Important Things to Know about Nuts and Bolts

Nuts and bolts are small tools that are responsible for holding large things together. Planes, decks, beds, and many other things rely at least in part on a variety of nuts and bolts to keep them assembled and to lend strength to their structure. Whether you are a do-it-yourselfer or an experienced mechanical engineer, here are a few important things you should know about these underestimated tools.

 

Bolt Identification

Bolts can be made from a variety of materials, including:

  • Zinc-plated steel
  • Aluminum
  • Cadmium-plated steel
  • Stainless steel

The most common type of bolt used for a variety of applications is made with plated steel and can be identified easily thanks to the raised "X" on its head. Aluminum bolts are very rarely used, but they can be identified by two separate dashes on the head. Stainless steel bolts are popularly used in mechanical settings, especially when corrosion is a concern. These bolts have only one raised dash on their heads.

 

Bolt Size

Bolts are further differentiated by their size and are numbered for easy identification. If a bolt has the number AN5-16A, the placement of each letter and number means something. The "5" is a measurement of the shank's diameter in sixteenths of an inch, while the "16" indicates the length of the shank in eights of an inch. This means that a bolt with the number AN5-16A is 2 inches long and 5/16 inches in diameter.

If you want to make sure that you choose the right materials for a particular job, make sure you learn how to properly identify the different types of bolts and to figure out a bolt's size based on its numbering system. Call (800) 603-6887 today for more information about nuts and bolts available at Copper State.