There are things you often overlook. Perhaps you even leave them unappreciated when dust, dirt and grime find their way to them. However, these things never let you down. They keep doing their job despite the inadequate attention they get from you. Nuts and bolts are a perfect example. You task them to hold your items together, from big machines in manufacturing setups to simple handheld tools used in offices and homes. Most of your products would be useless without the nuts and bolts that keep them intact. In this piece, you will explore the work that goes into choosing the right bolts for your work. It will leave you informed and ready for the task at hand.
Types of Bolts
Bolts are similar to screws, only that they come with a flat, blunt tip. They need nuts fitted on one end for them to create a tight connection between different materials. Typically, bolts are available in different types, including the following:
Carriage bolts — Carriage bolts feature a round head and squared shoulder beneath the head. They do not have any slots. They are suitable for connecting various materials such as wood panels. It is also worth noting that carriage bolts are ideal for applications where you do not want to use a hexed head for functionality or aesthetic purposes.
Hex bolts — Hex bolts come with a hexagonal (six-sided) head and a body extending from the head. The body might have threads along the whole length or just a portion of it.
Stud bolts — Stud bolts are unique. They have no head and require bolts on both sides to hold your materials in place.
Types of Nuts
Bolts hold different components together because of the locking action delivered by nuts. The common types available here include:
Square of hex nuts — They have angled edges that make them suitable for several fastening applications. Varying the thickness and finishes also means that these nuts are highly versatile.
Lock nuts — A lock nut a creative variation of ordinary nuts refined to prevent unwarranted loosening. These nuts achieve this through a threaded nylon insert incorporated in their structure.
Installation Considerations
The efficiency of bolts and nuts relies on careful consideration of the installation requirements. Usually, the environment and nature of the application dictates the nut and bolt you can use. For example, bolts used in equipment engines need you to torque them by applying a twisting force during installation. Tightening them like ordinary steel bolts can break the bolt. Applications involving treated wood require corrosion-resistant nuts and bolts. The chemicals used to treat such materials can make the nuts and bolts deteriorate as time goes.