What is Bolt and what are its Different Types?

A bolt is a type of fastener. Bolts are often used to make a bolted joint. This is a combination of the nut applying an axial clamping force and also the shank of the bolt acting as a dowel, pinning the joint against sideways shear forces. For this reason, many bolts have a plain unthreaded shank (called the grip length) as this makes for a better, stronger dowel. To know in detail about these bolts visit fasteners manufacturer in United Kingdom.

There are many different varieties of bolt which can be selected based on the particular requirement or the materials involved. Some of the most common types include:

·         Anchor bolt: Usually embedded in concrete or masonry for structural applications.

·         Carriage bolt: Used to fasten metal to timber, with a squared undercut to the head which holds the bolt in place once it has been tightened.

·         Elevator bolt: Commonly used in conveyor systems, an elevator bolt has a flat, plain or countersunk head which holds the bolt in place when tightened.

·         Flange bolt: Also known as frame bolts, this type of bolt distributes the bearing load using a washer on the undercut of the head.

·         Hanger bolt: This type of bolt comprises two threaded ends instead of having a head, one of which contains a wood screw.

·         Hexagon bolt/Tap bolt: A hexagon bolt comprises a head that has six sides, with threading that begins part-way down the shank, whereas a tap bolt’s shank is threaded the whole length.

·         Lag bolt: Also known as lag screws, this is a heavy-duty fastener that creates its own mating thread in timber and other soft materials when tightened.

·         Machine bolt: This type of bolt has a short shank and is intended for assembling metal components through predrilled holes.

·         Plow bolt: This type of bolt is commonly used in construction tools and other devices due to its durability, and is characterized by its flat countersunk head and square shank neck.

·         Sex bolt: Rather than requiring a nut, the shank of sex bolts is covered with a ‘mating’ female component. These are useful for fastening components that cannot be exposed to abrasive threads.

·         Square head bolt: This is similar to a machine bolt in that it has a short shank, in addition to a four-sided bolt head.

·         Stud bolt: This type of bolt has hexagon nuts on both ends. Components are fastened between the two bolts.

·         Timber bolt: Bolts that are meant for use with large timber components.

·         T-head bolt: Has a T-shaped head which can be gripped by a wench and can fit into a slot with ease.

·         Toggle bolt: This type of bolt has an expanding wing-like nut which helps it to mount objects to walls.

                             

·         U-bolt: Similar to staples, U-bolts are bent in the shape of a ‘U’ and are partially threaded on both ends.

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