Bolts are generally categorized by their shape and size, material, and type of head.
Common Types by Shape and Size:
– Carriage bolts, which have a domed head and a square shoulder beneath the head to keep the bolt from turning when tightening a nut, typically require a carriage or socket wrench.
– Eye bolts, which have a circular ring on the head end and a threaded end, are used to attach a rope or chain and used to pull or lift heavy objects.
– Lag bolts, also known as lag screws, have a corkscrew shape, are designed to embed into wood, and typically require a socket wrench.
– Stove bolts, which have a low-profile flat head and matching nut and washer, are commonly used for small pieces of hardware, such as mounting a padlock.
– Socket head cap screws, which have an allen wrench drive, are typically used in machine parts, to secure a chassis, or in delicate projects that require adjustment, where a low profile is needed.
Common Types by Material:
– Grade 2 bolts are standard and low-strength.
– Grade 5 bolts are made of medium-strength steel with a tensile strength of 120,000 PSI.
– Grade 8 bolts are made of high-strength steel with a tensile strength of 150,000 PSI.
– Stainless steel bolts are corrosion and rust resistant and are available in grades 2, 5, and 8.
Common Types by Head:
– Flat head screws have a flat head with a conical bearing surface, which help reduce the likelihood of the head rounding off when being used with a socket wrench.
– Hex head cap screws, also known as an Allen head, have a cylindrical head with an allen-wrench drive.
– Pan head screws have a rounded head, which is perfect for finished surfaces as they provide an aesthetically appealing finish.
– Button head cap screws, also known as machine screws, are low-profile screws with round heads and has a smooth, finished look.
What are the most commonly used bolts?
The most commonly used bolts are hex bolts, also known as hex cap screws. These screws are characterized by a hexagonal head and a threaded shaft of varying lengths and diameters. Hex cap screws are used in a variety of applications ranging from home improvement projects to industrial application, making them one of the most popular types of fasteners.
They’re typically made from steel, stainless steel, brass or aluminum, and come with plain, zinc or galvanized finishes. Hex screws feature a smoother and cleaner finish than other types of screws, which helps reduce installation time.
They are available in a wide range of sizes and lengths, from 1/4-inch to 1-inch in diameter, and from 1/2” to 6” in length.
What are bolts called?
Bolts are internal threaded fasteners used to hold objects together. They are commonly made from steel and are composed of a head, a shank, and a point. They are designed to be tightened with the use of a wrench or other tool and can have a variety of head shapes and thread sizes, depending on the application.
Common variants of bolts include hex head bolts, shoulder bolts, carriage bolts, T-bolts, eye bolts, and lag bolts. Bolts are referred to by a variety of names and may be referred to as screws, studs, hex head cap screws and bolts, hex head lag screws and bolts, carriage bolts, double-ended studs, and lag screws.
How many types of bolts are there?
Ranging from standard hex bolts to specialty bolts with unique finishes, coatings, and sizes. The most common types of bolts include: hex bolts, socket head cap screws, carriage bolts, lag bolts, machine screws, self-tapping screws, mushroom head square neck bolts, eye bolts, toggle bolts, timber bolts, flange bolts, elevator bolts, and specialty bolts.
Hex bolts are usually used to make connections with nuts or secure materials into place, while socket head cap screws have a smooth, flat head and are typically used in products that require precise alignment.
Carriage bolts have a large, flat head and require either a square or hex nut to secure them in place. Lag bolts, also known as coach screws, are designed to be driven into wood to provide secure fastening and they have a large, round, flat head and require a nut to secure them in place.
Machine screws have threads along the full length of their shafts and are used to secure metal components together, while self-tapping screws can be used to drive directly into a material without pre-drilling a hole.
Mushroom head square neck bolts are commonly found in engine blocks, and eye bolts provide the ability to secure cables or chains. Toggle bolts are commonly used in hollow walls, timber bolts are designed to secure wood connections, flange bolts feature a wide flange that distributes the load of the bolt, and elevator bolts are specifically designed for elevator applications.
Specialty bolts are available in many shapes and sizes depending on the application and can come with different coatings and finishes, such as galvanizing or zinc plating, for added strength and corrosion resistance.
How do I choose the right bolt?
Choosing the right bolt for your application is important for ensuring a successful installation. Different types of bolts have different requirements and strengths, so it is important to understand a few factors before making the final selection.
First and foremost, consider the application of the bolt. Different bolts are designed for different purposes, so consider the environment in which they will be used. If they will be exposed to moisture, corrosion and other harsh conditions, consider a corrosion-resistant grade.
Similarly, if extreme temperature fluctuations are expected, consider choosing a bolt with a wide temperature range.
Secondly, consider the material that the bolt will be used to secure. Different types of bolts are designed to fit different materials, so make sure to select the right type of bolt for the material.
This includes hardness, tensile strength, and other properties of the material.
Finally, consider the size of the bolt. Different types of bolts come in different sizes, so make sure to measure the appropriate size for the installation. You also want to consider the preload of the bolt, which determines how tightly the bolt is held in place.
In conclusion, it is important to consider the application, materials, and size of the bolt before making a selection. This will ensure that the bolt you choose is not only suitable for the job but also safe and secure for the application.
Which bolt is used most commonly?
The most common type of bolt used is the hex bolt. Hex bolts have a hexagonal head on one end and a coiled or threaded shaft on the other end. It is tightened by a wrench and offers a high level of strength and stability.
