Bolts play an important part in all areas of industrial and commercial applications. Their
main purpose is to fasten two or more pieces of material together, but they can be used
to keep something in place or to apply tension, usually with the help of a nut.
Regardless of whether you need bolts for putting a piece of furniture together or for
maintaining machinery, you will need to know the exact type of bolt head you’ll need to
make sure the job is done efficiently and effectively.
Keeping that in mind, these are some of the most common types of bolt heads.
Hex Head Bolts
A staple in all industries, hex head bolts are one of the most commonly used fasteners.
Their popularity is due to a combination of them being cost effective, easy to use,
acquired easily and their usual high tensile strength .
As the name implies, they feature a hexagonal bolt head that can be tightened with a
spanner or hexagonal sockets. This makes them ideal for applications where a secure
fit is essential, but frequent assembly and disassembly may be required. This makes
them a more versatile head as they can be regularly removed and reused.
Flat Head/Countersunk Bolts
These bolts are usually a countersunk style head, this allows for screwing into place
depending on the drive, bringing the bolt head flush with the material’s surface. This
makes them perfect for applications where a smooth, finished look is desired or where
there is insufficient space to use a bolt with a deeper head.
Popular applications include furniture, fixtures, and cabinets, where a neat and tidy
appearance is needed. These bolts are also used in masonry applications, where they
can be sunk into mortar joints.
Hex Flange Bolts
These bolts cover a greater surface area than most other bolt heads, making them ideal
for distributing loads over a wider area. The built-in washer face also supports the
prevention of the bolt from pulling through or loosening over time.
Flange bolts are commonly used in heavy-duty applications such as construction,
mining, and automotive manufacturing. They can also be used in applications where
vibration is a concern, as the built-in washer helps to reduce noise and movement.
What About Other Bolt Styles?
This list of bolt heads is obviously by no means exhaustive. Some other bolt styles you
might have heard of include:
- T-Head Bolts
- Square Head Bolts
- Toolpost
- Eye Bolts
- Pan Head
- Cheese Heads
- Socket Caps
- Button Heads
- …or even completely headless all together.
Each has its own unique applications and benefits that make them well-suited for
specific tasks. When deciding on a bolt head style, consider your project’s specific
needs to ensure that you select the best possible option.
Where to Find the Correct Bolt for My Project?
When looking for the perfect bolt head for your project, it’s crucial to partner with a
reputable and experienced supplier. Here at Broad Fasteners, we have cumulatively
over 50+ years of experience in the steel and fastener trade and can help you to find
the perfect fastener for your needs, whether you’re looking for a standard, obsolete, or
custom solution.
We offer a massive range of bolting options in numerous materials and finishes to fit
any application you may have. Contact us today to discuss your requirements with one
of our staff members who are waiting and ready to take your call or reply to your email
enquiry, or why not pop down to the trade counter in person? We’re always happy to
help.
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