Structural construction requires study connections to keep heavy-duty materials together. As such, workers use appropriate structural fasteners to facilitate this. Thus, crucial knowledge of these fasteners would be best.
There are various fasteners available in the market you can use and each has its application. Furthermore, one type of fastener can have different classifications. For instance, you might find different types of clevis pins at your local dealership. As a result, you may need to search for an extra helpful post to help you choose the right one to use.
It’s essential to know which type of fastener is suitable for a particular project. That said, below are different fasteners you can use for your structural construction.
Table of Contents
Threaded Studs
Threaded studs—also called threaded rods—have three different varieties: fully threaded, double-threaded, or mounted studs. Each type has its functionality. To help you know the threaded stud you need for your job, here’s a quick guide:
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Fully-threaded studs
Fully-threaded studs have threads running the entire stud length. It allows the stud to engage with mating nuts and similar threaded components fully. Moreover, fully-threaded studs have a higher tensile strength and are usually used on structures that require quick assembly and disassembly.
Double-threaded studs
Double-threaded studs contain an equal length of threads on both ends of the stud, with an unthreaded part in the middle. This threaded stud is designed for components or joints that have an unthreaded hole. Some double-thread studs can have an unequal length of threads on each end. As such, they are typically known as tap-end studs. For this reason, they’re used on components with varying thread sizes. However, both double-thread studs join structural parts that don’t require full-thread studs.
Mounted studs
Mounted studs can be similar to fully-threaded studs. However, the primary difference is that mounted studs have a head on one end. In addition, they can have threads running their full length or covering a part of the rod. Thus, you can only insert a mounted stud from one direction of a joint. As a result, mounted studs are crucial for work surfaces with limited space.
Alternatively, you can use them on joints that don’t have a through-hole. Therefore, knowing the joint components you intend to work on before buying mounted studs would be best.
Overall, threaded studs are crucial to reinforce or brace components into place. You can use them on heavy-duty construction, manufacturing, and automotive projects.
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Heavy Hex Bolts
Heavy hex bolts are large and thick structural fasteners with hexagonal heads. In addition, they have thread configuration on their rods. Their threads can have different designs depending on specifications. As such, you can find heavy hex bolts in a full or partial thread, with the partial thread ones having smooth shoulder parts.
Heavy hex bolts help enhance structural strength through steel-to-steel connections. Furthermore, you can find heavy hex bolts of different diameters, lengths, and plating—like cadmium and zinc.
Moreover, different specification bodies can help determine the heavy hex you can use for your project. For example, the American society for testing and materials (ASTM) outlines bolt specifications for various industries. Furthermore, the ASTM’s gradings indicate the application, tensile strength, and configuration of heavy hex bolts.
As such, you can find such specifications as A193 and A320 in the chemical and petroleum industries. The A193 is for high temperature or pressure, while A320 covers low temperature or pressure. Overall, knowing your project’s requirements can help you choose your heavy hex bolts.
Heavy Hex Nuts
Similar to the heavy hex bolts, the nuts are hexagonal. Additionally, their specifications are the same as those of heavy hex bolts. Thus, you can use heavy hex nuts on similar male-threaded bolts when necessary. You can also use heavy hex nuts, also known as heavy hex finish nuts, on various applications—for instance, buildings and steel structures like bridges.
Flat Washers
Flat washers are thin, plate-shaped steel. The diameter and thickness of these can depend on their grading. Typically, flat washer thickness can range from grade two to grade eight. Your grade choice will rely on the bolts and studs you’re using.
The flat washer’s shape help distribute pressure evenly when used with other fasteners. Additionally, they reduce friction when screwing a nut or bolt in place. Thus, this can help maintain the structural integrity of your project. You can also use flat washers as spacers if you need a clearance between two objects at a joint.
Conclusion
Structural fasteners vary in shape and design. However, it’s worth noting that the type of structural fastener you buy depends on your project. Furthermore, you may also need to follow various specifications. Overall, structural fasteners all serve a crucial purpose in keeping different components sturdy, thus, holding heavy structures together.
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