Flange bolts have a larger surface area under the head for even distribution of clamping pressure, eliminating the need for a washer. They come in various sizes, strengths, and configurations, and have anti-rotation teeth. Flange nuts are wider on one side for even pressure distribution and can reduce costs. The physical size of a flange system or the number of bolt holes determines the required bolt size or grade. Flange bolts fit most flange systems and are standard in most industrial applications.
A flanged bolt differs from the common bolt in that it has a larger surface area under the head to provide an even distribution of clamping pressure. This larger surface area acts like a washer, eliminating the need to combine one with this type of bolt. Flange bolts come in numerous sizes, strengths, and configurations. Like most other types of fasteners on the market, metric flange bolts are available for any application that calls for them.
The specially designed flange bolts have anti-rotation “teeth” designed to “bite” or dig into the material that may need to be fastened together. Similar to the lock rings you might see on a soda bottle or milk jug, these teeth on the flange bolt can be rotated back, but often require more force. This type of design is what makes a flanged bolt uniquely and strategically different from a common bolt.
An essential addition to the flange bolt is the flange nut. While similar to a regular nut, one side of the flange nut is wider than the other to ensure even pressure distribution. The flange nut and flange bolt work well together and in some cases can reduce costs by eliminating the need to purchase separate washers. Adequate torque on a flange nut-bolt combination will ensure that the fasteners never come loose on their own. Only an external force, such as a mechanic, can loosen these types of flange bolts.
The types of flanges you intend to bolt together do not necessarily require a special type of flange bolt, such as standard or metric. Instead, it is typically the physical size of a flange system, or the specific number of bolt holes, that will indicate the required bolt size or grade to use. The bolt’s grade indicates its strength, so the higher a bolt’s grade, the stronger it is. For example, high pressure connections, such as in a steam line, may require grade eight bolting for maximum reliability and safety.
A flange bolt fits most flange systems. Sizes and grades, or strength ratings, can and will change depending on the application at hand. Sizes are available in standard or SAE (Society of Automotive Engineering) sizes, such as 1/4 inch and 1/2 inch, as well as metric sizes, such as 8mm and 10mm. Designed to hold connections tightly, without slipping or loosening, flange bolts are standard in most industrial applications where secure connections are critical to manufacturing.
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