When you undertake a construction project, whether it’s about transforming a house with remodelling or building a new one, you need various tools at your disposal. Apart from big handy tools, you also need tiny tools that make a whole lot of difference. Once such a tool is a hex bolt, they might seem tiny, but they hold great significance when it comes to fastening large objects. They are essential for any construction project.
However, choosing the right kind of hex bolt which is specific to your project description is also imperative. Not all hex bolts are created equal. Therefore, selecting the appropriate one needs careful consideration.
If you want insight into choosing the correct hex bolt, then we have got you covered. This guide will walk you through the factors and process of choosing hex bolts for your machinery or construction projects.
Determine the Material
Material is the critical factor when deciding about the kind of hex bolt you must choose. Common materials in hex bolts are carbon steel, stainless steel, and alloy steel. Carbon steel hex bolts are cost-effective and work well for general applications.
Stainless steel hex bolts are ideal for outdoor and corrosive environments as they are highly resistant to corrosion. To withstand high pressure and load, alloy steel is used as they provide higher tensile strength.
Bolt Grades
Hex bolts are categorized into various grades to indicate their tensile strength and suitability for specific purposes. Commonly used grades are Grade 2, Grade 5, and Grade 8. Grade 2 bolts have lower tensile strength. Grade 5 has higher tensile strength, suitable for moderate to high loads. Grade 8 has the highest tensile strength. Thus, it’s ideal for applications requiring maximum durability and strength.
Size & Length
To have a proper fit and secure connection between two objects using hex bolts, it’s important to choose the correct size and length. The size of the bolt is measured in the diameter of the bolt. It is usually in inches or millimeters. To have sufficient thread engagement, you need to consider the length of the hex bolt. To select the perfect fit, measure the thickness of the materials in which you will fasten the bolts. Select the length that accommodates the thickness of the material.
Assess Thread Type and Pitch
Hex bolts come in distinctive thread types and pitches. The commonly used ones are coarse thread and fine thread. Coarse threads are suitable for most applications. In comparison, fine thread hex bolts have higher thread density, ideal for conditions with high vibrations and heavy loads.
Verify Compliance with Standards
Since you are going to build something meaningful, ensure that the hex bolts you choose comply with industry standards. For instance, Hex bolts that have rolled or cut screw threads are in compliance with the Unified System: Unified National Coarse (UNC) and Unified National Fine (UNF).
If you want high longevity from the structure or machinery you are building, then it’s important to invest in high-quality bolts. Check out the collection at RS, as they have standard hex bolts that can facilitate you with high durability and tensile strength.
