What is the difference between a tap bolt and a cap screw?
A tap bolt is (typically) a fully threaded hex bolt, while a cap screw is (typically) a hex head bolt that will be installed by turning the head of the bolt (screw) instead of tightening it with a nut. Usually cap screws are being threaded into something (a piece of machinery for example), rather than being used with a nut. A cap screw is not necessarily fully threaded unless you order it that way. Cap screws will follow a standard thread length formula as follows:
Standard Thread Length
For cap screws 6″ or less in length, thread length will be (2 X diameter) + 1/4″
For cap screws longer than 6″, thread length will be (2 X diameter) + 1/2″
To summarize, a bolt is installed by turning a nut, while a screw it installed by turning the head of the fastener. A tap bolt implies that that fastener is fully threaded.
“To summarize, a bolt is installed by turning a nut, while a screw it installed by turning the head of the fastener”
The bolt and cap screw seems the same. Can you use a 1″ hex or heavy hex bolt and thread it into a 1″ tapped holes? I assume the heavy hex bolt will thread into the tapped holes.
@Larry- Typically, a cap screw is threaded into a tapped hole, whereas a hex bolt is used with a nut. The cap screw also has slightly tighter tolerances, hex bolts looser tolerances. That does not mean that one cannot use a hex bolt in a tapped hole, or a cap screw with a nut, but with the tighter tolerances of a cap screw, it is better suited for threading into items with a longer thread engagement like a tapped hole.
THANK YOU. CLEAR AND CONCISE. RICK
Good explanation, however there is a major difference between a tap bolt and a hex cap screw. The HCS has a built in washer on the underside of the head and provides some relief from the points on the head making contact with the surface. Although a tap bolt is fully threaded, there is no washer face and the points make direct contact with the surface
thank you, short and sweet