nuts and bolts suppliers may seem like simple components, but having the right ones can make or break your DIY, construction, or manufacturing project. With so many sizes, styles, grades, and materials to choose from, selecting the best nuts and bolts suppliers ensures you get the hardware you need. This guide will walk you through the key factors in choosing quality nuts and bolts and where to purchase them.

What Are the Different Types of Nuts and Bolts?

Nuts and bolts come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and specifications. Here are some of the most common varieties:

Hex Bolts

Hex bolts feature a hexagonal head and machine threads for use with a nut or tapped hole. They come in coarse and fine threads and are available in imperial and metric sizes. Hex bolts are an extremely versatile option suited for many applications.

Carriage Bolts

Carriage bolts have a domed head and square neck underneath to prevent rotating when tightening a nut. The square neck sits into the wood, keeping the bolt stationary. Carriage bolts are ideal for woodworking applications like furniture and deck building.

Lag Bolts

Lag bolts are thick, heavy-duty hex head bolts used for securely fastening wood together, especially for load-bearing joints. They are inserted into pre-drilled pilot holes and screwed into the wood grain. The coarse, thick threads grip the wood tightly.

Eye Bolts

As the name implies, eye bolts have a circular ring on the head to provide an attachment point. They are used with wire, rope, chain, and other materials that need a terminating fixture. Eye bolts come in several styles, including closed eye, open eye, and screw eye.

U-Bolts

U-bolts are rod-shaped with a U-shaped bend and machine threads on each end. They are designed to fit around pipes, tubes, and other cylindrical objects and secured with nuts on each end. U-bolts are commonly used for automotive and plumbing applications.

Set Screws

Set screws have no head but rather a socket recess for tightening with an Allen wrench. They are designed to be threaded into a tapped hole to lock components in place. The end may have a point, cup, or flat tip to grip against a surface.

Flange Bolts

Flange bolts consist of a standard hex head with an integrated flange under the head. This provides a flat bearing surface ideal for bridging holes in materials being fastened together. They prevent pullout and rotation.

What Materials Are Available?

Nuts and bolts are manufactured from various materials depending on the strength, corrosion resistance, and temperature resistance required. Common materials include:

• Stainless steel - Corrosion-resistant, strong, and suitable for high temperatures. Often used for harsh environments.
• Alloy steel - Very high strength but susceptible to corrosion. Used where hardness and strength are key.
• Medium carbon steel - Balanced strength with corrosion resistance. Used for general applications.
• Brass - Decorative finish and low magnetic signature. Used for marine and specialty applications.
• Silicon bronze - Excellent corrosion resistance. Ideal for use near water.
• Monel - Copper-nickel alloy resistant to saltwater. Used in marine hardware.
• Titanium - Very strong but lightweight. Used in high-tech and aerospace applications.

The coating on the bolt is also important. Common options include zinc plating, galvanization, cadmium, and oxide finishes to prevent rust and corrosion.

Nut and Bolt Grades and Markings

Nuts and bolts are manufactured to specific grades that indicate the strength, material, and quality. Higher grades denote stronger and more durable hardware. Here are some of the most common grade markings:

• Grade 2 - Low carbon steel, basic quality
• Grade 5 - Medium carbon alloy steel, moderate strength
• Grade 8 - Highly alloyed steel, high strength
• 316 - Stainless steel, resistant to corrosion
• 18-8 - Stainless steel, 300 series, resistant to corrosion
• A307 - Low carbon steel, general use mild steel

The markings are usually stamped on the bolt head or nut face. Metric hardware follows a similar but different rating system using property classes - 4.8, 8.8, 10.9, and 12.9 for example. The higher the class number, the stronger the bolt.

How Much Does Bolt Strength Matter?

The required bolt grade depends on the application and how much shear or tensile load the joint will undergo. For light duty uses, lower grades are fine. But for structural connections and high-stress uses, opt for grade 5, 8, or stainless steel hardware.

critical factors in choosing the right nuts and bolts include:

• Tensile strength - Resistance to being pulled apart under tension
• Yield strength - How far it stretches before deforming permanently
• Toughness - Ability to absorb shock and vibration without breaking
• Fatigue strength - Resistance to damage from cyclic stresses over time

Highly alloyed grades like grade 8 or stainless steel provide optimal strength for demanding applications. Evaluate the stresses your application will impose to prevent failure from inadequate hardware.

