The bolt and nut industry is one of the largest manufacturing sectors in the US. These fasteners are used in a wide variety of industries to connect pieces of machinery and equipment together. While there are a lot of different types of bolts and nuts, there are some fundamental measurements that should be understood for all fasteners. Outside diameter and thread pitch are two of the most important measurements when it comes to selecting a bolt. In addition to these basic measurements, many bolts are also rated with a grade or class in order to help identify their tensile strength and other specific details.
Bolts are available in a wide range of sizes and grades to fit various applications. A bolt’s grade is determined by how much stress or stretch the bolt can handle before it breaks. The higher the grade, the stronger the bolt. The grading system for bolts is set by the ISO and combined using a number prefixed by a decimal. This number, when multiplied by 10, will provide an estimate of the bolt’s tensile strength.
Another important aspect of a bolt’s specification is its proof load and yield strength. These numbers are determined by mechanically testing the bolt. The higher the proof load, the more stress the bolt can withstand before it begins to break.
Stainless steel bolts are often used in outdoor applications because they can resist corrosion from exposure to water or other chemicals. These bolts are iron based with varying amounts of chromium and other metals which create an extra protective layer to prevent corrosion and rust.
Different bolts are made from a variety of materials depending on the specific needs of the application. For example, nickel-based alloys can be produced to work in high temperature environments where steel doesn’t perform as well. Other common bolt materials include steel, zinc, and brass. The material of a bolt can have a significant impact on its performance and price.
In the 1700s and 1800s, industrial revolutions in America allowed for larger manufacturers to produce bolts in mass quantities and with more accuracy and consistency. Micah Rugg, a blacksmith in Connecticut, was the first to make a profit from the manufacture of bolts when he founded his own company in 1840. A few years later, Micah’s business partner and brother-in-law, Abraham P. Plant, established the first large-scale bolt factory in the United States.
As the industry has grown, bolts have become an integral part of our everyday lives. We use them in everything from the appliances in our homes to the aircraft that flies above our heads. Having an understanding of the basics of these fasteners can make choosing the right ones for your next project easier. By knowing the differences between bolts and screws, how to measure them, and how they’re rated, you can find exactly what you need and use them in your project safely and efficiently. If you have any additional questions about these tools, reach out to a fastener specialist at your local store. They can answer any of your questions and give you tips on how to use these essential tools properly. US bolts