Square head machine bolts were the industry standard prior to hex bolts gaining prominence. Square bolts are now most commonly used for aesthetic purposes to provide a rustic look in a new structure or to match existing fasteners in an older structure. Square lag screws are also used for these purposes.

Crossarm or machine bolts are commonly supplied for the utility industry and included an added cone point.

Manufacturing

Portland Bolt manufactures square bolts from 1/2″ diameter through 2″ diameter in most ASTM, AASHTO, and SAE specifications. Special tooling can be created to produce nonstandard head dimensions or bolt heads with your company’s name and/or logo. Portland Bolt stocks square head blanks that are used for small orders or expedited deliveries.

Stock

Portland Bolt does not stock any square head machine bolts, and in most cases, square head bolts are not readily available through fastener distributors. Typically, square head bolts will need to be custom manufactured.

Standard Thread Lengths

Bolt lengths < 6″: Thread length = (2 X diameter) + 1/4″
Bolt lengths > 6″: Thread length = (2 X diameter) + 1/2″

Square Head Dimensions

Click table to show drawing
Bolt Diameter D F C H
Body Diameter Width Across Flats Width Across Corners Height
Max Basic Max Min Max Min Basic Max Min
12 0.515 34 0.750 0.725 1.061 0.995 2164 0.348 0.308
58 0.642 1516 0.938 0.906 1.326 1.244 2764 0.444 0.400
34 0.768 118 1.125 1.088 1.591 1.494 12 0.524 0.476
78 0.895 1516 1.312 1.269 1.856 1.742 1932 0.620 0.568
1 1.022 112 1.500 1.450 2.121 1.991 2132 0.684 0.628
118 1.149 11116 1.688 1.631 2.386 2.239 34 0.780 0.720
114 1.277 178 1.875 1.812 2.652 2.489 2732 0.876 0.812
138 1.404 2116 2.062 1.994 2.917 2.738 2932 0.940 0.872
112 1.531 214 2.250 2.175 3.182 2.986 1 1.036 0.964
134* 2916 1316
2* 21516 1516

* ASME only defines head dimensions up to 1-1/2". Dimensions for 1-3/4 and 2" are approximate and not covered under the ASME dimensional specifications.

Dimensions per ASME B18.2.1 1996