• What shear strength is
• How shear strength is different from tensile strength
• Shear bolts and their characteristics
• How to calculate bolt shear strength

What Is Shear Strength?

Broadly speaking, shear strength is the maximum stress a material can withstand before it fails in shear. It鈥檚 a measurement used in a number of engineering applications.听听

When you apply that definition to bolts, shear strength is a measure of a bolt鈥檚 ability to resist forces that attempt to slide it apart.听

This is a critical component in applications where bolts are subjected to loads that don鈥檛 act along the axis of the bolt but rather across it, like in joints that experience lateral forces (sliding away from each other in opposite directions).听

Failure in shear can have destructive results 鈥斕齮hink structures collapsing, heavy machinery malfunctioning 鈥斕齭o it鈥檚 important that engineers carefully consider the shear strength of bolts in their designs.

Shear Strength vs. Tensile Strength

Shear strength and tensile strength are both essential measures of how well a bolt can withstand force without breaking. The difference between them is that shear strength measures a bolt鈥檚 resistance to sliding forces, and tensile strength refers to its ability to withstand pulling forces along its length, or axis.

Tensile strength is often higher than shear strength for the same bolt, as all materials are generally stronger in tension than in shear. Think about it: a bolt subjected to a large tensile load will elongate until it eventually snaps. A bolt under a large shear load will fail, or snap, along its cross-sectional area. There鈥檚 simply less wiggle room.

In practice, it鈥檚 important to know the difference between these two strengths and choose the right one to focus on for your application. In structural joints where shear forces dominate, choosing a bolt with high shear strength is more critical than selecting one with high tensile strength.

What Is a Shear Bolt?

A shear bolt is a specialized fastener designed specifically to fail in shear at a predetermined force. This type of bolt is commonly used in applications where controlled failure is necessary to protect more critical components of a system. It will help to avoid more significant damage and costly repairs, as it can be easily replaced after a failure.听

Some key characteristics are:听

• Precise shear point: The bolt is designed to shear, or break, at a specific load to prevent damage to more expensive or vital components.
• Low-tensile material: The bolt is likely made from materials with low tensile strength to ensure they fail at the desired shear load.
• Application-specific design: The bolt is tailored to specific applications where predictable shear failure is a safety feature.

You鈥檒l often find shear bolts in agricultural machinery, snow blowers, and certain types of industrial equipment.

Examples of High Shear Strength Bolts

Standard bolts can have a good amount of shear strength. However, for applications requiring exceptionally high shear strength, you鈥檒l want to choose any of these high shear strength bolts:

• Grade 8 bolts: Known for their high shear strength and tensile strength, Grade 8 bolts are commonly used in heavy machinery, automotive applications, and structural connections. They鈥檙e made from carbon alloy steel, quenched, and tempered for added strength.
• A490 bolts: A490 bolts (from ASTM A490) are used in structural connections 鈥� most often construction applications 鈥� and are known for their high shear strength.听
• Inconel bolts: Inconel is a nickel-chromium-based superalloy. Bolts made from Inconel have extreme shear strength, particularly in high-temperature environments. Therefore, they鈥檙e most often used in aerospace and high-performance automotive applications.
• Stainless steel bolts: While not the strongest in tensile strength, certain grades of stainless steel bolts offer excellent shear strength and are used in marine, aerospace, and chemical processing industries.

How to Calculate Shear Strength

Surprisingly, there are no shear strength values or requirements in ASTM specifications like there are for other strength measurements (e.g. tensile strength). Instead, the articulates shear strength as about 60% of the minimum tensile strength.

So, if a Grade 8 bolt has a minimum tensile strength of 150,000 psi, the shear strength would be 90,000 psi.

Bolt Shear Strength Chart

Here are some more shear strength values, plus their respective tensile strength equivalents, for common bolt grades.