Where to Purchase Nuts and Bolts

Now that you know a bit more about the vast world of nuts and bolts, where do you buy them? Here are some of the top places to purchase quality hardware for your next project:

Hardware Stores

Well-stocked hardware stores offer a complete selection of standard nuts, bolts, washers, and fasteners for common uses. This allows you to personally inspect products and get expert recommendations on the best fit for your application. Stores like Home Depot and Lowe's offer everything for small DIY projects to major home renovations.

Industrial Supply Distributors

For large orders, commercial projects, or unique specifications, industrial distributors like Grainger, McMaster-Carr, and Fastenal carry vast inventories. You can order any quantity required and access specialty items not found at typical retail locations. Most offer deep quantity discounts too.

Online Retailers

Need a few hard-to-find bolts quickly? Online retailers like Bolt Depot, NutsandBolts.com, and NuttyBolts.com ship orders fast. Useful search tools help you find exactly what you need, and you can order small quantities conveniently online 24/7.

Manufacturers

Going directly to the source, major nut and bolt manufacturers like Campbell, Curtiss Fasteners, and Portland Bolt can customize any order to your exact requirements. Specify your dimensions, grades, finishes, and quantities. Large OEM orders often go direct to manufacturers.

Scrap and Salvage Yards

If looking for vintage or unusual bolts, check your local scrap and salvage yards. These places often have a stock of old hardware picked from scrap machinery, vehicles, and equipment. You can find types and sizes that may be unavailable from traditional suppliers.

Key Considerations When Selecting Nut and Bolt Suppliers

Choosing where to purchase your nuts and bolts involves a few key factors:

• Variety - Look for suppliers with a vast range of stock to get the specific items you require.
• Quality - Reputable dealers that sell grades and finishes from reputable brands ensure you get durable, high-performing hardware.
• Certifications - Suppliers with ISO 9001 or other certifications follow strict quality control standards for reliable products.
• Prices - Compare pricing between local and online stores and buy in bulk quantities to get the best deals.
• Lead times - Make sure suppliers can deliver your order quantities quickly to keep projects on schedule.
• Customer service - Knowledgeable sales staff that provides technical guidance ensures you select optimal hardware.

Take some time to evaluate suppliers on these criteria to partner with those that offer quality products at fair prices with excellent service.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nuts and Bolts

Looking to further expand your knowledge about these critical components? Here are answers to some of the most common nuts and bolts questions:

What is the difference between nuts and bolts?

Nuts feature female threading and wrap around the male threads of bolts to bind components together. Bolts pass through holes in the materials being fastened.

How are bolt threads measured?

Threads are denoted as threads per inch (TPI) or pitch in metric sizes. Common coarse threads are 1/4"-20 and 10mm-1.5 for example. Fine thread bolts have more closely spaced threads.

What are washers and why are they used?

Washers are thin discs with a hole that provide a bearing surface beneath bolt heads and nuts. They distribute load, reduce friction, and protect against loosening.

What is thread lock material and when should it be used?

Thread lock, such as Loctite, bonds threaded fasteners to prevent loosening from vibration. Use it for critical applications where bolts could work loose.

How tight should nuts and bolts be torqued?

Torque specifications depend on the grade, coating, and diameter. Tightening too much can overstress or break bolts. Always consult torque charts.

How can you determine the correct size replacement hardware?

Measure the diameter (in inches or millimeters) and thread pitch of existing hardware. Bring samples to suppliers to identify replacements.

Are flange bolts and carriage bolts the same thing?

No, flange bolts have a protruding shoulder under the head, while carriage bolts have a dome head and squared shaft. Uses and applications differ.

What are the main differences between SAE and metric hardware?

SAE bolts have imperial units (inches) while metric uses millimeters. Thread pitch and head sizes also differ.

Why choose stainless steel nuts and bolts over other materials?

Stainless provides excellent corrosion resistance and durability, especially in wet/humid environments or exposure to chemicals.

How do you remove rusted, stuck, or damaged nuts and bolts?

Use penetrant oils and patience to loosen stuck hardware. Cutting, drilling or grinding may be required if bolts cannot be removed by other means.

How can you determine the grade of existing hardware?

Grade markings are usually stamped on the head or face. Otherwise, hardness testing and chemical analysis may be required to identify grades.

This covers the key essentials in evaluating and selecting the ideal nuts and bolts for your project. With the right knowledge and suppliers, you can obtain quality hardware tailored to your specific application and requirements. Let me know if you have any other nut and bolt questions!