Bolts Types and Sizes: Metric & Imperial Bolt Dimensions Chart |

CNCLATHING
Bolts are a type of essential fastener that often assembled with nuts. Using a bolt with
the right sizes is vital for jobs in various machinery and equipment. In this article, we’ll go
through a complete guide of bolts, which involves bolts definition, types, dimensions
explain, and the standard bolt sizes chart in metric and imperial.
What are Bolts?
Bolts are a kind of externally threaded fastener used with a nut. It will not rotate in the
assembly process, but is tightened by turning the nut. The screw is usually inserted into
an existing threaded hole or pass through the material to form its own internal thread,
and then it is tightened by applying torque to head.
What are the Different Types of Bolts - Types of Bolts and Their
Uses
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needs.
Anchor bolt
With a threaded part in one end and non-threaded in another end, which can be made in
L shape, Pin type, Wedge type, or other forms, often work with steel plates or stiffeners
to connect structural and non-structural elements to the concrete, transfer tension forces
and shear forces. Anchor bolts come in different types based on the installation method.
The simplest and strongest form of anchor bolt is cast-in-place, another type is post-
installed anchors.

Carriage bolt
Carriage bolt also called coach bolt, with a round head and square neck, which makes
the bolt distinguished from other bolts, also makes it self -locking when it is placed
through a square hole and prevent the bolt from turning when tightened. The shank has
no threads. It can be installed with only one tool, a spanner or wrench, working from one
side. Carriage bolts are usually used to fasten metal to metal or metal to wood. You can
find it in security fixings, such as locks and hinges. This kind of bolts was used in a
carriage which was the basic transportation during inactive times.
Elevator bolt
Similar to the carriage bolt but elevator bolt with a thin flat or countersunk head and a
square undercut, used in conveyor system setups. The head diameter of elevator bolts is
larger than other types, which can prevent the bolt from going throug h soft conveyor
material. When you install it, the head of the elevator bolt should lie against the inside
surface of the elevator belt with the nuts and washers on the inside of the elevator
bucket. Correct installation will make the elevator bolt head fi tting snuggly just below the
surface of the elevator belt.

Hex bolt
Hex bolts are designed with a hexagonal head that to be driven by a wrench and external
machine threads, maybe partially threaded or fully threaded. Steel is one of the most
common materials of bolts, but hex bolts may also be made with aluminum, copper,
brass, titanium, or even plastic. Hex bolts can be used for infrastructure that requires a
strong fastener with high tensile strength properties, they can also be used in tight
spaces with limited access because tools can access them from all angles, or fastening
wood, steel, or other materials in bridges, buildings, and more construction projects.
Lag bolt
Lag bolts, also known as lag screws, one of the toughest fasteners are extremely sturdy.
They are significantly larger than most other screws. This kind of bolt can create its own
thread and form friction joint in wood with their coarse threads and other soft materials
when tightened, they don’t need nuts, usually used to connect heavy lumber or other
heavy materials that are bearing an intense load.

Eyebolt
Eyebolt consists of a threaded shank with a ring or loop at one end, often used to attach
an eye to a structure, through which ropes, cables, or shackles can be secured . Eyebolts
are commonly found in hardware in material handling, another common use of the bolt is
to create a lifting eye to that crane can be attached to machinery. Based on their
threading, eyebolts can be divided into machine screw threading and wood sc rew
threading. According to their construction, eyebolts can be classified as the forged and
bent eye.
J-bolt
J-bolts are J-shaped fasteners with threads at the non-curved section, another section is
designed to a hook for support. J-bolts come in different lengths and diameters, in
construction application, it is hook onto the rebar embedded in the concrete. J -bolts are
usually used in structural applications, for example, when you erecting a new building or
garage, you need to secure walls to concrete foundations with J bolts. They are readily
available in many hardware stores.

U-bolt
A U-bolt is in the shape of the letter “U” with threads on both ends, its typical use is to
support/clamp pipes through which fluids and gasses pass, and hold ropes tog ether. Now
the wider applications of U bolts including clamp any kind of tubing/round bar. A U -bolt
would be described by the size of the pipe it is clamping. To determine the correct size u -
bolt for your application is important. U-bolts can be made from various materials,
durable and non-corrosive metal is the first choice, such as 316 stainless steel, 304
stainless steel, and plain carbon steel.
Shoulder bolt
Shoulder bolts, also known as shoulder screws or stripper bolts, are a type of machine
screws that consist of three sections, the long cylindrical non -threaded shoulder is
between the head and threads, which allows the attached part to rotate around or slide
along its length. The head has the largest diameter, the shoulder is described by it s
diameter and length, and the diameter of the threaded part is slightly smaller than that of
the shoulder. Shoulder bolts usually used to attach pulleys, moving engine parts, gears,
rolling wheels, and stripper plates.

