Understand the Uses for Bolts and Screws
While screws and bolts are both designed to secure two pieces of material together, it is important to understand that they should be used in different applications. In general, bolts should be used when more strength is needed between the two materials, while screws are a better choice for more delicate projects. This is because bolts create a much tighter connection than a screw, making them great options for heavy-duty tasks such as hanging a picture frame on the wall or connecting two beams of wood.
Do you need to secure two pieces of material together but can’t decide whether to use a bolt or a screw? Knowing the difference between screws and bolts is essential in order to make an informed decision when it comes to choosing the right fastener. This guide will provide the information you need on screws vs bolts, so that you can select the option most suitable for your needs.
Know the Difference Between Screws and Bolts
It’s important to know the differences between screws and bolts before deciding which fastener is best for the job. While both are great choices. They each come with their own unique set of pros and cons. Bolts require a nut or threaded hole on the other side to secure materials together, while screws require only a tapped hole. Bolts are also better suited for heavy-duty applications, whereas screws would be better used for light-duty tasks. Furthermore, there is less room for error when using bolts since tight tolerances must be maintained in order for them to work properly.
Types of bolts
Hex Bolt
Also known as a hex cap screw, is a type of fastener with a threaded casing and hexagonal head. Hex bolt is one of the most commonly used bolting options and is great for wood, metal, and plastic applications.
Carriage Bolt
This type of bolt features a round head that contains slots about the circumference of the head for stability when it is screwed into place with a nut. It also has a square shoulder on the shank just below the head to lock it in place when inserted into pre-drilled holes or material such as wood planks/boards.
Lag Bolt
A lag bolt is similar to a carriage bolt but its main distinction is its long shaft and wedge-style head that extends from the top of the shaft to driving it into whatever material it needs to be secured in place on. This makes them ideal for use with softer materials such as wood and plasterboard since they provide exceptional holding power once in place.
Socket Cap Screws
Socket cap screws, also known as socket screws or Allen screws are often used when businesses don’t have time to search for other types of bolts and need something right away to accomplish their task quickly and effectively. They are primarily used in machine parts due to their self-locking mechanism caused by an internal socket drive that engages recesses in the underside of the head. Which prevents them from backing out during vibration without stripping threads or damaging components around it in the process due to excess torque applied to seating the bolt properly during installation.
U Bolts
A U-bolt is designed like its name suggests—a “U” shape with threads on both ends with sharp edges for fastening purposes onto hard surfaces or two separate objects together securely and tightly for added strength in load-bearing situations and mechanical support requirements, such as automotive mounting kits or even TV wall Mounts if necessary. They are easy to install but require an extra turn around once they’re tightened down completely since they lack tapped heads unlike some other common bolts like cap screws & lag bolts, so washers must be put over every side of each thread before being secured upwards firmly until tightened down successfully–will definitely help keep everything held together tight permanently after all necessary steps are taken correctly here.
Eyebolt/Lifting Bolts
An eyebolt, also referred to as lifting bolts, is meant for one purpose—to lift heavy objects (or people). Much like rigging wire ropes fasteners do, these bolted assemblies secure critical items safely & easily with practical usage offered everywhere from aeronautic operations within construction sites down below ground levels deep beneath sea shallows–ensuring that no matter how tall your objective may reach above everyone else`s expectations…it will still remain strong while connections remain completely intact without fail!
Anchor Bolts
Anchor bolts, also referred to as expansion anchors or concrete anchors typically feature these components heavy steel plate washers combined directly beneath larger (8″ size) hex heads topped off surrounded by more snugly fit round nuts fitted closely much resembling ordinary carriage bolts except without any extra hardware affixed around their external bases unlike regular lag screws found commonly at most hardware stores located worldwide today now available readily everywhere whenever needed depending upon specific job duties required at hand routinely daily.
Types of screw
Phillips Screws
The most common type of screw, Phillips screws are signs of intersecting slots at the head and can be driven in with a standard Phillips or “+” screwdriver.
Flat-Head Screws
A flat-head screw is identified by its single slot at the head and is made to sit flush when tightened. It will match up best with an appropriately-sized flathead or “-” screwdriver
Hex Screws
These screws, also known as hexagonal socket cap screws, were created to do away with slotted screws which were prone to stripping out their heads due to over tightening; instead featuring 6 (hex) sides for a wrench to grip as it tightens the screw in place.
Security Screws
Specialized screws such as one-way, tamper resistant, etc., usually feature unconventional shapes and require special drivers that are not interchangeable with traditional drives for additional security purposes.
Sheet Metal Screws:
Sheet metal screws usually have wide and rudimentary heads so that sheets of metal may be securely fastened without the need for a pre-drilled pilot hole.
Self Drilling Screws
Otherwise referred to as Tapcon style, these self drilling screws look like miniature drill bits under close examination and provide an easy way to fasten materials together without pre threading them or using a pilot hole.
Machine/Thread Forming Screws
Designed originally for use in wood panel applications with softer substrates such as plastics or woods, machine/thread forming screws cut threads directly into material eliminating the need for pre-tapping holes themselves and allowing stronger overall joints than traditional threads would provide on their own.
STUD BOLT VS HEAD BOLT
Material – Stud bolts are usually made of stainless steel and other heat-resistant alloys, while head bolts are typically made from heavier grades of steel or other reinforced metals.
Shape – Stud bolts have a pointed end that makes them easy to insert into a hole in the material beneath, while head bolts have a wide, flat head that allows for use in tight spaces where stud bolts would be difficult to work with.
Application – Stud bolts are most often used for larger structural applications due to their longer length, while head bolts may be better suited for smaller projects or repairs since they’re easier to install and take up less space.
