Why Are Hex Nuts And Bolts Hexagon Shaped?

Hex nuts and hex bolts are probably the most common types of fasteners, and they are ubiquitous. Have you also wondered why hex nuts and bolts are hex? This article will answer for you.

The reason the hexagon head is so popular is that the hexagonal shape of the head is so versatile that it can be grasped with tools from all angles. You can even grab it with your hands if needed. Hex nuts take advantage of their shape. They have 6 sides for easy tightening and loosening, and you can touch them 360 degrees, providing plenty of room for moving tools. These hex nuts have been around for a long time, with the earliest records being around the 18th century. And people have been using them ever since.

The same principle applies to hex bolts, as their shape is equally easy to tighten and loosen.

They are hex nuts and hex bolts, not pentagons or octagons. Because the six faces of the hexagon provide enough surface for the tool, over time, they do not tend to become rounded in use. Hex nuts and bolts inevitably lose some shape, but don't have many edges that would make them last longer.

 

The bolts and nuts are designed to be hexagonal because they are easy to turn. With a hexagon, you can turn the fastener one-sixth and parallel to the next plane. There are six parallel lines on the hex bolt and nut. When tightening a hex bolt or nut, it must be turned from these parallel lines. Hex fasteners are easier to turn than other types of fasteners precisely because they have six parallel lines.

 

To better understand how the hex shape makes turning bolts and nuts less difficult, consider the following example. Square fasteners have four sides, and in order to tighten a square bolt or nut, you have to turn a quarter of a direction each time to get to the next parallel plane. Hex fasteners, on the other hand, only require one-sixth of a turn each time to reach the next parallel. In other words, you have to turn a square fastener 90 degrees to "snap" into a parallel plane, while a hex fastener only needs to be rotated 30 degrees to reach the next parallel plane.

If a bolt or nut has more than six faces, it may break. Therefore, the hexagon has become the most important shape for making bolts and nuts.

While the primary reason for bolts and nuts to be hexagonal was originally for ease of turning, hexagons are now the generally accepted standard. Consumers and businesses around the world use hex fasteners. If there are many different shapes of fasteners, they will not be compatible with each other. This has prompted many manufacturers to focus on the manufacture of hex bolts and nuts.

AYA FASTENERS is one of the most reputable leading fasteners manufacturers and suppliers in China, we focus on assembly and fastening materials, supplying global customers with high-quality screws, bolts, washers, and nuts products over 20 years.

AYA has been deeply involved in the Fastener industry with a single-minded and dedicated attitude, devoted itself to providing our customers with more industry-specific, professional, standardized, and precise Fastener solutions. If you want more information, please contact AYA FASTENERS for the details.