We’ve all grown up seeing and using bolts — nuts and screws for securing things, whether it’s a toy, a power supply, an electric board, a screw to hang your favourite painting on the wall, or a clock. Bolts are widely used, as may be seen if one looks around. After the wheel, bolts and nuts could be considered the next greatest discoveries made by humans in the field of mechanical engineering.
Bolts are the fundamental tool used in all metal projects, whether they are for industrial, agricultural, or warehouse purposes. Crafted from premium materials, these bolts are specifically engineered to offer a long-lasting connection between metal panels and metal components.
About Bolts and Their Types
Bolts are mechanical fasteners with threaded shafts, very similar to screws, but with only part of their shaft threaded. Let’s explore the various types and their applications:
Anchor Bolts
Anchor bolts attach constructions or objects to concrete. They are inserted into wet concrete before it dries to keep them in place as the concrete hardens. When installing anchor bolts, it’s crucial to identify the object or structure’s center of gravity to ensure proper placement. These fasteners are available in various sizes, shapes, and materials, making them suitable for different purposes. They transfer shear loads in addition to tensile stresses and offer more holding force than through bolts due to their expansion as they are tightened.
Hex Socket Head Bolts
Also known as cap screws or caps, hex socket head bolts feature hexagon-shaped holes in their heads. These fasteners are perfect for creating tension on flat surfaces and are widely used. They differ from regular fasteners as they lack a washer under the head or a rounded end, requiring a nut for fastening. Hex socket head bolts come in various forms, styles, sizes, and materials and are secured with a nut tightened using a wrench, socket, spanner, or hex key into pre-tapped holes. These are commonly used in construction, machine repair, and maintenance due to their ease of installation and removal.
Arbour Bolts
Arbour bolts are pre-assembled with a washer permanently attached to the head and have a dark finish. Unlike other types, they are not commonly found in hardware stores but are used with electric saws to secure the blade.
Lag Bolts
Lag bolts are employed for fixing large timbers or items exposed to significant pressure. They are much larger than regular fasteners, with a minimum size of 1/4 inch in diameter and an inch in length.
Flange Bolts
Flange bolts have a round, washer-like flange under the head that distributes clamping force across a larger area. In automobiles, they protect engine and gearbox systems by tightly gripping the casing. In piping systems, they connect the ends of two angled pipes.
Importance of Bolts
Bolts are essential in various construction and industrial applications due to their crucial features:
Safety
In industrial settings, safety is paramount. Using the correct fasteners ensures worker safety and equipment longevity. Accurate fastening prevents catastrophic failures caused by loose bolts.
Performance
Every component of a building plays a vital role, and high-quality fasteners are essential for preventing failure. They are used across various industries to ensure stability and safety.
In Construction
High-strength fasteners join steel frames, connect beams, and secure structural parts, ensuring the stability and safety of infrastructure projects, bridges, and skyscrapers.
In Automobiles
Fasteners are essential for vehicle assembly and safety, maintaining the structural integrity of cars by holding body panels and engine parts together. They must withstand vibration, shock, and extreme temperatures.
In the Petroleum Industry
Bolts used in oil and gas industries must perform reliably under stress and corrosion. Examples include pumps, tanks, and drilling rigs.
In Agriculture
The agricultural sector uses fasteners in the construction of buildings, drying rooms, grain bins, and irrigation and filtration systems.
In Marine and Military Settings
Corrosion-resistant metals like stainless steel and aluminum are common materials for fasteners in marine and military applications, enduring prolonged exposure to seawater and extreme conditions.
Fasten and Assemble All of Your Objects With Bolts from L&T-SuFin
L&T-SuFin offers a variety of bolts from leading manufacturers and vendors at discounted prices. You can get quotes from verified dealers or make online purchases with hassle-free delivery to over 21,000 pin codes nationwide. Browse and purchase various types of bolts at L&T-SuFin, India’s top marketplace for building supplies, office supplies, industrial tools, and electrical products. Also read