Bolts don’t come in one shape only. Every shape and every size has their own purpose. So, knowing the basic bolts’ information is a good thing to do before choosing the one that you need. At least, there are seven basic bolts that you need to know.
Carriage Bolts
It has a domed head with the square section under the head. The square grips into the part being fastened preventing the bolt from turning when the nut is tightened.
Machine Screws
A machine screw is a screw or bolt with a flat point. Available in a variety of drive types and heads, they fit a wide variety of applications. Often driven into tapped holes. Used with nuts and
washers, also known as “stove bolts” or “stovers”.
Hex Head Bolts
Hex tap bolts, hex cap screws, trim head hex cap screws, and hex serrated flange bolts fall under this category. They share a hexagonal head and are driven with a wrench. Referred to as both bolts and screws.
Shoulder Bolts
Shoulder bolts are machine screws with a shoulder between the thread of the screw and the head of the part. Once installed, the non-threaded portion extends out of the surface of the application site, allowing the bolts to act as dowels or shafts for moving parts. They can be installed by hand or with a socket driver.
Square Head Bolts
Square Head Bolts are similar to hex cap screws but with a 4-sided head. This head style allows for a wrench to grip more easily onto the head of the bolt. The head also provides a larger gripping area as compared to a standard 6-sided hexagonal head.
Socket Cap Screws
Socket cap screws are available in button socket, button flange socket head, flat socket, and socket cap. Driven with a socket wrench or a hex Allen key. The term socket head cap screw typically refers to a type of threaded fastener whose head diameter is nominally 1.5 times or more than that of the screw shank diameter.
Socket Set “Grub” Screws
Set screws are most often headless (aka blind), meaning that the screw is fully threaded and has no head. A blind set screw, known in the UK as a grub screw, is almost always driven with an internal wrenching drive, such as a hex Allen key. Socket set screws are installed in threaded holes or inserts.
Of course knowing this isn’t enough for you to fully understand which one is the best choice for you. That’s why we’re here to help you understand more about the bolts that are perfect for you. Hit us on our contact and drop your question. We will be happy to provide answers for everything you need.
