Bolting Products

FAQs

What is the difference between a screw or a bolt?
A bolt is used in conjunction with a nut and will be used with a pre drilled hole. A bolt will generally have a shoulder, or shank as opposed to being fully threaded. A screw is designed to be used in a threaded hole, or be capable of forming a hole itself when driven into material.

What is bolting used for?
Bolting is the combination of a bolt, a nut and one or more washers. Bolting is used to generate a clamping force across a washer and the material it is holding together. Bolting is used in applications where a secure but adjustable connection is required or disassembly may be necessary.

How do you select the correct fastener size?
Fastener size will be often dictated by the load type and the direction of the load. The type and thickness of the material along with aesthetics and appearance required are other factors that need to be considered when selecting correct fasteners size. Contact us direct at sales@fixandfast.co.uk for bespoke advice for your project

Should you always use a washer?
Washers help distribute the load and without them you risk causing stress related damage. You should always use a washer when fixing into wood and other soft materials otherwise you may damage the surface. 

What type of bolt do I need?
There are many different types of bolts available and which one you use will be dependent on the end application. Factors such as load size, materials being fastened along with budget and aesthetics are all important factors to consider when selecting the bolt you need.

How is bolt length measured?
For the majority of bolts they are measured by the length of the shank. From the tip of the bolt to under the head. If the bolt has a countersunk head then you measure from the tip of the bolt to the tip of the head. In metric bolts the length is the second number in the bolts name, the first being the diameter. Eg M10x25 the diameter is 10, the length is 25.

Do you put a washer before a nut and bolt?
You should always put a washer under the bolt head, between the material and the bolt head to maximise the distribution of the load, and again between the nut and the material.

Do washers make bolts tighter?
A washer can make a joint tighter as using a washer helps apply pressure over a wider surface area. A washer does provide a smooth surface for the nut to tighten against ensure even pressure to be applied

Do I need square or hex nuts?
It depends on your application. A Hex nut has 6 sides and is more common than a 4 sided Square nut. A Hex nut offers more torque and is easier to tighten. You can also install them in smaller spaces due to only needing a 60 degree range to tighten. A Square nut requires at least a 90 degree range to tighten, though does cover a greater surface area and are better protected against loosening

How to prevent bolts rusting?
There are several paints and sprays that can be applied to help prevent bolts rusting. These do not always work, best advice is buying a bolt in the finish best suited for the application. Stainless Steel bolts will be more resistant to rust than zinc plated bolts. Brass bolts, as they contain little or no iron, do not rust but can react with oxygen.

When should bolts be replaced?
Bolts should be replaced when there are visible signs of damage such as warping or excessive corrosion that could impact the integrity of the bolt. Generally, most bolts are suitable to be used more than once, the exception is in the motor industry where cylinder head bolts are often a single use bolt.