Please note that these values are general guidelines and may vary based on specific material properties and manufacturing processes. You should always cross-check with manufacturer specifications or precise measurements.听

Looking for High-strength Bolts?

Whether you鈥檙e working with high shear strength bolts or calculating shear strength for a specific application, hopefully this article gave you some practical insights. If you have further questions or are interested in ordering high-strength fasteners, get in touch. We鈥檙e happy to make you a quote or steer you in the right direction.

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At 黑料大事记, we鈥檙e proud to utilize this technique to produce high-quality carbon steel and alloy fasteners. We know all the ins and outs of cold forming and are here to give you the inside scoop.听

What Is Cold Forming?

Cold forming, also called cold heading, is a common manufacturing process that produces steel bolts and fasteners. Unlike methods that involve heating the steel, cold forming achieves shaping without using high temperatures. Instead, it relies on applying force through striking or pressing steel within a die, ultimately sculpting the metal into the desired dimensions.

Compared to alternative manufacturing methods such as hot forging and machining, cold forming stands out for its ability to bolster strength and minimize waste. Hot forging reduces waste and has fewer size and shape limitations, but it doesn’t enhance strength to the same degree as cold forming. Machining, on the other hand, excels in producing complex shapes but generates significant waste and may compromise the strength of the final product.

What Are the Key Benefits of Cold Forming?

Cold forming offers many advantages that ensure high-quality, reliable products.听

1. Enhanced Strength Through Work Hardening

Cold forming can significantly bolster the strength of bolts and fasteners. This is achieved through a process called work hardening, where the steel is meticulously shaped without the need for cutting or heating. As a result, the grain structure of the steel remains intact and seamlessly flows with the contours of the part, contributing to increased strength and durability.

2. Elimination of Scrap and Material Savings

While traditional manufacturing methods can result in considerable material waste, cold forming minimizes scrap and promotes efficient material usage. By shaping the material into the desired form without removing any material, cold forming drastically reduces waste, leading to substantial material savings and cost reductions.

3. Dimensional Accuracy and Part Consistency

Cold forming helps meet stringent quality standards with precision. The process allows for the creation of fasteners with uniform dimensions and exact specifications, ensuring reliable performance and compatibility across various applications.

4. Improved Surface Finish and Reduced Secondary Operations

The precise shaping achieved through cold forming results in smooth surfaces and clean edges, eliminating the need for time-consuming secondary operations like polishing or grinding. This saves time and resources and enhances the aesthetic appeal of the final product.

What Parts Are Made by Utilizing Cold Forming?

Cold forming can be used to create a wide array of essential parts across various industries.

• Fasteners – Bolts, screws, studs, nuts, and rivets for many different industries are among the primary components manufactured through cold forming.听
• Electronic housings and electrical contacts – The precision and accuracy offered by cold forming make it ideal for shaping electronic housings and electrical contacts, ensuring seamless functionality in electronic devices and systems.

From medical devices to aerospace components to consumer products, cold forming thrives when it comes to producing small parts. However, it’s also important to note its versatility in handling larger components.听

At 黑料大事记, our presses enable us to cold form parts with diameters up to 1-1/8″, showcasing the breadth of possibilities this manufacturing process offers.

Cold forming isn’t just limited to standard shapes and configurations. It also enables the creation of intricate designs and features, including the following:听

• Threads – Cold forming facilitates the creation of precise threads, ensuring seamless integration with mating components and enhancing the overall integrity of assemblies.
• Knurls, heads, chamfers, grooves, tapers, and undercuts – Whether it’s adding texture for improved grip or incorporating specialized features for enhanced functionality, cold forming allows for the precise shaping of various details to meet specific requirements.

Discover How 黑料大事记 Utilizes Cold Forming

We’ve embraced cold forming at 黑料大事记 for manufacturing carbon steel and alloy steel fasteners. This technique aligns perfectly with our commitment to delivering superior quality, precision, and reliability.

