Fasten It Up With A Hex Bolt

As small as they are, fasteners are of a big importance. They are used in industrial process and even at home. These fasteners have different types depending on their uses. In general, fasteners are classified as either with a non-tapered shank or a tapered shank. The fasteners that is equipped with tapered shanks are drywall screws, wood screws, concrete screws, coach screws (lag screws) and self-drilling screws. These are manufactured and designed for it to either be driven into a lead hole in a wood or steel layer or directly into the wood or steel layer itself.

Fasteners with non-tapered for fasteners that are equipped with a non-tapered shank are called hex bolts. These are also known as hex cap screws or machine bolts. They are designed in a way that it can be attached by its head being turned with a wrench. There are a lot of these bolts that are used as machine fasteners: J bolts, Carriage bolts, square head bolts, expansion bolts and also U bolts.

Corresponding nuts that are for hex bolts are called spring nuts, hexagonal nuts or hex nuts and cap nuts. Hex bolts and nuts are called such because of its common shape which is hexagonal. They are shaped as hexagonal not for design purposes but it gives a good angle for a good grip when these are fastened. It is effective in fastening bolts tightly and securely, especially on corners and tight spots.

Hex bolts are either made of alloy steel, titanium, stainless steel, 6AL-4V and many more. These Hex bolts have certain grades depending on the purpose of usage:

*A standard hex bolt has a smooth shoulder and a hex head. The shorter the length, the fuller the threading.

*Steel grade 2 is made of low carbon steel with zinc plating. It is best used for general hardware. Strength is not so high.

*Steel grade 5 is made of medium carbon steel and is also zinc plated and tempered. This is best for automotives and materials where higher strength is needed.

*Steel grade 8 is made of medium carbon alloy which is also zinc plated and tempered. It is used for materials requiring hardness and high strength.

*Stainless steel 18-8 is a steel alloy and can resist corrosion at a high rate. This is best for marine and exterior applications.

*Silicon bronze has a greater corrosion resistance and strength than brass. It is made of copper alloy. This is used most commonly in wood restoration and boat building.

*Hot dipped galvanized bolts have thick galvanized coatings. These are stronger in resisting corrosions compared to zinc pated ones. Hey only work with galvanized nuts. These are also for marine and exterior applications.

*Grade 5 chrome hex bolt is a bolt with a bright mirror-like finish which provide sharp looks for different applications.

These bolts and nuts are very easy to obtain nowadays. It can be found in any industrial warehouse, hardware store and even over the internet.