A bolt is a mechanical fastener with threaded shafts. The bolts are closely related to screws, which are also mechanical fasteners with threaded shafts. This type of fasteners is usually inserted through two parts, which have aligned holes. By some definitions, whether a thing is a bolt, or a screw depends on how it is used.
The Bolts are one of the most versatile structural fasteners, available in a vast array of configurations to suit different materials & strength requirements. These fasteners differ mainly in thread specification, length, and head size, with different combinations of these characteristics resulting in bolts with different functions.
They usually require a drilled hole and a filler nut or mating portions taped for installation, and, unlike screws, they are generally not tapped. The terminology that distinguishes between bolt types is often for inconsistent and incorrectly used screws, so it is best to select your bolt based on your project specifications rather than the exact name indicated on the supplier’s website.
- Carriage Bolt: –Carriage bolts feature a domed or countersunk head with a square underside that prevents post-installation from operating. They are often used with wood & masonry.
- Flange Bolt: –The flange bolt is a special type of hex head bolt that has an integrated flange that acts as a washer component to distribute the load more evenly.
- Hull Bolts: –Like carriage bolts, some hull bolts have a square-shaped counters top. Others have a domed design. These bolts are ideal for heavy-duty applications such as industrial machinery.
- Hex Head Bolt / Hex Head Cap Screw: –Characterized by their hexagonal head shape, hex head bolts are a wide range of bolts requiring installation with a wrench. They are available in many lengths & threading varieties. The hex head cap screw has a tight tolerance and is the most common hex bolt range.
- Square Head Bolts: –Like hex head bolts, square head bolts are defined by their head shape — that is, square. This head design facilitates tooling gripping while allowing easy installation.
- Socket Head Cap Screw / Allen Bolt: –The socket head cap screw has a flat chamfered top surface with smooth or curly cylindrical sides. Forged heat-treated alloy examples are high-strength fasteners intended for the most demanding mechanical applications with special alloy aggregates.
- Anchor Bolts: Usually embedded in concrete or masonry for structural applications.
- Carriage Bolt: used to fasten metal to timber, with a squared undercut to the head which hold the bolts in one place it has been tightened.
- Additional bolt types: – Other bolt types that we can custom manufacture include anchors, belts (e.g., eye, hook, J, & U), countersunk, lag, & T-handle bolts.