By utilizing cold forming, we ensure that our fasteners exhibit exceptional strength, dimensional accuracy, and consistency. The process enhances the structural integrity of our products through work hardening, where the steel’s grain structure remains intact, resulting in unparalleled durability and reliability.

Our cold-formed fasteners are used for applications across a diverse range of industries, including but not limited to the following:听

• Automotive industry – Automotive manufacturers trust our cold-formed fasteners for engine components, suspension systems, and chassis assemblies.听
• Military Ground Vehicles – Our cold-formed fasteners play a vital role in military ground vehicle construction and maintenance. They meet the rigorous demands of these applications, contributing to the safety and performance of military vehicles.
• Heavy machinery – With their exceptional strength and reliability, our fasteners contribute to the effectiveness and safety of heavy machinery, ensuring reliable performance in various industrial applications worldwide.

黑料大事记 黑料大事记 for Exceptional Fastening Solutions

黑料大事记 us today to learn more about our innovative manufacturing processes, extensive product offerings, and how we can meet your needs and requirements. Whether you’re in the military, automotive, heavy machinery, or any other industry, trust 黑料大事记 to deliver reliable, high-quality fasteners that exceed your expectations.

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What Is a Screw Drive?

The screw drive is the mechanism by which the screw head is designed to be turned. It can be a groove or recess, or it can be the shape of the head itself. It’s what allows a screwdriver, wrench, or other tool to engage and turn the fastener.

Choosing the appropriate screw drive type is important because it determines which type of fastening tool must be used to install and remove a screw, as well as the amount of torque that should be applied for ideal joint tension.

See the full anatomy of a screw in this blog article.

Internal vs. External Screw Drives

There are two overarching types of screw drives: internal and external.

Internal Screw Drives

Internal drives are either cut or stamped into the screw’s head and are most commonly slotted, Philips, or hex. Utilizing tools like a screwdriver, Allen wrench, or drill, these screws require a fitting instrument to insert into their respective head to facilitate fastening or loosening.

Some more specific types of internal screw drives include (but aren鈥檛 limited to):

• Phillips head听
• Slotted head
• Socket head

External Screw Drives

External drives require a tool that wraps around the screw head, like a wrench or a torque wrench.

Some more specific types of external screw drives include (but aren鈥檛 limited to):听

• Hex head
• Hex flange head
• Square head

3 Factors to Consider When Choosing Screw Drives

So how do you choose which type of screw drive is best for your application? Here are some starting points to consider.听

1. Torque requirements

Torque is the rotational force applied to a screw. Different applications require different levels of torque to withstand operating conditions.听 In general, you can apply more torque with an external drive than an internal drive, as you risk stripping an internal drive if you apply too much torque.听

First, evaluate the torque requirements of your specific application, then choose a screw drive system that can provide the necessary torque to meet those demands without exceeding them. Because too much torque can be just as bad as not enough torque.听

2. Ease of use and installation

Consider the ease of installation, maintenance, and overall usability of the screw drive type in your application. Is it easier to turn in or crank around the screw head? What tools do you have at your disposal?听

3. Industry standards and specifications

Industries often have specific standards, specifications, or best practices that must be adhered to for safety, performance, and compatibility reasons. Do your research and adhere to any requirements that apply to your application when choosing a screw drive type.听

Non-compliance could lead to performance issues or safety concerns.

Other Screw Head Terminology to Know

You can also categorize screw head types as countersunk or non-countersunk.听

• Countersunk is when the head rests evenly with the material surface after installation
• Non-countersunk is when the head protrudes from the material surface after installation. In other words, the head is exposed.

These features can also affect the tool required for installation and removal, assembly efficiency, and torque transmission.

Request a Custom Screw Quote

At 黑料大事记, we can manufacture screws with the following head types: hex, square, round, Place, slotted (sometimes), and hex flange (sometimes). See our full capabilities statement here.

