Bolt Industry FAQs

How to Order Bolts

What information do I need to provide when ordering bolts or requesting a quotation to ensure that I receive the correct product?

Have you ever gone to order bolts and haven’t known what information you needed to provide to ensure you receive the correct fasteners? Relax, because you’re not alone. If you don’t deal with fasteners daily, you may not understand all of the necessary information you need to provide to ensure that you receive the correct... Read more

Manufacturers vs Distributors

What is the difference between a bolt manufacturer and a fastener distributor?

In the fastener industry, there are two different types of fastener companies… distributors and manufacturers. The following FAQ will address the differences between fastener distributors and bolt manufacturers and provide some insight as to when to consider utilizing each type of company for your fastener purchases. What is a fastener distributor? Fastener distributors serve a... Read more

Roll Threading Dimensional Requirements

What specification covers dimensional requirements for roll threaded hex bolts and square head bolts?

ANSI/ASME B18.2.1 is the dimensional specification that covers hex bolts and square head bolts. Note 14 of the specification addresses reduced body material that is used in the roll threading process. “14. Reduced Diameter Body. Bolts may be obtained in “reduced diameter body.” Where “reduced diameter body” is specified, the body diameter may be reduced... Read more

Domestic Requirements

What is a "Domestic Requirement" and how do I know if it applies to my project?

There are a variety of different types of construction projects that require domestically manufactured (U.S.-made) products, including bolts. There are three main pieces of legislation that mandate “domestic” products. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, also known as “ARRA” or “Stimulus Plan,” was enacted into... Read more

Bolt Insurance

What is Product Liability Insurance? Which companies should have it?

Truly an asset you may not always like paying for but one you surely cannot live without. All manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, in fact all those involved in the “stream of commerce” should have adequate product liability insurance. Product liability insurance is an insurance policy that would provide protection against liabilities, within the policy limits, for... Read more

Thread Engagement

How much thread engagement is recommended, i.e. how many threads should extend beyond the nut?

This is a difficult question to answer. Depending on your application, the answer could be anywhere from 1/2 engagement, up to having two full threads extend beyond the nut. Look at these conflicting answers found in four separate technical publications. Federal Highway Administration, “Guidelines for the Installation, Inspection, Maintenance and Repair of Structural Supports for... Read more

Hex Bolts vs. Hex Cap Screws

What are the differences between a hex cap screw and a hex bolt?

These terms are often incorrectly used interchangeably. The most basic difference between a cap screw and a bolt is the way in which these fasteners are installed. Technically, a bolt is installed by turning a nut to tighten the fastener, while a cap screw in installed by turning the head of the bolt to assemble... Read more

Malleable Iron Washer Details

What are the purposes for the different components in malleable iron washers (MIW)

For many years a malleable iron washer has been a common component in heavy timber and marine construction. With a large bearing surface and thick cast design they help prevent the bolt head or nut from pulling through wood connections. There are two common types of MIW. One style of malleable washer is produced in... Read more

Structural Bolt Length Tolerance

According to section 9 of the ASME B18.2.6 specification that covers fasteners for use in structural applications, an A325 structural bolt can actually be produced .12” to .25” less than the published length and still meet the specification.

According to section 9 of the ASME B18.2.6 specification, which covers dimensional tolerances for hex bolts, A325 and A490 structural bolts can actually be produced between .12 to .25 of inch less than the published length and still meet the specification. This small difference isn’t much, but mass bolt producers save a significant amount of... Read more