Hex head screws and hex bolts are often confused, but they have different characteristics. Hex screws are smaller, don’t always require a nut, and have a built-in washer. They are used in manufacturing and industrial applications where accuracy is important. Users should choose the right material and size for each project.
A hex head screw is a threaded fastener with a hexagonal shaped head. While the term cap screw is generally used interchangeably with hex bolt, these two fasteners are actually very different. Hex screws are usually smaller than hex bolts, but this isn’t always the case. A hex cap screw can be significantly larger than a hex bolt depending on applications, so it is important for users to learn the identifying characteristics of each in order to choose the correct fastener for each job.
The hex head screw has a six sided head, designed to be tightened with a wrench or drill. When used with a nut, these screws can also be tightened by hand while the nut is being turned. Unlike a hex bolt, a hex screw does not always require a nut. A hex bolt always requires a nut and therefore must be installed by tightening the nut.
These screws can be used in a variety of manufacturing and industrial applications. They are used to join wood, metal and composite materials. Typically, hex screws are used in projects where accuracy is valued above strength and mechanical performance. With no nuts required, they can be used in smaller areas where a hex bolt would not easily fit. Hex bolts are usually reserved for construction purposes, such as joining wood or metal beams.
A hex head screw is threaded all the way down the shank and has a built-in round washer just below the head. Hex bolts are threaded along part of the shank only and do not have a washer at the base of the head. The tip of the hex head screw can be flat, pointed or blunt, while hex bolts only have flat heads.
These fasteners can also be identified by differences in their construction. While a hex head cap screw is manufactured through a hot stamping process, bolts are usually cold rolled. This can lead to seams along the bolt head, while screws will never have a seam.
Users should compare different hex head bolt materials to find the best one for each application. Steel is the most common material for general purpose, while stainless or galvanized steel holds up best in outdoor or marine applications. Brass screws can be chosen for their appearance, particularly in homes or buildings with existing brass hardware. It’s also important to choose screws of the right length and diameter to securely join materials to meet the needs of the project.
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