If you need a custom solution for your application, we鈥檙e happy to help. Manufactured right here in Michigan, we can assure quality throughout the entire manufacturing process and great customer service even beyond that.

Request a quote online or get in touch to learn more.听

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Below, we鈥檒l take a look at the science behind calculating fastener torque. Hopefully, it can provide some insight into how to achieve better performance, safety, and reliability in fastening applications.听

Understanding Torque

Torque is the rotational force used to turn a nut, bolt, or screw as part of a bolted joint. You鈥檒l see torque measured by Newton meters (Nm) in metric units and pounds per foot (lb/ft) in inch units.

The Relationship Between Torque and Tension

Torque is closely related to another measurement: tension, or tightness. In fact, one is rarely discussed without reference to the other.听

The relationship between torque and tension is simple: As torque increases, tension in the joint increases. The more force you use to turn a fastener, the tighter the bolted joint gets.

Why Is Fastener Torque Important?

Torque is a critical measurement in the fastener world. It鈥檚 important to pay attention to and get right for your application. Why?听

An under-torqued bolt will be looser than necessary and will not be able to provide as much clamping force as needed. An over-torqued bolt may deform 鈥� thread stripping, heads popping off, etc. 鈥斕齩r break. That last bit is important to remember, as many believe that tighter is better. That鈥檚 not always the case.

Factors Affecting Torque Calculation

The most important factor affecting the relationship between torque and tension, and therefore the appropriate amount of torque, is friction. There are several factors that can affect the amount of friction in a bolted joint, including:听

• Coarse vs. fine threads – Fine threads have more friction than coarse threads.
• Class of thread fit – Thread systems with a tighter fit have more friction than those with a looser fit. For example, 3A/3B is a tighter fit than 2A/2B, and thus more friction for 3A/3B.
• Material and grade – The type of material used, and how hard it is, will impact friction.
• Coatings – Different fastener coatings will have a large impact on friction.
• Bearing surface conditions – The amount of surface area, and how rough it is, affects friction.
• Lubrication – Different lubricants will also have a large impact on friction.

How to Calculate Fastener Torque

There are a couple ways to calculate fastener torque: with a mathematical formula and a physical test.

Fastener Torque Formula

The equation T=kDP is used to estimate fastener torque calculations, where:

• T = Torque in newton-meters (Nm)
• k = Coefficient of friction
• D = Diameter of the fastener in millimeters (mm)
• P = The desired tension in kilonewtons (kN)

Torque-Tension Testing

To calculate fastener torque, you can run a torque-tension test. A torque-tension test is the measurement of the input torque required for a bolted joint to achieve a specified tension.

A typical test setup is shown in the photo below. It consists of a test bolt, test washer, and test nut loosely fitted in a test fixture called a Skidmore. The test fixture contains a load cell that can measure the amount of tension in the joint.

The nut is turned slowly until a preset amount of tension is reached. As the joint is tightened, this action stretches the bolt, creating a clamp load on the joint (in this case, the Skidmore). The amount of torque needed to rotate the nut to the desired tension is measured.听

Related Fastener Specifications

There are two industry specifications that are good to be aware of when it comes to fastener torque: USCAR11-2 and ISO 16047.听

• 鈥減rovides a test method for determining the torque-tension relationship of a fastener finish as applied to a surrogate screw for the purpose of measuring the frictional characteristic of the fastener finish.鈥� It鈥檚 a standard that was developed and is maintained by the US Council for Automotive Research (USCAR) 鈥斕齛 blend of Chrysler, Ford, and General Motors employees.
• 鈥渟pecifies the conditions for carrying out torque/clamp force tests on threaded fasteners and related parts.鈥�

Get Torque Right with Test Fasteners from 黑料大事记

If you work with fasteners, coatings, and other essential components for the automotive industry, then you鈥檙e likely familiar with mandated and standardized tests like torque-tension, bearing surface, and coefficient of friction tests. Whether you鈥檙e completing a standard test or an OEM-specific test, we manufacture the test fasteners you need to complete those tests with confidence and accuracy 鈥斕齛ll at our facility in Harrison Township, Michigan.

