[atoav]

There are these geniuses that can do something they never did before and create something truly amazing. But realistically even they don't manage to deliver on that the majority of the time.

Even the steam engine people had to rely on known standard parts like screws and bolts and known planing or manufacturing procedures that they didn't invent. Only because they knew which forces a bolt would withstand and learned from (at times catastrophic) failure they were able to even have a bleeding edge.

[wbl]

The standarized screw was after the steam engine. It wasn't until 1841 that Whitworth promulgated his thread. Before then every rail manufacturer had their own house standard.

[quickthrower2]

It was standard to use unstandardised screws.

[atoav]

You are right, thanks for the hint.