Hex bolts typically range between 4 and 14mm in size and are commonly used in many DIY and professional projects. Hex bolts are typically made from low-carbon steel or stainless steel and can be galvanized or black-oxide treated for added corrosion resistance.
Hex bolts can be used to secure timber, metal, or other materials together and are particularly suited for heavier applications such as large machinery and industrial buildings.
What type of bolt should I use?
The type of bolt you choose to use depends on the application, including the materials involved, the load being transferred, and the environment conditions. Generally, bolts fall into three categories: structural, machine, and alloy.
Structural bolts are the most common type and are suitable for most structural fastening applications. They are made of medium carbon steel, heat-treated to a minimum specified yield strength greater than 36,000 psi.
The common types include A307, A325, A490, and F1852. Machine bolts are similar to structural bolts except they are intentionally made to be slightly smaller than the hole they are being installed into, while alloy bolts may be made of a specific material, most commonly stainless steel, with a corrosion-resistant coating.
The common types of alloy bolts include A193, A320, and F593. The type of bolt that is ultimately chosen depends on the specific project requirements and should be selected by consulting a professional.
Which bolts are the strongest?
The strongest bolts available are Grade 8 bolts. Grade 8 bolts are made from medium carbon alloy steel and are heat treated by quenching and tempering, a process which drastically increases the strength and hardness of the bolts.
Grade 8 bolts have a tensile strength of 150,000 psi, which is significantly higher than other types of bolts. Grade 8 bolts are commonly used in high stress applications such as long span structural connections, heavy duty machinery, and automotive components.
In addition, they can be used in extreme environments such as salt water, aggressive chemicals, and temperatures up to 1000 degrees Fahrenheit. Grade 8 bolts are generally corrosive resistant, but due to their strength, they are also more expensive than other types of bolts.
What is a Grade 5 bolt?
A Grade 5 bolt is a medium-strength steel bolt used in general applications. It is made of medium-carbon steel and is heat treated by quenching and tempering to increase its strength. It is commonly used in automotive and construction applications and is usually plated with zinc or cadmium for corrosion resistance.
Grade 5 bolts are classified under the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) specifications and have a minimum tensile strength of 120,000 psi (827 MPa) and a minimum yield strength of 92,000 psi (634 MPa).
These bolts are used in many applications that require a strong and durable bolt. Grade 5 bolts have a maximum tensile load of 150,000 psi (1034 MPa).
Where are hex bolts used?
Hex bolts, also known as cap screws, are commonly used in construction, automotive and industrial applications to join two or more materials together. They are easily recognized by their six-sided hexagonal heads.
In construction, hex bolts are commonly used to secure materials like wood, steel, and concrete together. Hex bolts can be used both indoors and outdoors and they come in a range of sizes and metals, like stainless steel, carbon steel, and galvanized steel.
In the automotive industry, hex bolts are an essential component in the assembly of passenger vehicles and commercial vehicles. They can be used to secure brakes, tires, suspension components, radiators, and more.
They are also used in the installation of custom parts like spoilers, side skirts, and exhausts.
In industrial applications, hex bolts remain one of the most commonly used fasteners. They can be used in a variety of applications such as securing machines to steel columns, fastening conveyors to frames, and anchoring tanks to the floor.
Hex bolts are also ideal for outdoor applications since their corrosion-resistant properties make them suitable for use in wet, salty, or humid environments.
What is the difference between M12 and M14 bolts?
M12 and M14 bolts are similar in that they are both threaded fasteners commonly used in construction, manufacturing and automotive applications. The main differences between the two are in their sizing and strength.
M12 bolts have a diameter of 12 mm and a thread pitch of 1.75 mm, whereas M14 bolts have a diameter of 14 mm and a thread pitch of 2 mm. M14 bolts are also stronger than M12 bolts, as they are able to withstand a greater amount of tension and torque.
Additionally, M14 bolts require a larger nut due to their larger diameter, whereas M12 bolts can be paired with a standard M12 nut.
What are the standard bolt sizes?
The standard bolt sizes depend on the diameter of the bolt’s shank. Generally, bolts are measured in terms of their diameter, length, and thread pitch. The most common metric bolts range from as small as M3 (3mm) in diameter up to M36 (36mm) in diameter.
The length of a bolt is measured from the underside of the head to the tip of the bolt. The thread pitch is measured from the crest of one thread to the crest of the adjacent thread and is measured in millimeters.
In the Imperial bolt size system, the most commonly used sizes are fractional and range from 1/4-20 inch which is a 1/4-inch diameter bolt with 20 threads per inch, to 1-1/2-6 inch which is a 1-1/2-inch diameter bolt with 6 threads per inch.
No matter the type of bolt, the size of the fastener that is needed depends on the use case and the application the bolt will be used in. It is important to understand the specific requirements of the application and use the appropriate sized fastener.
What is at bolt and where is it used?
A bolt is a type of fastener that has a head on one end and a threaded shaft on the other. It is inserted into an unthreaded hole in a material and secured through the use of a nut or other such fastener.
Bolts are commonly used when joining two or more parts together due to their superior strength over screws and nails. They can also be used to firmly attach a variety of items such as furniture, playground equipment, machinery, and other components.
Bolts come in a variety of materials, sizes, and styles for different applications, and can be plated for additional protection from corrosive elements.