Request a quote for your test fasteners here, or contact us for more information.听

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Below we explore the world of washers, when they鈥檙e needed, and when they鈥檙e not needed.

What Are Washers and How Do They Work?

A washer is a type of fastener used to distribute the load of a threaded fastener, such as a bolt or a screw, over a larger surface area. It is typically a flat, thin, disc-shaped piece made from materials like metal, plastic, rubber, or fiber. Washers are often used in combination with nuts and bolts or screws to prevent damage to surfaces, reduce friction, and prevent loosening.

There are several types of washers, each designed for specific purposes. Some common ones are:听

• Flat Washers: These are simple flat washers with a hole in the center. They are used to distribute the load and prevent the fastener from digging into the material’s surface.
• Lock Washers: Lock washers have a design that provides resistance against loosening due to vibrations or other forces.听
• Spring Washers: These are curved or wavy washers that provide spring-like tension, maintaining pressure between the fastener and the material. They help compensate for loosening due to thermal expansion or vibration.
• Conical Washers: Conical washers resemble a curved cone shape. They are known to provide controlled spring tension and maintain a consistent load or pressure between two surfaces.

Factors Influencing the Need for Washers

Washers are great, but they aren鈥檛 always necessary. The decision to use washers depends on the specific needs and characteristics of your application. Some key factors that influence when to use washers and when not to include:听

• Material, of both the washer and the material being fastened.听
• Uneven surfaces and gaps. Using a washer can help create a more even contact between the fastener and the material.听
• Environmental factors like corrosivity, temperature, and vibration.听
• Specific application requirements. Some applications have unique requirements like thermal expansion compensation, electrical insulation, or pressure sealing.
• Aesthetics. In some cases, decorative washes may be used to enhance the appearance of a fastened joint.

When to Use Washers vs. When NOT to Use Washers

All that said, washers can be useful in a number of applications but aren鈥檛 necessary in all of them. And when a washer isn鈥檛 necessary, it鈥檚 best to avoid the additional product, time, and expense.

Here鈥檚 a breakdown of when to use washers and when not to:听

When to Use Washers

• You need better load distribution
• Your bolt and nut assembly isn鈥檛 tight enough
• You don鈥檛 want the head of the fastener to punch through the hole
• Your fastening needs to be waterproof
• You need additional spacing or gap filling

When Not to Use Washers

• You have uniform material; fastened components are the same material, and there are no concerns with surface damage
• Your fastener has a large bearing surface
• Vibration and other environmental factors aren鈥檛 a concern
• Your joint has limited space for a washer
• You can use a Place bolt instead
  

A More Effective & Efficient Locking Mechanism: Place Bolts

Place bolts are self-locking, free-spinning hex head bolts. Their heads are responsible for their locking action, which prevents loosening due to vibration听鈥斕齯p to seven times that of conventional hex head cap screws.听

What are we getting at here? Place bolts eliminate any need for washers, even in high-vibration environments. They lock and distribute loads on their own, so you don鈥檛 need to worry about stocking, installing, and paying for washers.听

Learn more about Place bolts in previous blog articles:

• What Is a Self-Locking Bolt, and How Does It Work?

• What Are Place Bolts Used For?

• How Asymmetric Place Bolts Work

Purchase Place Bolts at 黑料大事记

If your application could benefit from Place bolts, get in touch with our team. We manufacture per-spec Place bolts, guaranteed to meet your requirements and provide outstanding vibration resistance without the need for additional washer solutions.听

The post To Washer or Not to Washer: A Guide to Making the Right Fastener Decision appeared first on 黑料大事记.

If you鈥檙e considering a Grade 8 bolt for your application, it鈥檚 important to understand just how strong they truly are, plus other characteristics that affect their performance. We have that information for you below.

