Better understanding of fasteners

Fasteners are a crucial part of the industrial sector, and understanding some key concepts is essential to ensuring quality bolts are used for specific applications. In this blog, we'll explore several bolt-related topics, such as unit of measure, alloy, grade, and finish.

Unit of Measurement
Measurement is an important element to understand when it comes to bolting. Bolts are usually measured in inches, and their size is expressed in terms of their diameter and length. For example, a 1/2" x 3" bolt has a diameter of 1/2" and a length of 3". Nuts are also measured in inches, and their size is expressed in terms of their diameter and thread. For example, a 1/2" x 20 nut has a diameter of 1/2" and 20 threads per inch.

Heads and threads
Bolt heads can be of different shapes, such as hexagonal, square or round. Hexagonal heads are the most commonly used in the industrial sector because of their shape, which allows them to be used with a socket wrench. Bolt threads can also be of different shapes, such as UNC (Unified Coarse) or UNF (Unified Fine). UNC threads have a larger spacing between the threads, making them more suitable for applications that require increased strength, while UNF threads are more suitable for applications that require increased precision.

Alloy
Bolts can be made from a variety of alloys, each with different properties in terms of strength, durability and corrosion resistance. One of the most commonly used alloys for bolts is carbon steel, which is generally used for standard applications. Stainless steel is also commonly used in the industrial sector because of its corrosion resistance. Other alloys used for bolts include alloy steel, aluminum and brass.

Bolt Alloy Chart:

Alloy	properties
Carbon steel	Medium resistance, used for standard applications
Stainless steel	High resistance to corrosion, widely used in the industrial sector
Aluminium	Lightweight and corrosion resistant, used in aerospace and construction applications
Brass	Corrosion resistant and easy to work with, used for decorative and electrical applications

Grade
Bolts are graded for strength and performance in terms of grade. Grades are generally expressed in numbers, with higher numbers indicating greater strength and performance. Grade 2 bolts are the most commonly used in the industrial sector. They are used for light duty applications and have a tensile strength of 74,000 PSI. Grade 5 bolts are stronger and have a tensile strength of 120,000 PSI. Grade 8 bolts are the strongest and have a tensile strength of 150,000 PSI. Grades 5 and 8 are often used for applications that require increased strength.

Bolt Grade Chart:

Finish
Bolt finish is an important consideration for applications that require corrosion resistance or aesthetic appearance. Bolts can be finished with a variety of surface treatments, such as zinc, chrome or cadmium. These finishes can improve the corrosion resistance of the bolts and give them an aesthetic appearance.

Bolt Finish Chart :

In conclusion, bolting is a crucial element in the industrial sector, and understanding some key concepts such as unit of measure, alloy, grade and finish is essential to ensure the use of quality bolts for specific applications. As an importer and distributor of bolts, we offer a complete line of bolts to meet all of our customers' needs. We pride ourselves on our expertise and commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. Visit our online catalog to learn more about our products and services.