/plastic-fasteners/223jhpfxh6f27wm) ---
**Author:** ![Cheesesteak](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cheesesteak/32/3694_2.png) [@Cheesesteak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cheesesteak)\ **Post date:** [April 8, 2019, 11:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quick-insert-one-way-hardware-screws/832158/3 "2019-04-08T11:24:29Z")
There’s another type called informally [Christmas Tree Fasteners](https://www.amazon.com/GOOACC-Bumper-Fastener-Retainer-Chrysler/dp/B0017UBHQS/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1S13JFM3O7GJX&keywords=christmas+tree+fasteners&qid=1554722556&s=gateway&sprefix=christmas+tree+fast%2Caps%2C118&sr=8-2) that get heavy use in the auto industry ---
**Author:** ![Marvin\_the\_Martian](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/marvin_the_martian/32/2898_2.png) [@Marvin\_the\_Martian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marvin_the_Martian)\ **Post date:** [April 8, 2019, 4:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quick-insert-one-way-hardware-screws/832158/4 "2019-04-08T16:41:37Z")
The local Ace Hardware sells them, although I don’t know how big a selection they have. I’ve never actually looked at them, but I see several drawers of them in the back of the store where the Hillman Hardware drawers are. ---
**Author:** ![Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mean_mr.mustard/32/3865_2.png) [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Post date:** [April 8, 2019, 4:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quick-insert-one-way-hardware-screws/832158/5 "2019-04-08T16:43:47Z")
If you find something that works, let me know. I’ve had that exact issue with my vehicle and have not had any luck finding a fastener that will hold. mmm ---
**Author:** ![Kent\_Clark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kent_clark/32/105_2.png) [@Kent\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kent_Clark)\ **Post date:** [April 8, 2019, 10:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quick-insert-one-way-hardware-screws/832158/6 "2019-04-08T22:50:29Z")
> [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](#): > > If you find something that works, let me know. I’ve had that exact issue with my vehicle and have not had any luck finding a fastener that will hold. > [@Marvin the Martian](#): > > The local Ace Hardware sells them, although I don’t know how big a selection they have. I’ve never actually looked at them, but I see several drawers of them in the back of the store where the Hillman Hardware drawers are. My local Ace has them, also. They’re at one end of the aisle of screws, nuts, bolts, and other stuff that you can buy singly, rather than boxes of 100. Maybe it’s an Ace thing. ---
**Author:** ![Tired\_and\_Cranky](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/a87d85/32.png) [@Tired\_and\_Cranky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tired_and_Cranky)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2019, 10:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quick-insert-one-way-hardware-screws/832158/7 "2019-04-09T10:54:42Z")
This site has a good selection. Although i haven’t bought anything there myself, my buddy could have saved a bunch of money ordering them instead of going to the Mazda dealer. [Automotive Retainers, Clips and Fasteners - ClipsAndFasteners.com](https://www.clipsandfasteners.com/default.asp) ---
**Author:** ![The\_Librarian](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/the_librarian/32/402_2.png) [@The\_Librarian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Librarian)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2019, 1:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quick-insert-one-way-hardware-screws/832158/8 "2019-04-09T13:27:15Z")
We cal them “nails”.