The difference and connection between Hexagonal Bolts and Hexagonal Head Screws

Posted by Admin | 12 Oct

The difference and connection between Hexagonal Bolts and Hexagonal Head Screws

When working with fasteners, it is crucial to be able to distinguish between hex cap screws and hex bolts. Both types are threaded fasteners; however, their differences can be significant; one obvious distinction being hex bolts have fully threaded fasteners while hex cap screws only partially thread their fastener's threads with an added shoulder between head and threads compared with fully threaded fasteners like hex bolts.

Another key difference among various types of hex cap screws lies in their head styles: Hex cap screws have six-sided heads with washer faces on their bearing surfaces while hex bolts feature flat under their heads and are tightened using wrenches or power tools instead of wrenches.

Hex bolts and cap screws can both be used to create threaded holes in metals while hex bolts can also be used to fasten parts together. When used as threading tools, standard metal cutting tools are suitable for cutting hex bolt threads while they must be tapped in place when fastening parts with hex cap screws.

Grade of Hex Cap Screw (Hex CAPS) can help distinguish it from a Hex Bolt. The head of a Hex Cap Screw generally contains standard markings to help establish its grade; for example, one marked grade 2 may be composed of low or medium carbon steel and should only be used in noncritical applications where temperatures or stresses exceeding certain material strengths will not exceed certain material strengths; conversely hex Cap Screws marked grade 5 have been heated and treated for higher tensile strength and can therefore be used in demanding applications, such as truck and automobile suspension applications.

Grade 8 hex cap screws are heated and treated to achieve even greater strength, making them suitable for motor and generator fabrication, plumbing applications, construction projects and other uses.

Hex bolts and hex cap screws are two of the most widely used fasteners on any jobsite, often confused for each other. While mistaking one for another may be commonplace, understanding how they differ will save time and effort when trying to find the appropriate fastener for a specific task.