What Is a Grade 8 Bolt?

A Grade 8 bolt is a type of high-strength fastener that鈥檚 named after its SAE () grade classification, which is based on its mechanical properties. Hence, 鈥淕rade 8鈥� is short for 鈥淪AE J429 Grade 8.鈥� is one of the most common standards for inch fasteners, and Grade 8 is the highest grade within it

Grade 8 bolts are made of medium-strength carbon or alloy steel and can be finished in a variety of coatings and platings for added corrosion resistance and lubricity.听

How to Identify a Grade 8 Bolt

You can identify a Grade 8 bolt by looking at its head markings. An SAE J429 Grade 8 bolt鈥檚 head marking will show six radial lines like this:

Other bolt grades have a different number of radial lines. For example, SAE J429 Grade 2 has no lines, and Grade 5 has three lines.

As you can also see, the dictates that manufacturers must mark each fastener head with their unique company symbol as well.听

How Strong Are Grade 8 Bolts?

Grade 8 bolts are the highest grade of bolts under the SAE J429 standard, which means they have the highest strength. Here are their various strength specifications:听

But now you might be wondering what those PSI numbers really mean. PSI isn鈥檛 a measurement we frequently use outside of the manufacturing and engineering world, so let鈥檚 put some real-world information behind them and convert the measurements into real-world loads.听

For example, a 录鈥� diameter bolt鈥檚 cross-section area is .0491鈥�. If we take the 150,000 PSI and multiply it by .0491鈥�, we get 7,365 lbs. So a Grade 8 bolt that鈥檚 录鈥� in diameter should be able to hold a load of roughly 7,365 lbs. Here are some other approximates for parts of other common sizes:听

To expand on this even more, a Chevy Suburban weighs about 5,800 lbs. So, given this information, you could easily support the weight of a Chevy Suburban with just one 录鈥� Grade 8 bolt. Yes, you read that right.

Here are some other things that weigh in the same neighborhood as these bolts鈥� PSI loads.听

With that context, it鈥檚 easy to understand why Grade 8 bolts are considered high-strength. However, it鈥檚 also important to keep in mind that they aren鈥檛 the strongest bolt choice out there. While they may be at the top of the list for SAE J429, there are some other standards and superalloy materials that result in bolts capable of withstanding more extreme conditions.

Common Grade 8 Bolt Applications

High-strength bolts constitute high-strength applications. It wouldn鈥檛 make sense and frankly would be a waste of money to use a Grade 8 bolt for anything less. You鈥檒l commonly see Grade 8 bolts used in industries like:听

• Military
• Heavy machinery
• Heavy truck
• Aerospace

Explore More Resources on Bolt Grades

If you鈥檇 like to learn more about the different bolt grades available and which may be best for your specific use case, these articles may interest you:听

• Different Bolt Grades and Their Applications
• What Is a Bolt? The Ultimate Guide to Bolt Types, Grades, Manufacturing, and More
• What Do Screw and Bolt Head Markings Mean?
• Understanding a Few Common ASTM Inch-Series Bolt Grade Markings
• Understanding Metric Bolt and Screw Grades

If you know which grade you need and you鈥檙e ready to request a quote, please fill out this form.

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Understanding key screw components is essential when you have to decide which type of screw to employ for a specific function. And when there are so many options available, that understanding becomes even more important.听

This article will help, as it outlines the anatomy of a screw and describes the various types, styles, and functions of each part.

The 5 Key Parts of a Screw

Screws consist of five key components: head, shank, threads, drive, and tip. Below is a diagram that shows where each component is located, followed by descriptions of their core functions.

1. Head

The head of a screw is its topmost part and serves as the primary contact point for tools during installation. There are many different types of screw heads and drive types (which we鈥檒l cover later in the article).

