Hex head bolts, also known as hex bolts, are threaded fasteners characterized by a six-sided head designed for easy installation and removal with standard tools. These bolts are known for their strength, versatility, & ability to provide secure & reliable connections in a wide range of applications. In industries where extreme environments are common, such as chemical processing, aerospace, marine, and power generation, standard materials often fail to meet performance requirements. Hex head bolts manufactured from exotic alloys like Hastelloy C276, Carpenter 20, Duplex, and A286 solve this problem. These specialized materials are engineered to endure corrosive environments, high temperatures, and mechanical stresses, ensuring exceptional durability & safety. For instance, Hastelloy C276 resists both oxidizing and reducing agents, making it ideal for chemical processing plants. Carpenter 20 is preferred in sulfuric acid environments, while Duplex alloys excel in marine and offshore settings. Meanwhile, A286 provides superior high-temperature strength for aerospace and turbine applications. Nickel systems stocks hex head bolts in various sizes in these exotic alloys & more. Begin your quote today!
Hex head bolt’s success in demanding industrial applications is largely due to its unique characteristics. They come various sizes along with adherence to strict specifications. View their dimensions & specifications below.
A hex head bolt is a threaded fastener with a six-sided, hexagonal head, typically used with a nut or tapped hole for securing materials.
Other Names
Hex bolt
Hex cap screws
Machine bolts
Hex screws
Cap bolts
Tap bolts
Description
These are versatile & adaptable fasteners that can be used in a variety of industries & applications. These can be threaded or partially threaded.Because of their head design & their six access points, they are often used in small spaces. Below is a diagram of the primary parts of a hex head bolt. The picture is an actual 3/4-10 x 2-1/2 Hex Head Bolt Titanium Grade 2 Material.
Industries
Hex head bolts are versatile fasteners used across various industries and applications due to their strength, durability, and ease of use. Key industries and applications include:
Construction: Used in structural frameworks, steel-to-steel connections, and securing beams, columns, and heavy machinery
Manufacturing: Essential for assembling equipment, machinery, and tools in automotive, aerospace, and industrial manufacturing
Automotive: Found in engine assemblies, chassis components, and suspension systems
Oil and Gas: Used in pipelines, drilling rigs, and offshore platforms, often made from corrosion-resistant materials for harsh environments
Renewable Energy: Integral in wind turbines, solar panel frames, and hydroelectric equipment
Shipbuilding and Marine: Employed in ship structures, marine engines, and docking systems, often with coatings to prevent corrosion
Properties: Excellent high-temperature resistance, corrosion resistance, and strength in extreme environments
Usage: Aerospace: Jet engines and gas turbines, Oil and Gas: Offshore platforms, subsea equipment, and heat exchangers. Chemical Processing: Acidic and high-temperature reactors
Properties: Exceptional corrosion resistance in highly acidic environments and outstanding resistance to cracking under stress
Usage: Chemical Processing: Acid storage tanks, heat exchangers, and chemical reactors. Marine Applications: Components in saltwater and brine environments
Properties: High strength, excellent oxidation resistance, and performance in high temperatures up to 1,300°F (700°C)
Usage: Aerospace: Turbine engines and jet components. Power Generation: High-temperature boilers and turbines
These exotic alloys, while more expensive, are essential for applications where traditional materials fail due to harsh environmental conditions or specific performance requirements.
Tips
When using hex head bolts, be sure to use washers, lock washers, & nuts that are the same grade and finish as the hex head bolt.
Although the names are often used interchangeably, there is a difference between hex bolts and hex cap screws. Hex cap screws have a flat washer face under the head that meets certain specific tolerances. Hex bolts are simply flat on its face. Hex cap screws also have a tighter tolerance throughout its dimensions & have a chamfered end. Hex head bolts have looser tolerances, and their ends are flat. Below is a comparison showing difference between a hex head bolt face and a hex head cap screw. On the left is picture of an actual 3/4-10 x 2-1/2 Hex Head Bolt Titanium Grade 2 material. On the right is a picture of an actual 3/4-10 x 2-3/4 Hex Head Cap Screw 2205 Duplex Material.
Be sure to check your parts and specifications list to confirm your desired fastener, including its type, material, grade, & finish.
Conclusion
In summary, hex head bolts are indispensable components in numerous industries, including construction, automotive, manufacturing, and machinery. Their design ensures reliable performance in high-stress and load-bearing applications, making them a preferred choice for assembling structures, securing mechanical parts, and maintaining heavy equipment. With variations in materials, coatings, and thread types, they adapt to specific industry requirements, offering durability, corrosion resistance, and ease of use. The versatility and functionality of hex head bolts underscore their critical role in enabling safe, efficient, and long-lasting assemblies across diverse applications. Start your quote today with the Nickel Systems sales team.
Nickel Systems provides high quality exotic grade materials that hold up in the toughest, most severe heat and corrosive environments. With our large inventory of specialty fasteners in stock, we are always ready to answer the call to serve the most challenging applications.
