Plow bolts are fasteners used in heavy construction equipment, with a large head and cylindrical shaft with external thread. They are tightened with a nut and come in various sizes and materials for high wear resistance. The bolt head is flush with the surface to prevent wear and must be selected based on the application’s forces and environment.
A plow bolt is a type of fastener used to make mechanical connections that require a smooth or flush surface at the location where the bolt head protrudes. These were so named because of their early use in the making of ploughs. Today, plow bolts are used on many types of heavy construction equipment, such as snow blowers, road graders, and shovel shovels. Plow bolts are normally exposed to high forces and wear and it is important to select the right bolt for each individual application.
A plow bolt is used in conjunction with a nut. It has a large head on one end and a cylindrical shaft with an external thread, which is a helical rib that allows the nut to advance when it is turned. The head of a plow bolt is countersunk with a short, square neck to prevent the bolt from turning when the nut is tightened or removed. The nut, which is usually hexagonal in shape, has a hole with an internal thread that matches the thread on the plow bolt.
Plow bolts are tightened or loosened by applying torque to the nut. When the nut is turned clockwise, it will advance along the bolt thread and tighten the mating objects together. A high clamping force can be generated when the bolt and nut are tightened against two or more objects located between them. The mating surfaces between the bolt and nut resist the applied force and help prevent the mechanical connection from loosening over time.
The head of a plow bolt is usually flat or has a slight domed shape to ensure that a smooth surface is maintained at the bolt’s location. The low profile of the head is a primary feature of the plow bolt. Since the bolt head is flush with the mating surface, the head is often exposed to high wear. For example, snow plows need to have a flat surface against the ground being plowed to ensure effective snow removal. The plow bolts used in the manufacture of the plow blades will be exposed to the same forces as the blade as it is dragged across the ground.
Plow bolts come in a variety of standard and metric sizes. The type and size of plow bolt selected for a particular application depends on the forces and environment to which the mechanical connections will be exposed. They are made with carbon steel, stainless steel and metal alloys for high wear resistance. The material used is often heat treated or hardened to provide better wear resistance and extend the useful life of the bolt.
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