Do you know the difference between bolts? Professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike can benefit from knowing the different types of bolts and what they are used for.
What is a bolt anyway? A bolt is one of the fastener types that consist of a threaded male screw and a female nut. The male screw reaches into the female nut. Those designs lock together when you turn the male screw.
Do you need insight into different types of bolts? Then keep reading. Here is a description of the most common types of bolts.
Different Types of Bolts: An Overview
Bolts are construction tools that can generally be categorized into four main types: machine, carriage, shoulder, and sex bolts.
These are types of tools closely related to screws. They are threaded fastener types with an external male thread and a matching pre-formed female thread called a nut.
Machine bolts are used in a variety of applications and are the most common. Carriage bolts are heavily used in woodworking applications while shoulder bolts have a broad, flat surface. Sex bolts are similar to machine bolts but have a female thread.
Bolt Heads: Common Fastener Types
Bolt heads come in a variety of shapes and sizes, each with its own specific purpose. The most common types are the following:
A flat head carriage bolt is used when a flush fit is required. Button heads are small and have a low profile. Pan heads are slightly taller than button heads and have a larger surface area.
Phillips heads are used when a Phillips screwdriver is needed. Torx heads are used when a Torx wrench is needed. Lastly, slotted heads are used when a screwdriver is used.
Bolt Materials: What to Consider
Material is an important consideration when choosing bolts as fastener types. The most common materials used for bolts are steel, brass, and stainless steel. Steel is the strongest material and is often used for outdoor applications.
Brass is a softer metal and is often used for decorative applications. Stainless steel is a corrosion-resistant material and is often used in food processing or medical applications.
Bolt Sizes: Standard and Metric
Bolts as building tools come in two standard types: metric and imperial. The most common metric sizes are M8 and M9. The most common imperial sizes are 1/4″ and 3/8″.
When choosing a bolt, it is important to consider the size of the hole that will be drilled for it.
If the hole is too small, the bolt will be hard to insert. If the hole is too large, the bolt will be loose and may fall out. Metric bolts are typically steel, while imperial bolts are usually brass.
Bolt Threading: Coarse and Fine
There are coarse and fine types of bolt threads, and both have their own purpose.
Coarse threads are used for general applications and can be found in a variety of sizes. Fine threads are used for more precise applications and are also available in a variety of sizes.
Bolting 101
There are many different types of bolts and fastener types, each with its own specific purpose. It is important to know which type of bolt to use for each project to ensure a successful outcome.
This guide provides an overview of the most common fastener types of bolts and their uses. In order to choose the best type of bolt for your project, you must first understand the different types and what they are best suited for.
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