10 Different types of bolts

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Bolts are essential mechanical fasteners used to join parts together securely. There are various types of bolts, each designed with specific characteristics to suit different applications. Here is an introduction to some common types of bolts:

Table of Contents

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• Anchor Bolt
• Arbor Bolt
• Blind Bolts
• Carriage Bolt
• Elevator Bolts
• Eyebolt
• Flange Bolts
• Penta-head Bolt
• Hex Bolt
• Shoulder Bolt

Anchor Bolt

Used to attach structural and non-structural components to concrete slabs. Concrete anchor bolts are essential for attaching both structural and non-structural components to concrete slabs. These anchor bolts come in various types, each suitable for different applications based on load requirements and the nature of the materials involved.

The different types of anchor bolts available in the market include:

• L-Type Anchor Bolt: Used to attach sill plates to concrete or masonry foundations, providing anchorage for light post bases and general concrete anchorage.
• Double End Rods with Plate: Features a plate on both ends for secure attachment.
• Headed Anchor Bolt: Includes a head for specific applications.
• Swedge Anchor Bolt: Designed for restricted access situations.

Arbor Bolt

It is essential for power tools like miter saws to secure the blade in place. These bolts play a critical role in ensuring that the saw blade is securely attached to the arbor, allowing for the safe and efficient operation of the miter saw

The unique features of arbor bolts include:

• Hex Head Arbor Bolts: Feature a hexagonal head that allows easy tightening and loosening with a wrench or socket, ideal for applications requiring frequent adjustments or removal.
• Carriage Arbor Bolts: Have a round, smooth head with a square neck beneath to prevent turning when tightened, commonly used where a flat, smooth finish is desired.
• Mushroom Head Arbor Bolts: Feature a large, rounded head that provides an increased bearing surface and enhances the aesthetic appeal, often used in visible applications where appearance is crucial.
• Socket Head Arbor Bolts: Have a cylindrical head with an internal hexagonal socket, allowing for high torque application without the risk of stripping the head, ideal for heavy-duty applications requiring maximum strength.

Blind Bolts

Blind bolts are fastening devices that outperform rivets or welds in strength and flexibility, making them ideal for use when access is restricted. Blind bolts are designed to be inserted through pre-drilled holes, creating strong connections even in scenarios where standard hex bolts or rivets cannot be fixed due to limited access.

The different types of blind bolts available in the market include:

• MAXIBOLT®: A multi-piece assembly designed for use in higher-strength aircraft structural areas where installation access is restricted to a single side. It is available in alloy steel, titanium, and CRES in flush and protruding head styles.
• MAXIBOLT® PLUS: This system comes in stainless steel and titanium in all standard head configurations and grips. It offers excellent performance in thin sheet and non-metallic applications due to its larger blind side footprint.

Carriage Bolt

 Used for fastening metal to metal or wood to metal, featuring a square section under a flat head.The different sizes of carriage bolts available in the market include a range of thread diameters and lengths to suit various applications. Here are some common sizes available:

• Thread Diameter (d1): M5, M6, M8, M10, M12
• Lengths (l1): 16mm, 18mm, 20mm, 26mm, 30mm, 35mm, 40mm, 45mm, 50mm, 55mm, 60mm, 70mm, 80mm, 90mm

Elevator Bolts

Elevator bolts have a slender body and rounded head, making them ideal for use in confined spaces with moving elements. These bolts are designed to fit flush against surfaces due to their distinctively thin head design, allowing them to be used in small spaces with moving parts.

• Flathead elevator bolts: These have a flat, countersunk head that sits flush with the surface when installed, providing a smooth finish.
• Round head elevator bolts: Featuring a rounded, domed head, these bolts are often used in applications where a more decorative or finished look is desired.
• Shoulder elevator bolts: These bolts have a shoulder between the head and the threaded portion, providing a larger bearing surface and preventing the bolt from pulling through the material.
• Step elevator bolts: Also known as step bolts, these have a step or shoulder just below the head, allowing for a secure grip and preventing the bolt from rotating during installation.
• Square neck elevator bolts: These bolts have a square section beneath the head that fits into a square hole in the material, preventing the bolt from turning while tightening the nut.

Eyebolt

The Eyebolt is a versatile fastener commonly used in rigging, anchoring, pulling, pushing, or hoisting applications. This type of bolt features a looped or circular-shaped head, known as an eye, which allows for hooks to attach to it and for wire rope and cable to be threaded through as a secure rigging point.The different types of eye bolts available in the market include:

• Regular Eye Bolts: Commonly used for general lifting applications.
• Shoulder Eye Bolts: Provide added stability and support in rigging operations.
• Machinery Eye Bolts: Designed for thread-in applications, offering versatility in rigging tasks.

Flange Bolts

 Have a wide flange under the head that distributes the load like a washer.

Flange bolts are characterized by having a wide flange under the head that functions similarly to a washer, distributing the load evenly. This design feature enhances the bolt’s ability to support heavy loads and provides stability in various applications. 

The different types of flange bolts available in the market include:

• Serrated Flange Bolts: Ideal for applications where vibration might loosen a connection, as the serrations prevent loosening.
• Non-Serrated Flange Bolts: Better suited for applications where the bolt might need to be adjusted or replaced frequently.

Penta-head Bolt

The Penta-head Bolt is highly specialized with a five-sided head, making it a tamper-resistant security bolt commonly used for security purposes. These bolts feature a unique pentagonal head design that requires a special penta socket tool for installation and removal. 

The different types of Penta-head bolts available in the market include:

• Standard-Security Level Penta Head Bolts: Made of 18-8 stainless steel, commonly used for ground lid and manhole cover security applications.
• High-Security Key-Rex® or Penta-Plus® Bolts: Recommended for applications where enhanced security against tampering is required, especially in protecting copper installations.
• Custom-Made Bryce Security Fasteners: Tailored to fit specific project requirements, available in various types, sizes, metals, coatings, and configurations to meet diverse security needs.
• In-Stock Bryce Security Fasteners: Controlled inventory with a pentagon design to prevent access by Torx-Pin, Hex-Pin, and other tamper-resistant bits, exclusively available to Bryce Fastener™ customers.

Hex Bolt

The Hex Bolt is characterized by a six-sided head, making it easy to tighten and loosen with a wrench or socket. These bolts are commonly used in various applications for strong fastening, providing a secure hold in construction, automotive, industrial, and manufacturing projects.

The different types of hex bolts available in the market include:

• Regular Hex Bolts: Commonly used for general fastening applications.
• Flanged Hex Bolts: Feature a flange beneath the head that distributes the load like a washer, ideal for metal-to-metal fastening.
• Plow Bolts: Have a square neck to prevent rotation during tightening, often used in heavy machinery and farm equipment.
• Hex Head Cap Screws: Structural fasteners with hexagonal heads and machine threads, suitable for various applications requiring a nut and washer assembly.

Shoulder Bolt

Shoulder bolts, also known as shoulder screws, function as a shaft or axle to hold a rotating part like a bearing. The unthreaded shoulder of these bolts acts as a smooth bearing surface, reducing friction and enabling the rotation of parts with precision. 

The different types of shoulder bolts available in the market include:

• Plain Shoulder Bolts: Featuring a smooth cylindrical shoulder, commonly used as a pivot or bearing surface.
• Shoulder Screws: Equipped with a knurled or hexagonal shoulder, used for attaching other components with the help of a nut or threading into a tapped hole.