Sex bolt
The sex bolt, also known as a barrel bolt, connector bolt, or binding barrel, is a type of
mating fastener combining a nut and a screw, it consists of a barrel with internal threads
and a screw with external threads, both the barrel and screw have heads designed to
clamp material between the head of the barrel and the head of the screw. Some sex bolts
have knurled barrels to allow one-sided assembly. Mating fasteners are known by many
other different names.
Hanger bolt
Hanger bolts are headless bolts with threads on both ends, used to suspend objects from
or attach items to wood, it will add an external thread or create a hidden fastening joint.
Hanger bolts feature one side with a self-tapping lag screw thread to grip into the wood,
with the other end having machine screw threads to accept a nut or thread into an
internally tapped hole.

Flange bolt
The flange bolt has a circular flange under the head that acts like a washer to distribute
the load. The ridge surrounding their heads also makes them easy to be identified.
Flange bolts feature a nozzle, thereby speeding the assembly while eliminating the
washer. They can ensure a reliable, long-lasting connection between two sections of a
large and enclosed area. The popular use of flange bolts including car exhaust,
Plumbing, electronic devices, and hard-to-reach applications.
There are also machine bolts with a fully threaded shaft and a semi -cone point, used to
fasten wood to wood, wood to metal, and metal to metal. Its point will not be chamfered
or rounded. Machine bolts can be divided into hex bolts and square bolts based on the
head type.
Bolt Dimensions Explained - Metric Bolt Sizes/Dimensions
Metric bolts are referenced using “M” sizes, such as the M8 bolt size. The size of a metric
bolt is specified using pitch, diameter, and length in millimeters. For example, in M8-
1.0*20, the “M” means the Metric thread designation, the digit 8 refers to the Nominal
diameter (in millimeters), 1.0 refers to the pitch, and 20 refers to the length. Sometimes,
the pitch is omitted in the abbreviated format, such as M8-20, this means the bolt has a
coarse thread. The bolt dimension can also be expressed in imperial units.
1. Diameter: the width of the bolt shank, the bolt head is not included. The defined
diameter of metric bolts is actually slightly larger than the actual diameter. So an M8 bolt
would have a diameter that’s slightly under 8mm.
2. Pitch: the measurement between the apex of adjacent threads on the bolt’s shank,
equal to the ratio of threads to unit length. Metric bolts are ava ilable with either coarse or
fine thread pitches. Metric bolts with a coarse thread pitch have more threads per inch
than comparable imperial bolts.
3. Length: for socket head, pan head, button head, and hex head bolts, the length
measurement from the chamfered edge to the undercut of the head, and the bolt head is
not included. But for flat head bolts, the length includes the height of the bolt head and
for dome head bolts the length is measured from the highest point on the curved head.
The length of a metric bolt is measured and defined in exactly the same way as imperial
bolts (fasteners).

Related Read: Nail Size Chart

Bolt Size Chart - Metric & Imperial Bolt Dimensions Chart
Check out the standard bolts size chart in metric or imperial below.
Metric Bolt Dimensions Chart
Imperial Bolt Dimensions Chart

Screws and Bolts

High-Strength Metric Class

10.9 Steel Hex Head Screws

Choose these metric screws for high-strength fastening. Often used in high-
stress applications, such as valves, pumps, motors, and automotive
suspension systems, these screws are at least 25% stronger than medium-strength
steel screws.
Medium-Strength Metric Class

8.8 Steel Hex Head Screws

Choose these metric screws for fastening most machinery and equipment. They are twice as
strong as low-strength steel screws.

Left-Hand Threaded Medium-Strength

Metric Class 8.8 Steel Hex Head Screws

These metric screws help prevent counterclockwise-moving parts from loosening. Use them
for medium-strength fastening.

