AYA FASTENERS Guide | What Are Hex Bolts?

Hexagonal head bolts, which are more commonly referred to as hex bolts, are threaded bolts with a head that instead of circular has a hexagonal shape. As a result of the six sides these bolts can be used both with a nut or a tapped hole, but most importantly will normally require special tools for their installation. Hex bolts can have many different uses depending on your project so it is important for you to be aware of the different types, tools, and usages of hex bolts so that you can make an educated decision on what types of bolts to use based on your material.
To better assist you in this process we have created a guide into hex bolts that will help you understand the A to Z of choosing the right bolts for your products.

What is a hex bolt?

A hex bolt is a type of fastener that is characterized by its hexagonal head and the threads on its exterior. These types of fasteners are often used in home improvement projects, but they can also have a variety of other applications. They are particularly good for securing different materials today but they can also be used for installation into a pre-made hole.
The hex bolt is made up of two different parts. The first part is a hexagonal-shaped head while the second part is the threaded bolt that is used for the tightening process. The threads on the hex bolt can be great for gripping into several different types of material including metal, wood, and plastic. However, when it comes to tightening your hex bolts you should always be aware of your material so that you don’t damage it during the tightening process.

How can a hex bolt be used?

A hex bolt has many different applications and it can often be used with both pre-tapped holes and nuts. If you are planning on using your hex bolt with pre-tapped holes then the first step to ensuring that the installation is going to be sturdy is to ensure that you are using it on material that can hold and that the size of your pre-tapped hole is the correct one for the size of the bolt that you are going to be using. Similarly, when using a hex nut you will need to select one that is created for the same size bolt that you are using. That is the only way to ensure that your bolt and nut are going to be completely tightened properly and that they will not be worn out over time.
In either case, for the proper installation of hex bolts, you will also need to have on hand the right material. These can help transform the ease with which you are able to install your hex and bolts and they will allow you to move forward with your project in an accelerated time frame.

What types of tools do you need for a hex bolt and nut?

Every type of fastener has its own type of tool that can be used for the installation process. With screws, you will commonly need a screwdriver, while with nails you will need a claw hammer. Having this proper material on hand can be the key to making the entire installation process not only more accurate but also a lot easier.
When it comes to hex nuts there is actually a wide array of tools that you can use depending on the purpose you are using your fastener for, these include:
Adjustable Spanners:
Adjustable spanners can be a great tool for tightening and loosening fasteners. While they are not particularly precise or strong they have the benefit of being adjustable. As such, regardless of the hex nut size that you have in front of you, you will still be able to take advantage of these fasteners.
Ratcheting Spanners:
These types of spanners resemble the more traditional spanners but instead have a new ratcheting box end design which allows users to avoid having to reposition the spanner after every turn they make. This means that tightening is much easier and there is no offset.
Sockets and Rachets:
Having a sockets and rachets combination is going to be ideal in cases where you are trying to tighten your hex bolt that is in hard-to-reach places. Sockets are normally something you will need to purchase separately and are not a part of the regularly available toolset that most people will have in their homes. Still, they can be an invaluable tool if you are going to be working with bolts.

How can you distinguish the different hex bolt sizes?

There is a variety of different hex bolts that are currently available on the market. Which of these is going to work best for your application will depend on a variety of factors. This is why it is important for you to understand the basic differences between the different types so that you can make a more educated decision. Normally hex bolt sizes depend on three different factors:

1. Thread size
The thread size is measured in the ISO metric or M-style which allows for greater consistency in the bolts that you are purchasing regardless of your location. Normally, the M size of your bolts can be found on the packaging. For example, if the thread size states M8 then that means that the outer diameter of the bolt is 8mm. This measurement can be key in both cases where you want to buy the appropriate nut size as well as in cases where you want to create a pre-tapped hole on your material for the bolt to go inside.
2. Thread pitch
The thread pitch specifically accounts for the number of threads that are in each inch of your threaded bolt. The finer the bolt the more threads you will find per inch, this means that the overall thread pitch count will also be higher.
3. Length
The length of your bolt is one of the most variable aspects. In most cases, there is no right or wrong answer to what length you should use as it is entirely dependent on your project. As such, it is always important to measure the length of the materials you will be using the bolt on in order to determine what the best length of the bolt is going to be.

What materials are hex bolts typically made from?

Hex bolts can come from a wide array of materials including:
• Black oxide
• Brass
• Bright zinc-plated
• Clear passivated
• Plain
• Stainless Steel
• Steel
• Zinc
Of these materials, the most common ones are stainless steel hex bolts. This type of hex bolts has the benefit that they are resistant to corrosion. As such they can work really well in both indoor and outdoor projects. If you know that the environment your project is going to be housed in is not the gentlest then choosing stainless steel hex bolts will normally mean that you are safe to assume that nothing is going to happen to your bolts over time.
While Stainless steel bolts are the most common option, others might choose to use steel hex bolts which are known for being particularly strong, zinc-plated steel which can work great for indoor projects, or brass hex bolts which have a very high level of resistance against corrosion. Every type of material hex bolt can come with its own set of benefits, so availability and usage are going to work as your primary guide in choosing a bolt that is made up of the right material.

What are the two types of hex bolts?

Finally, perhaps the most important difference that you have to know when it comes to hex bolts is that there are in fact two types, these are distinguished between fully threaded and partially threaded bolts.

Conclusion:
When it comes to hex bolts the most important thing to remember is that as a fastener they can be easy to use and even easier to distinguish. The hexagonal shape can make recognizing a hex bolt simple, and from there choosing the right type of hex bolt just depends on having the right information about your project.

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