Hex machine screw nuts are used for fastening to a bolt when mechanically joining materials together. This type refers to nuts used with smaller machine screw sizes under 1/4. Machine screw nuts are designed to be used with machine screws. Hex machine screw nuts are used for fastening to a bolt when mechanically joining materials together. This type refers to nuts used with smaller machine screw sizes under 1/4. Machine screw nuts are designed to be used with machine screws.