Extreme-Strength Metric Class

12.9 Steel Hex Head Screws

Choose these metric screws for heavy duty stamping applications as well as earth-moving
machinery such as bulldozers and excavators. These screws are 10% stronger than our high-
strength metric steel screws.

18-8 Stainless Steel Hex Head Screws

Use these general purpose 18-8 stainless steel screws for a variety of
fastening applications. They have good chemical resistance.

Super-Corrosion-Resistant 316

Stainless Steel Hex Head Screws

More corrosion resistant than 18-8 stainless steel screws, these 316 stainless steel screws
have excellent resistance to chemicals and salt water.

Metric High-Strength Steel Heavy Hex

Head Screws for Structural Applications

Designed for construction and exterior building applications, these metric screws are often
used to join I-beams and scaffolding. Their partial threading leaves an unthreaded portion
that is strong enough to stand up to the sideways forces of joints.

High-Strength Metric Class 10.9

Steel Flanged Hex Head Screws

These metric screws are at least 25% stronger than medium-strength steel screws. Use them
in high-stress applications, such as valves, pumps, motors, and automotive
suspension systems. The flange distributes pressure where the screw meets
the surface, so there's no need for a washer.
High-Strength Metric Steel

Serrated-Flange Hex Head Screws

Choose these metric screws for high-stress applications, such as valves, pumps, motors, and
automotive suspension systems. They are about 10% stronger than medium-strength
steel screws. Their serrated flange helps to resist vibration.

Tight-Spot Hex Head Screws

A high-strength alternative to blind rivets, use these screws when only one side of the
material is accessible.

Alloy Steel Socket Head Screws

The standard for high-strength fastening.

18-8 Stainless Steel Socket Head Screws

Use these general purpose 18-8 stainless steel screws for a variety of
fastening applications. They have good chemical resistance.
Super-Corrosion-Resistant 316

Stainless Steel Socket Head Screws

More corrosion resistant than 18-8 stainless steel screws, these 316 stainless steel screws
have excellent resistance to chemicals and salt water.

Alloy Steel Low-Profile Socket Head Screws

Made of alloy steel, these low-profile screws are nearly twice as strong as their stainless
steel counterparts. With half the height of a standard socket head, these low-profile screws
fit in tight spaces.

Metric Alloy Steel Button Head Hex Drive Screws

These metric alloy steel screws are nearly twice as strong as stainless steel button
head screws.

Metric Alloy Steel Hex Drive Flat Head Screws

Metric 18-8 Stainless Steel

Hex Drive Flat Head Screws

These metric 18-8 stainless steel screws have good chemical resistance and may be
mildly magnetic.

Metric 316 Stainless Steel

Hex Drive Flat Head Screws

More corrosion resistant than 18-8 stainless steel screws, these metric screws have excellent
resistance to chemicals and salt water. They may be mildly magnetic.

Metric Alloy Steel Shoulder Screws

Comparable to Class 12.9 steel.

Metric 18-8 Stainless Steel Shoulder Screws

These screws have metric thread sizes. They are 18-8 stainless steel for good
chemical resistance.

Same-Size Thread 18-8

Stainless Steel Shoulder Screws

With inch-sized threads the same diameter as the shoulder, these screws can handle
heavy loads. They’re 18-8 stainless steel for good chemical resistance.

Metric 316 Stainless Steel Shoulder Screws

For metric thread sizes with excellent resistance to chemicals and salt water, choose these
316 stainless steel shoulder screws.

Metric Steel Hex Head Shoulder Screws

Also known as wheel and axle bolts, these metric screws have an unthreaded shoulder that
acts as a shaft, so material attached to the threaded end can rotate.

Medium-Strength Metric Class 8.8

Steel Square-Neck Carriage Bolts

Choose these metric bolts for fastening most machinery and equipment. They are twice as
strong as low-strength steel bolts. Carriage bolts have a smooth, rounded head for a
finished look. The square neck keeps these bolts from turning when tightening a nut.

18-8 Stainless Steel Square-Neck Carriage Bolts

These bolts have good chemical resistance. Carriage bolts have a smooth, rounded head for
a finished look. The square neck keeps these bolts from turning when tightening a nut.

Metric Steel Hex Head Screws for Wood

Drive the pointed tip of these screws into soft material, such as wood and drywall. They are
also known as lag bolts.

