AYA FASTENERS Guide | Different Types Of Hex Bolts

When it comes to creating or manufacturing any project one of the most important things you can do is have the right material at hand. When it comes to bolts there are several different types of hex bolts to consider. These can be easy to use and while to the untrained eye, they might appear quite similar, in reality, they will usually have a number of differences that either increase or decrease their suitability for any given project. In order to help you make the best choice possible we have put together this guide that will help cover all the different types of hex bolts available and when it is best to use each one of the hex bolts.

What is a hex bolt?

AYA Hex Bolts A Hex bolt is a threaded bolt that is easily distinguished because of the hexagonal shape of its head. These types of bolts can come in a variety of sizes and materials and can even be either fully or partially threaded. Depending on the application you are using them for you might find that one type of hexagonal bolt is better for your project.
Choosing the right bolt cannot only make construction much faster and easier, but more importantly, it can help ensure the longevity of your project. Using the right material will reduce the risk of your construction project or machinery malfunctioning and will help protect you from any liability that could have come with the potential destruction.

How can you use a hex bolt?

A hex bolt has various applications and they can often be used either with pre-tapped holes or with nuts. In the first case, you would need to make sure that the hole in the material you are using is sturdy and in the proper size for the bolt that you will be using. In the second case, you are going to need a hex nut that can be tightened to completely align with the bolt you have selected.
In either case, ensuring the proper installation of your hex bolt will also require that you have selected the right equipment and tools for the installation.
Depending on your project you might find yourself using hex keys, socket sets, spanners, hex bolt wrenches, or ratchet spanners. Some of this equipment can be far simpler and more intuitive in their usage. However, depending on where the installation is taking place you might find that you are limited to only certain types of tools that can fit in the space you are using.

How can you distinguish the different types of hex bolts?

Hex bolts are defined by a number of characteristics that can help you separate the hex bolts into different types. These characteristics include their size, finish, threading, and material. Because of these four characteristics, you will be able to find a wide selection of threaded bolts that are going to work for your projects. However, beware that certain materials do not work well with others which could possibly mean that choosing the wrong hex bolt might lead to your project not being as sturdy as you originally imagined.

What are the different types of threading in hex bolts?

There are two different types of threading that you can usually find in hex bolts, these are either fully threaded or partially threaded.

AYA Hex Bolts

A fully threaded hex bolt is going to have threading running from the head of the bolt to its very end. Because of this these are usually considered to be better for heavy-duty usage and they can be ideal for pre-threaded holes. This is in part because the threads being full length means that when properly installed the bolt is going to be able to carry pressure across its full length. As such it is much less likely to loosen or fail as a result of the pressure not being evenly applied.

AYA Hex Bolts

Partially threaded Hex bolts are much like the name implies usually only threaded from the 3-quarter or halfway point of the bolt. This means that the unthreaded shank which is referred to as the grip length is going to be what connects the threaded part of the bolt, which starts at the end of the bolt, to the head. These partially-threaded bolts are considered to be particularly good when you need strong levels of resistance in your projects. Generally, then the unthreaded part of the shank does not get any strain in these bolts as they have been created in a manner that ensures there are no weak points in the bolt.

What are the different hex bolt sizes?

Much like there are many different projects that you can manufacture, there are many different sizes of bolts available. While there are options for buying custom-size bolts, in reality, there are usually three different dimensions that we refer to when looking at bolt sizing these are the following:
1. Thread Size
The thread size is usually measured in what is known as the ISO metric or M-style measurements. The ISO metric has the benefit of being consistent across the world, which makes it possible for you to find the right size of bolts and screws in whichever country you are in. Each size will usually be found on the packaging of the bolt and will start with the letter M followed by a single number. For example, if a bolt states that the thread size is M10, then the outer diameter of the bolt is 10mm. Understanding this is going to be particularly useful if you are planning on using your hex bolts with pre-threaded holes as it will allow you to always get the correct measurement for your hole.
2. The length
The length is fairly simple to define as it only deals with the threaded or partially-threaded part of the bolt. This means that you will have to measure the length from the end of the bolt all the way to the bottom side of the head of the bolt. When using a bolt and a nut, you will need to make sure that the bolt you are using is not too lengthy for the material you are connecting, since an excessive length of the bolt, will just mean that your bolt will protrude a lot and thus your project will not look well visually.
3. Thread pitch
The thread pitch specifically refers to the number of threads that you can find in each inch. Usually, if a bolt is finer then you will find a lot more threads per inch. This will also mean that there is a much higher thread pitch count.

What are the different types of materials for hex bolts?

AYA BOLTS There are many very popular hex bolts material that you will encounter.
● Black oxide
● Brass
● Bright zinc-plated
● Clear passivated
● Plain
● Stainless Steel
● Steel
● Zinc

Of these, the ones you will more commonly find are the following.

AYA Stainless Steel Hex Bolts Stainless Steel Hex Bolts:
These can be quite popular as they are well known for having corrosion-resistance properties. For the most part, it is possible to use stainless steel bolts for both internal and external applications. This means that regardless of the project you are working on you are likely going to always be safe when using a stainless-steel hex bolt. Some people will use zinc-plated steel as an alternative, however, be cautious with those bolts as they are best suited for indoor use only.

Steel Hex Bolts:
Steel hex bolts can come in a variety of different strengths which also have ISO measurements making it easier for you to distinguish them. When it comes to steel hex bolts the most popular strengths and grades of steel used are EN8 and EN16 steel. However, depending on your project you might require stronger steel. If that’s the case the higher the number then the stronger the steel you are using will be.

Brass Hex Bolts:
Brass is another popular material despite that it is not as commonly found. What makes this material so desired is that it has very high levels of resistance against corrosion. This material is also quite pricier which is why many people will usually opt for cheaper options.

Conclusion:
Using this guide, you will be able to always find the right bolt for your project. Depending on the applications you are using your bolts for and the location of your project you might find that specific material will usually work best for your project. This is something you will need to keep in mind as the material can play one of the most important roles in the strength of your bolts. From there you can decide what thread count and length of bolt you need as well as whether a partially or fully threaded bolt will work best for your project.

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