You can also categorize screw heads by being countersunk or non-countersunk. Countersunk is when the head rests evenly with the material surface after installation. Non-countersunk is when the head protrudes the material surface after installation, leaving the head exposed.

Regardless of which you select, your choice of screw head is critical, as it determines the tool required for installation/removal and impacts efficiency, torque transmission, and installation/removal accessibility.听

2. Shank

The shank refers to the main body of the screw, which connects the head to the tip. It has a pivotal role in determining the screw’s load-bearing capacity and resistance to shear forces. The shank’s length and diameter vary depending on the application, ensuring optimal strength while considering space constraints. Additionally, the shank may feature unthreaded portions, known as the shoulder or body, for specialized applications.

3. Threads

Threads are the distinctive ridges spiraling around the shank of a screw, responsible for creating a strong and secure connection. They engage with the mating surface, generating friction and preventing the screw from loosening under load.听

There are various standards used to define thread characteristics. In the United States, we most commonly use the Unified Thread Standard (UTS), which is controlled by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). UTS dictates standards only for inch threads, not metric.听

Some of the most popular UTS thread series are UNC, UNF, and 8-UN. They each have different thicknesses听鈥� from fine to coarse 鈥斕齛nd, therefore, different performance capabilities.听

Want to read more about fastener threads? Jump to this article.听

4. Drive

The drive is what determines which type of screwdriver or fastening tool must be used to install and remove a screw. There are two main types:听

• Internal drives require a tool that inserts into the screw head, like a screwdriver. Phillips, slotted, and socket heads are some internal drive examples. Here鈥檚 a photo of a wood screw with one. We don鈥檛 manufacture these here, but it鈥檚 a good example of an internal drive:听

• External drives require a tool that wraps around the screw head, like a wrench. Hex, hex flange, and square heads are some external drive examples. Here鈥檚 a photo of one:听

5. Tip

Located at the opposite end of the head, the tip, or point, initiates contact with the material being fastened. Different point designs cater to specific applications.听

For instance, self-drilling tips enable screws to penetrate metal without the need for pre-drilling, saving time and effort. Self-tapping tips create their own threads in materials like wood or plastic. Sharp tips are ideal for precise placement in delicate applications.

Some screws don鈥檛 have tips or points but rather a blunt end. These are more common in the manufacturing space and are generally used with a pre-tapped hole.

Other Good-to-Know Information About Screws

Besides the anatomy of a screw, there are a few other things to keep in mind before deciding what is best for your application.听

The Difference Between a Screw and a Bolt

It鈥檚 common for people to misunderstand the differences between bolts and screws or not realize that one exists in the first place. But there are differences 鈥� it just depends on who you ask.听

In this previous article of ours, we discuss one government agency鈥檚 opinion on the matter and give some qualifying criteria that set the fasteners apart.

Measuring Screws

The key to measuring screws is knowing the key components and measurement terminology. If you鈥檝e read through this article up until now, you鈥檝e already familiarized yourself with one set of that information.听

Next up is measurement terminology. Here鈥檚 the most important of it.听

• Screw length: The distance from the flat part of the head to the point or blunt end of the screw.听
• Major diameter: The distance from the crest (top) of the thread on one side to the crest of the thread on the other side.
• Minor diameter: The distance from the root (bottom) of the thread on one side to the root of the thread on the other side.
• Pitch diameter: The diameter of a theoretical cylinder that exists halfway between the major and minor diameters.听
• Nominal major diameter: The estimated major diameter. It鈥檚 just the major diameter, rounded up or down to the nearest whole number.
• Thread pitch: The distance from a point along one thread to the same point on the next thread.

Learn more about this terminology and how to measure screws in this article.

For Custom Screws Manufactured to Your Specs, 黑料大事记 Us.

Looking for a special screw? We鈥檙e here to help. Check out our custom fastener manufacturing capabilities sheet to see if your screw specifications are in our wheelhouse, then request a quote from us to get your project started.

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