Inch bolts are the most common type of fasteners used in the United States and Canada. Inch bolts are characterized by their thread size, or “threads per inch,” and length in inches. The threads on an inch bolt are spiral ridges that extend around the body of the bolt. The threads are spaced closer together at the head of the bolt, or end of the shank, and farther apart at the root of the bolt, which is where the nut fits on the bolt. A standard bolt sizing system communicates these specifications by using a numbering scheme that includes the diameter (inches), threads per inch, and length in inches.
Bolts have many different uses in the workplace. They can hold pieces of equipment or machinery in place, secure heavy materials like drywall or plywood, and provide structural support for buildings. They can also be used to connect plumbing pipes or to attach car parts. In order to choose the right bolt for a specific project, it is important to consider the type of work that will be done and the load that needs to be supported. In addition, the function of the bolt must be considered because this will influence the type of material that is chosen.
When choosing a bolt for your application, it is important to know the key measurements and standards that are used to communicate the information on fastener sizing. This will help you to identify the correct bolt for your job, and avoid any mismatches that could damage your project or cause safety issues.
Before beginning the measurement process, determine whether the bolt you are working with is metric or standard. Metric bolts will show a series of lines and dots printed outside the circle, while standard bolts will only have line indentations in the center. Additionally, a metric bolt may have an additional symbol, which indicates the strength grade of the bolt.
In order to determine the thread size, first measure the crest diameter and then the root diameter. The number that is given will be the total number of threads per inch, and it is often listed with the corresponding nut size. For example, a bolt with a 1/8″ thread has 20 threads per inch and will pair with a 1/4″ nut.
The head of the bolt is the section that a wrench can fit onto to tighten or loosen it. It is typically hex shaped, which has six sides that are easy for the human hand to turn. Other shapes are available for specific applications, and some bolts have no heads at all, such as anchor bolts.
Once you have the key measurements on your bolt, take it to a hardware store to match it with a compatible nut. Be sure to note the OD and TPI on the fastener, as well as the manufacturer’s mark if present. The manufacturer’s mark will usually appear as a letter followed by a number. Inch bolts