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With the invention of various devices and gadgets, the use of fasteners increased and thus the need for different types of fasteners was born. Since the start of the 20th century, there have been many types of fasteners made. But one that has stood out from the rest when it comes to versatility has been the hexagon head screw. Also known as a hex screw is a type of threaded fastener which is easy to recognise due to its 6 sided head.
The versatility of a hex socket head screw comes is prominent in the various sizes finishes and materials hex screws are available in. This makes them suitable for a wide range of applications from machinery assembly, construction projects and building maintenance to engineering applicants, woodworking, and automotive projects too.
Types of Hex Head Screw Grades
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Grade 2
The first and most important feature of every hexagon head screw is its grade. While this is not a striking visual change, it is however quite important when it comes to quality. The lowest grade hex screw is a grade 2 rated screw that has no markings on it. This is the most affordable socket cap head screw made only for household use. Grade 2 hex screws are made of low to medium carbon steel.
Grade 5
If you want to work on a more demanding project you should try and go with grade 5 hex head screws. Grade 5 hex screws have three markings on top of their head. This signifies that the screw is made from medium quality carbon steel which makes it great for automotive projects. Grade 5 hex head screws are hardened by being heated which makes their outside stronger than their inside.
Grade 8
A grade 8 hex head screw is obviously stronger than a grade 5 one since it has a tensile strength of 10,500 kg/ cm2. Although grade 8 hex screws are heated in a similar fashion to grade 5 hex head screws they are fully heat treated. This is what makes them a great solution for tractor fabrication and suspension applications as well as other high demand fastening applications.
Grade L9
If you need to use the strongest hex head screws there are then you should go with grade L9 hex screws. These are made from high-quality alloy steel and have a tensile strength of 12,600 kg/ cm2. That is a lot, which is what makes grade L9 hex screws the best solution in high-stress environments.
What to Look For in a Hex Head Screw
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Material
There are usually three different types of materials a socket cap head screw is made of. These include regular steel, stainless steel, and brass.
Brass hex head screws are not as common since they are not as affordable as stainless or regular steel hex screws. But brass screws have greater corrosion resistance than both regular and stainless steel.
Hex head screws made from regular steel are the most affordable as they are widely available and easy to manufacture. They also have their own grades with the number signifying the strength of the steel. The higher that number is the stronger the steel used to make the screw.
Stainless steel hex screws are a better option than regular steel hex screws since they are corrosion resistant. But unlike brass screws, stainless steel hex head screws are not as long-lasting since the corrosion-resistant coating wears off over time. This makes stainless steel hex head screws a great middle-ground option since they are more affordable than brass screws and stronger than hex screws made from regular steel.
Threading
A hexagon head screw can be either fully or partially threaded. You can't find one without a thread. A fully threaded hex socket head screw is going to have threading from the very bottom all the way to the head. This is what makes fully-threaded hex screws best in heavy-duty applications. The additional threading allows them to spread pressure evenly across their full length.
Partially threaded hex head screws, on the other hand, only have threading up to the top part of the screw. The last third of the screw is smooth. This makes partially threaded hex head screws highly resistant but not as strong as full threaded ones. They may have no weak spots but they are not able to bear a lot of weight or spread it out evenly.
Size
Since hex head screws come in different sizes, it's important to get the right size screw. Usually smaller diameter screws are not as strong as hex screws with bigger diameters. Also, longer hex head screws are typically better for lighter loads and less straining applications than shorter ones. But using alto of short screws instead of a few longer ones is not a good idea. Especially when it comes to applications where support is everything.
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