Are you planning to buy a tap bolt? Bolts come in a variety of styles, each of which features a unique design that sets it apart from the rest. Tap bolts, for instance, are characterized by a fully threaded shank and a hexagonal head. The entire shank — from the tip to the hexagonal head — is threaded. While all tap bolts feature this design, however, they are available in different types.
Material
One of the most important things to consider when choosing a tap bolt is the material. Like other hex bolts, tap bolts are available in different materials. Some of them are made of stainless steel or carbon steel, whereas others are made of brass. Carbon steel tap bolts offer an exceptional level of strength and durability. Stainless steel tap bolts, on the other hand, offer better protection against rust and corrosion. Brass tap bolts are often used for aesthetics, as they offer a unique decorative appeal.
Length
You can’t just the right tap bolt without considering the length. Some tap bolts are longer than others. You’ll need to choose a tap bolt that’s long enough to fasten the objects with which you intend to use it. With that said, the tap bolt shouldn’t be too long. Otherwise, it may not fit.
The length of a tap bolt can vary from less than 1 inch to over 5 inches. Regardless of length, all tap bolts have a fully threaded shank and a hexagonal head. But the length will affect the applications in which a tap bolt can used. Choose a tap bolt that’s long enough to fasten the objects with which you intend to use it but not so long that it doesn’t fit.
Thread Size
Tap bolts are available in different thread sizes. Thread sizes typically consist of two numbers. The first number represents the diameter of the bolt itself, whereas the second number represents the threads per inch (TPI). A tap bolt with a 1/4-20 thread size, for instance, has a diameter of 1/4 inch and 20 TPI.
Grade
You may notice that some tap bolts have a grade. Grade 2 tap bolts, for example, are designed for light-duty strength. They are inexpensive, but they lack the strength of higher grades. Grade 5 tap bolts are stronger and typically used in automotive, construction and mechanical applications. Grade 8 tap bolts are the strongest. They are used in heavy-duty applications, such as machinery and industrial applications.