Metric Alloy Steel Cup-Point Set Screws

These alloy steel set screws have a thin edge that digs into hard surfaces for a
secure hold. They're available in metric sizes.

Metric 18-8 Stainless Steel Cup-Point Set Screws

These metric set screws have good chemical resistance.

Metric Alloy Steel Flat-Tip Set Screws

These metric set screws have a tip that makes good contact on flat surfaces and allows you
to make frequent adjustments with minimal surface damage.

Metric 18-8 Stainless Steel Flat-Tip Set Screws

These metric 18-8 stainless steel set screws are chemical resistant. The tip makes good
contact on flat surfaces and allows you to make frequent adjustments with minimal
surface damage.

Metric Alloy Steel Extended-Tip Set Screws

These metric set screws have a protruding tip that locks within a mating hole or slot to keep
parts aligned. They're also known as dog-point set screws.

Metric Hex Head Extended-Tip Set Screws

Turn these metric screws by hand using the hex head, or tighten them with a wrench for
extra torque. With an extended tip that locks into a mating hole or slot—sometimes known
as a dog point—they are often used to align and secure parts such as gears and pulley wheels.

Metric Square-Head Extended-Tip Set Screws

These metric screws have a square head, so you can turn them by hand or use a wrench for
more torque. Also known as half dog-point set screws, they have a protruding tip that locks
within a mating hole or slot to keep parts aligned.

Metric Alloy Steel Ball-Point Set Screws

These metric set screws have a rolling ball that swivels 360° to minimize surface damage
and allow for slight adjustments without loosening the screw.

Metric Alloy Steel Cone-Point Set Screws

Made from alloy steel, these metric set screws have a pointed tip that wedges into the contact
surface for a secure hold on soft materials such as brass.

Threaded Rods

Metric Fine-Thread Medium-Strength

Steel Threaded Rods—Grade B7

These metric Grade B7 fine-threaded rods meet the pressure and temperature requirements
of ASTM A193 and are often used to secure pressure tanks, valves, and flanges.
Metric Medium-Strength Steel

Threaded Rods—Grade B7

These metric Grade B7 threaded rods meet the pressure and temperature requirements of
ASTM A193 and are often used to secure pressure tanks, valves, and flanges.

Medium-Strength Steel

Threaded Rods—Class 8.8

An economical alternative to Grade B7 and Grade B16 threaded rods, these metric Class 8.8
rods are suitable for fastening most machinery and equipment.

Metric High-Strength Steel

Threaded Rods—Class 10.9

These Class 10.9 steel threaded rods are about 25% stronger than medium-strength
steel rods.

Metric Very-High-Strength Steel

Threaded Rods—Class 12.9

Class 12.9 rods are about 20% stronger than Class 10.9 threaded rods and are for use in
heavy machinery.
Metric Fine-Thread Low-Strength

Steel Threaded Rods

About half the strength of medium-strength steel threaded rods, use these metric fine-thread
rods for light duty hanging, mounting, and fastening.

Metric Low-Strength Steel Threaded Rods

These metric threaded rods are about half the strength of medium-strength steel threaded rods
for light duty hanging, mounting, and fastening.

Metric Left-Hand Threaded

Low-Strength Steel Threaded Rods

These metric threaded rods tighten when turned to the left; once fastened, they resist
loosening from counterclockwise motion. About half the strength of medium-strength steel
threaded rods, use them for light duty hanging, mounting, and fastening.

Metric 18-8 Stainless Steel Threaded Rods

Available in metric sizes, these 18-8 stainless steel threaded rods have good
chemical resistance.

Metric Super-Corrosion-Resistant

316 Stainless Steel Threaded Rods

These metric 316 stainless steel threaded rods are more corrosion resistant than 18-8 and 410
stainless steel threaded rods and have excellent resistance to chemicals and salt water.

Metric Nylon Threaded Rods

These metric threaded rods are made from nylon 6/6 and
resist oil, grease, and solvents. They’re nonconductive, making them good for use around
sensitive electrical components.

Fiberglass Threaded Rods

Fiberglass threaded rods are stronger than nylon threaded rods. They
resist acids, solvents, salt water, and oil.

Sanitary Threaded Standoffs

Sanitary Threaded Standoffs

Mount components onto food processing lines, walls, and sanitary equipment while leaving
space to clean in between.

