Introduction

Bolts and nuts are used in several applications, with a primary

function to hold things or components together. A bolt, also known
as a screw, does not always have to be used together with a nut;
however, a nut is always used together with a bolt.
Nuts and bolts serve as the fundamental components in several
construction projects as they provide strong bonds that do not
break even under great amounts of pressure.
Bolts and nuts can have several different styles and types, each
suited to match the needs of a particular application or the needs of
the job.
A bolt features a thread on a cylindrical shape and the nut features
an internal thread which binds with the thread on the bolt. By
running the bolt through the nut, it forms a very strong bond which
has the ability to withstand great amounts of stress.
 Nuts
The nut is always used opposite a mating bolt and features a
threaded hole which mates with the thread on the bolt. When used
together, nuts and bolts work to fasten a stack of parts together
securely.
When secured together, the nut and the bolt are able to stay
together without dropping apart due to the friction that is
generated by their thread, compression of the parts as well as a
slight stretch of the bolt.
There can be application where vibrations and rotation may cause
the nut and bolt to come loose. If nothing is done about it, overtime
the nut would simply fall off the bolt, causing the materials that
they were securing together to fall apart.
This can be extremely dangerous and therefore other alternatives
should be used together with bolts and nuts to create stronger and
efficient joints.
Figure 1.1 : Body nuts are specially designed for specific holding applications.
 Bolts
As mentioned earlier, a bolt usually spots a cylindrical shape that has an
external helical ridge thread running on its surface.
The external thread can also simply be referred to as just thread. The
thread on the bolt is designed to mate with another object which has the
complimentary thread carved in it or with a nut.
The complimentary thread is referred to as an internal thread. When used
without a nut, the bolt mates with the internal thread that is carved
inside a hole on the object through which the bolt would be run. Some
bolts are designed to form the internal thread in softer materials when
they are simply pressed into those materials.
The purpose of inserting bolts into other materials is to bind that material
with another object.
For example if one material is required to be bonded with another, a bolt
could be run through these two materials and a nut on the other side
could be used to secure the materials together tightly.
.
Figure 1.2 : Bolt measurements
 Common Fastener Types
Hex Bolts, or Hex Cap Screws, are used in machinery and construction. Can be
used with a nut, or in a tapped hole. Fully threaded hex bolts are also known
as tap bolts.
Wood Screws have large threads and a smooth shank f or pulling two pieces
of material together. They can be used in wood and other soft materi-als.
Sheet Metal Screws have sharp points and threads, and are designed to be
driven directly into sheet metal. They can also be used in softer materials like
plastic, fiberglass, or wood.
Machine Screws are fully threaded for use with a nut or in a tapped hole.
Certain types are some-times referred to as stove bolts.
Socket Screws are machine screws with an internal hex socket (Allen)
drive. Longer lengths may have a smooth shank.
Lag Bolts, or Lag Screws, are large wood screws with hex heads. Typically used
for wood construction and landscaping.
Carriage Bolts have smooth, domed heads with a square section underneath
that pulls into the material to prevent spinning during installation.
 Fastener Materials
Zinc-plated steel is a plated steel are
low carbon steel for smooth and polished
general use. Relatively for appearance.
inexpensive, color is
either a blue-ish tint or
yellow depending on Brass and bronze are
the exact process. copper alloys with
good corrosion resist-
ance. More expensive
Hot-dipped galvanized than steel, these
steel has a thicker zinc materialsare typically
coating for better used for decorative
corrosion resistance, applications.
making it suitable for Colors can vary
outdoor use.The coating significantly.
typically has a rough,
dull grey finish.

Stainless steel offers

good corrosion
resistance, making it
suitable for outdoor
use and marine
applications, but is
more expensive than
zinc plated.

Chrome and nickel

How Fasteners are Notated
 Manufacturing processes

Figure 1.3 : Overview of the various production processes.

A summary of the production process:
1. Wire - Uncoiled, straightened and cut to length.
2. Cold forging - Molding the steel into the right shape at room temperature.
3. Bolt head - Progressively formed by forcing the steel into various dies at high pressure.
4. Threading - Threads are formed by rolling or cutting.
5. Heat treatment - The bolt is exposed to extreme heat to harden steel.
6. Surface treatment - It depends on the application. Zinc-plating is common to increase
corrosion resistance.
7. Packing/stocking - After quality control to ensure uniformity and consistency, the bolts are
packaged.
 Cost consideration
MS Nut and Bolt Alloy Bolts, Packaging Type: Boxes
Rs 55/Kilogram Rs 20/ Piece

SS Thread Bolt Nut Hastelloy Bolts - Hastelloy B2

Rs 60/ Kilogram Rs 10/ piece

Zinc Plated Eye Bolt Nickel Alloy U Bolt

Rs 15/ Piece Rs 10/ Piece