Hex head cap screws or hex bolts have a hexagonal head that is designed for a ratchet or spanner torque wrench.  This allows for tightening of the screw.  Hex cap screws or hex bolts are manufactured with different grades, finishes, sizes, and specifications depending on application.  A washer is commonly used under the head of the hex cap screw and the chamfered end and a nut is used matching up with the thread type of the hex bolt to exact specifications.  These fasteners are mostly used in construction, machine parts, and maintenance.

Plow bolts are used on heavy equipment like plows or found in road construction and farm equipment.  They come in either a flat or oval type head style with a square neck which keeps the plow bolts from turning when tightening.  The neck is included when trying to measure the head height.  The length is measured by the top of the head down to the end of the bolt.  Materials meet the SAE J429 specifications.

Shaker Screen Bolts

Shaker screen bolts are fully threaded carriage bolts.  The round head offers a smooth finish while the square neck underneath the head offers a secure connection when tightening a nut onto the bolt.  The shaker screen bolts come in grade 8 and are made from alloy steel to the strength and requirements of SAE J429 and dimensional requirements of ASME B18.5.  The grade 8 provides a high strength to reduce fatigue and impact failures in tougher applications.

Structural Bolts (Bolt Only)

Structural Bolts, also known as heavy hex head bolts, are mainly used in steel-to-steel applications where there is a high load application with a high tensile strength.  Structural bolts are mainly used in steel building frameworks and bridges.  ASTM A325 and ASTM 490 are specifically given to structural bolts.  The ASTM F3125 specification includes ASTM A325, A325M, A490, A490M, F1852, and F2280.  Consult with the engineer if you are unsure of the specific grade to be used in the application.

Structural Bolts w/ Nuts

Structural Bolts, also known as heavy hex head bolts, are mainly used in steel-to-steel applications where there is a high load application with a high tensile strength.  Structural bolts are mainly used in steel building frameworks and bridges.  ASTM A325 and ASTM 490 are specifically given to structural bolts.  The ASTM F3125 specification includes ASTM A325, A325M, A490, A490M, F1852, and F2280.  Consult with the engineer if you are unsure of the specific grade to be used in the application.

Tension Control Bolts

A tension control bolt, known as a “TC” bolt are pre-assembled and consist of a bolt, a nut, and a washer.  The spline of the bolt acts as a built-in tension controller.  An electric shear wrench is used to tighten the bolt and when the right tension is met, the spline snaps off the bolt.  TC bolts are used in heavy duty applications like earth moving equipment and heavy-duty stamping.  Total length is measured from under the head.

Tap Bolts are fully threaded hex head cap screws or hex bolts.  They have a hexagonal head that is designed for a ratchet or spanner torque wrench.  This allows for tightening of the bolt.  Tap bolts are manufactured with different grades, finishes, sizes, and specifications depending on application.  A washer is commonly used under the head and the chamfered end and a nut is used matching up with the thread type of the hex bolt to exact specifications.  These fasteners are mostly used in construction, machine parts, and maintenance.

Step Bolts

Step bolts are like a carriage bolt as they both have a square neck and a round head.  The step bolt head style is flat so that it makes for a smoother surface when installed.  The actual use of a step bolt is for steps on communication towers and steel communication.