Spring Plungers

Sanitary Twist-to-Lock Knob-Style

Retractable Spring Plungers

Quickly align, join, or hold machine components in place in food, pharmaceutical, and other
sanitary environments. Pulling the plunger knob and twisting it 90° will lock the nose into its
retracted position.

Twist-to-Lock L-Handle

Retractable Spring Plungers

Lock the nose into the retracted position by pulling the handle and rotating it 90°.

L-Handle Retractable Spring Plungers

Twist-to-Lock Pull-Ring

Retractable Spring Plungers

Lock the nose into the retracted position by pulling the ring and rotating it 90°.

T-Handle Retractable Spring Plungers

Slotted Ball-Nose Spring Plungers

Install these spring plungers with a screwdriver—they're slotted on one or both ends.

Long-Nose Spring Plungers

Install with a driver.

Long Hex-Nose Spring Plungers

Fasten from the nose end with a wrench for more torque than slotted long-nose
spring plungers.

Extra-Long Hex-Nose Spring Plungers

These spring plungers have a nose that is about three-times longer than standard long hex-
nose spring plungers.

Material Handling

Eyebolts—For Lifting

Also known as machinery eyebolts.

Eyebolts with Nuts—For Lifting

Also known as nut eyebolts, these are designed for through-hole applications.

Rotating Eyebolts—For Lifting

Unlike conventional eyebolts, you can rotate the eye 360° to match the angle of your load.

Nylon-Coated Eyebolts—For Lifting

Route wire and cable through the smooth eye without snagging.

Eye Nuts—For Lifting

Create your own lifting eye by adding an eye nut to a stud or bolt.

Clamping U-Bolts
Also known as muffler clamps, these U-bolts have a rounded mounting plate that fully
surrounds pipe, conduit, and tubing for a secure fit.

Lead Screws and Screw Jacks

Metric Lead Screws and Nuts

These metric lead screws and nuts have broad, square threads that are well suited for
quick assembly, high clamping forces, and lifting and lowering
heavy objects. They're commonly found in hand-powered clamps, vises, grates, doors, and
work tables.

Metric Fast-Travel Ultra-Precision

Lead Screws and Nuts

Multiple thread channels (also known as thread starts) create faster linear travel than lead
screws with a single thread start.

Metric Precision Lead Screws and Nuts

Also known as trapezoidal-thread lead screws and nuts.

Metric Clamping Lead Screw Collars

Install these threaded collars on a metric lead screw to separate and position components, or
use them as an end stop to limit travel.

Metric Ball Screws and Nuts

Internal ball bearings provide smooth low-friction travel in applications that require
high speeds, accurate positioning, and repeatable movement. Also known as single-start
metric ball screws and nuts, these have a single thread that runs the length of the screw.

T-Slot Fasteners and Setup Studs

T-Slot Bolts

For quicker setups than a separate T-slot nut and stud, slide these bolts into T-slot tracks on
machine tool tables.

Setup Studs

Secure setup clamps and fixtures to your machine table, or assemble heavy machines, such
as engine mounts.
T-Slot Nuts

Designed to slide into T-slot tracks on machine tool tables, use these nuts to secure clamps
and workpieces.

Drop-In T-Slot Nuts

Install from the top of the T-slot track and secure with a quarter turn. Also known as quarter-
turn T-slot nuts.

Secure-Hold T-Slot Nuts

After sliding the nut into a T-slot, tighten the set screw to keep it in place.

Connecting Rods

Connecting Rods

Designed for use with right-hand, internally threaded rod ends, these rods have right-hand
threads on both ends. Use them for remote
valve operators, throttle controllers, shifting mechanisms, and virtually
any push/pull assembly.
Internally Threaded Connecting Rods

Designed for use with right-hand, externally threaded rod ends, these rods have right-hand
threads on both ends. Use them for remote
valve operators, throttle controllers, shifting mechanisms, and virtually
any push/pull assembly.

Turnbuckle-Style Connecting Rods

Similar to turnbuckles, these rods have right-hand threads on one end and left-hand threads
on the other so you can make a linkage that adjusts for tension. Add right- and left-hand
threaded rod ends to build your linkages.

Internally Threaded

Turnbuckle-Style Connecting Rods

Similar to turnbuckles, these rods have right-hand threads on one end and left-hand threads
on the other so you can make a linkage that adjusts for tension.