Strength – Generally speaking, studs are stronger because they hold on both sides of the metal with more torque than a comparable size head bolt can provide which provides greater traction and hold strength against loosening forces.
Design – The design of studs versus head bolts is vastly different as well – the thread pattern on studs is designed to engage into surrounding material and resist axial loads, while those on head bolts are intended to secure materials together by providing greater surface contact area for fastening and bolting parts directly together without needing any additional support items associated with threaded rods.
Usage – Head Bolts can be used in various applications such as engines, valves & pumps, whereas Stud Bolts find its usage mainly in piping assemblies subjected to extreme pressures & temperatures in Petrochemical Industries & Power Plants etc., due to its versatility in accommodating various flanges sizes along with Nuts/Gaskets at one end.
Cost – Head Bolts tend to cost much lower than Stud Bolts because they feature lesser threads per inch making it infeasible extensively deployment like Stud Rods due to lesser capability when it comes to high torque applications, which requires higher degree standing forces at connection points levels inside piping systems.
Determine Which Type is Best Suited for Your Application
Which fastener type is best suited for your application will depend upon what you’re trying to accomplish. If you need a strong and reliable bond then bolts are the way to go, but if you don’t need a particularly tight fit, or are looking for a faster option, then screws may be the better choice. Additionally, it’s important to consider the environment in which the fasteners will be used. Will they be exposed to outside elements? If so, it’s likely best to choose a corrosion-resistant material such as stainless steel.
Consider Durability, Cost, and Aesthetics When Deciding on Fasteners
It’s important to consider the durability of the fastener you choose, as well as how much it will cost and how it looks. Bolts are known for their strength and usually carry a higher price tag than screws, but there is a wide variety available to suit budgets and aesthetic preferences. As always, make sure you check manufacturer specifications and research the best way to install each fastener type before making any decisions.
Understand Common Thread Types and Sizes for Bolts and Screws.
Bolt thread types and sizes depend on the material, application, and industry standards. When using bolts, it’s essential to understand UNC (Unified National Coarse) threading or UNF (Unified National Fine) threads; both have different dimensions and are used in different applications. It’s also important to consider whether you need a machine screw or lag bolt per the requirements of the project.
Specification of Stud bolts vs Head bolts
Material – Stud bolts are usually made of stainless steel and other heat-resistant alloys, while head bolts are typically made from heavier grades of steel or other reinforced metals.
Shape – Stud bolts have a pointed both end that makes them easy to insert into a hole in the material beneath, while head bolts have a wide, flat head that allows for use in tight spaces where stud bolts would be difficult to work with.
Application – Stud bolts are most often used for larger structural applications due to their longer length, while head bolts may be better suited for smaller projects or repairs since they’re easier to install and take up less space.
Strength – Generally speaking, studs are stronger because they hold on both sides of the metal with more torque than a comparable size head bolt can provide which provides greater traction and holds strength against loosening forces.
Design – The design of studs versus head bolts is vastly different as well – the thread pattern on studs is designed to engage into surrounding material and resist axial loads, while those on head bolts are intended to secure materials together by providing greater surface contact area for fastening and bolting parts directly together without needing any additional support item as associated with threaded rods.
Usage – Head Bolts can be used in various applications such as engines, valves & pumps, whereas Stud Bolts find its usage mainly in piping assemblies subjected to extreme pressures & temperatures in Petrochemical Industries & Power Plants etc. Due to its versatility in accommodating various flanges sizes along with Nuts/Gaskets at one end.
Cost – Head Bolts tend to cost much lower than Stud Bolts because they feature lesser threads per inch making it infeasible extensively deployment like Stud Rods due to lesser capability when it comes to high torques applications which requires higher degree standing forces at connection points levels inside Piping systems.
Bolts codes and standards
International Code Council (ICC): The ICC is a national organization founded in 1994 to develop model codes concerning building safety, fire prevention and prevention of energy consumption. Using a three-year cycle, the ICC updates existing building codes and creates new codes, setting standards for bolts that reflect known technology and best practices.
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME): Established in 1880, ASME publishes voluntary consensus standards for bolts as part of its Boiler & Pressure Vessels Code and Fasteners Committee publications. Organizations such as large public utilities may use these standards when specifying bolts for their applications.
ASTM A325/A490 Structural Bolting: This guide published by ASTM International defines the strength characteristics a bolt must have to be classified as an A325 or A490 bolt, which are most commonly found in steel construction projects such as buildings and bridges where heavy loads are expected. The main difference between an A325 and an A490 bolt is their tensile strength — A325 have a lower tensile strength than A490 bolts
National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA): NEMA publishes standards and guides covering all aspects of electrical equipment design and related topics, including fastener torque tables used to determine appropriate tightening force on bolting installations such as those found on switchboards where threaded holes anchor components together with miniature machine screws such as multi-start thread screws
SAE International: Established in 1906, SAE International focuses on setting engineering guidelines for automotive and aerospace systems, including fasteners for high-performance engines and driveshafts located behind gas tanks that require specific torquing values so they do not fail during operation at high RPMs
Aerospace Standard ASNA 818: Developed by SAE Aerospace under the authority of government agencies involved with military aircraft production for both civilian use aviation maintenance procedures include specific torque requirements related to bolts used in flight field service special tools
US Federal Specifications: US Federal Specifications set minimum criteria that fasteners must pass before being approved for federal contracts appearing ahead of other industry standards specifications created by ASTM or NASnA or even private labeling these enforcements are important in order to maintain quality assurance especially when complying with orders from international governments
- TYPES OF PIPE FLANGE
- SCREWED FLANGE
- SLIP ON FLANGE
- SOCKET WELD
- SORF FLANGE
- NIPO FLANGE
- LAP JOINT