Since time in history, different industries have used fasteners on almost everything, from engineering structures to industrial equipment like conveyor belts. Fasteners are devices used to join two or more objects together, but what makes them stand out is that you can comfortably dismantle them without damaging the different components. The fasteners fall into different categories, including screws, rivets, pins, and bolts. Welding is also a method of joining two workpieces.

One of the most popular types of nuts is the hex category. They are used in woodworking, steel, and other types of construction works. However, selecting the right type of hex nuts and bolts is challenging for many people because they fall into different categories. In this guide, we take a closer look at hex nuts to answer common questions, such as, “what are the material options?” and “which are the main types on the market?”

What are Hex Nuts?

Most fasteners are defined based on the driving style, and hex nuts are no different. Hex nuts are distinguished from others because of their hexagonal (six-sided head). Note that they are very common because of their suitability in varying applications. Their hexagonal design makes it exceptionally convenient to tighten using both hand and power tools at various angles.

Hex nuts are handy in heavy machinery, such as agricultural equipment, road construction, auto manufacturing, and material handling facilities where high tensile strength is needed. Let’s put it this way, no matter the project you have at hand, the chances are that hex nuts and bolts will be very useful. So, make sure to select the right category.

The Main Types of Hex Nuts

Before looking at material options for hex nuts and the tips for buying them, here are the main categories that you should know about:

• Hex Finish Nuts: These are the most common types of nuts today, and they are used to fasten to a hex socket, bolt, or cap screw. 

• Hex Machine Nuts: These hex nuts come with internal threads and are mainly used with machine screws. 

• Hex Jam Nuts: These nuts are preferred when targeting to keep the hex bolts firmly locked without using a clamp. Their design comes with internal threads and is generally thinner compared to the traditional nuts. 

• Heavy Hex Nuts: As the name suggests, these hex nuts are larger, thicker, and heavier compared to traditional hex nuts. They are mainly used together with carriage bolts and cap screws. 

• Nylon Insert Hex Nuts: These hex nuts are designed with a type of nylon insert to help create tension between threads of the mating components and the nut. You should consider using it together with lock nuts, especially in equipment with a lot of vibrations.

How to Select the Right Type of Hex Nuts for Your Application

Like other types of fasteners, the hex nuts and bolts that you select should largely depend on what you want to do. For example, a manufacturer dealing with motor vehicle assembly, or warehouse dock equipment, might want to pick the strongest hex nuts and bolts. However, a woodworker who only wants to repair table saws or maintain his hand tools will need lighter and smaller hex nuts and bolts. So, here are the main considerations to factor: when selecting hex nuts and bolts.

• Select the Nut with the Right Threads

Once you have determined where hex nuts and bolts will be used, the next consideration is the type of thread. If you are looking forward to quickly assembling your equipment, such as pumps and forklifts, consider using the coarse threaded hex nuts and bolts. However, the fine thread hex nuts will be a better option when targeting better thread engagement.

• Material Option

Hex nuts are made of different materials, and it is vital to go for the type with the right one. The most common material used to make the hex nuts is carbon steel because of its strength and workability even in high-temperature areas. Other material options when selecting hex nuts include:

1. Alloy steel
2. Stainless steel (recommended for high-moisture areas)
3. Bronze and brass (preferred for applications in areas that are corrosive)
4. Aluminum

• The Expected Exposure

Before making the final decision, take some moment to factor in the expected exposure. For example, will the nuts and the equipment under consideration be exposed to high temperatures? Such exposure can result in loose connections. Another type of exposure is vibration, which can result from things such as shaft misalignment or machine design.

Whether you are the production manager, technician, or the person in charge of the industrial facility, understanding the different types of hex nuts and bolts, as well as other fasteners, is very important. This guide has demonstrated how you should go about picking the best hex nuts for your facility. Always remember to maintain your equipment in top condition for better performance and reduced downtimes. You should also consider automation for your facility.