Imperial Bolts

Imperial bolts are important in many industries that need fastening solutions. They are used to join machinery, automotive applications, construction projects, and more. If you choose and use the right imperial bolt sizes you can fix things easily and securely. They are different from metric fasteners and follow inch-based measurements.

Different Types of Imperial Bolts and Their Uses

Imperial Bolts are important fasteners used in construction, automotive, mechanical, and industrial applications. They come in various shapes and designs with each used for various things. Here are various types of imperial bolts with their features and uses:

Imperial Carriage Bolts

Imperial carriage bolts are also known as coach bolts. They have a round, domed, or flat head with a square neck below it. Its square neck prevents the bolt from rotating when inserted into a square hole or wood surface. They are used with a nut and washer to secure connection.

Key Features:

• Round or domed head for a smooth finish

• Square neck to prevent rotation during installation

• Available in stainless steel for corrosion resistance

Common Uses:

• It can be used to connect wood with wood and metal

• Used to secure fences, decks, and furniture

• Used to ix and build automotive applications

• Provide structural support in building construction

Imperial Eye Bolts

Imperial eye bolts are looped head fasteners used to support heavy loads and allow ropes, chains, or cables to pass through. They are used in lifting, anchoring, and rigging applications. They are available in shoulder eye bolts and can support angular loads, and straight eye bolts, which are suited for vertical loads

Key Features: 

• Looped head for cable or chain attachment

• Forged and welded designs for heavy-duty applications

Common Uses:

• Used in lifting heavy machinery

• Industrial rigging and load-bearing applications

• It can secure wires, cables, and pulleys

• Used in marine and offshore applications

Imperial Hanger Bolts

Imperial hanger bolts have two different threading styles which have wood screw threads on one end and machine screw threads on the other. This easily gets installed into the wood and gives a machine-threaded in nuts or metal fasteners.

Key Features:

• Dual-threaded design 

• Used in applications that need a hidden fastener system

• Made from bare metal for durability

Common Uses:

• It is used to attach furniture legs and overhead structures

• Mounting electrical and plumbing fixtures

• It secures brackets and supports in wood

Imperial Hex Bolts

Imperial hex bolts are also known as hex cap screws. They have a six-sided head that allows you to easily tighten it with a wrench. They are common types of bolts that are used in construction, automotive, and industrial applications. You can choose fully threaded and partially threaded hex bolts.

Key Features:

• Six-sided head for better grip and torque application

• Available in different grades and materials, including stainless steel, carbon steel, and alloy steel

• Designed for high-strength applications

Common Uses:

• Used to connect structural steel 

• Can be used to fix machinery and equipment 

• Used in automotive and aerospace applications

• Can help to secure heavy-duty construction materials

Imperial Sex Bolts

Imperial sex bolts are also known as barrel bolts or Chicago bolts. They have female and male parts that are fixed together. They are used in applications that need a strong finish and hold without coming out.

Key Features:

• Two-piece design for secure fastening

• Smooth, finished look

• Available in truss head for different applications

Common Uses:

• Used to fix furniture 

• Used to join architectural and decorative applications

• Binding books and documents

• Helps to secure panels and signage

Imperial Shoulder Bolts

Imperial shoulder bolts are also known as stripper bolts and have a cylindrical shoulder between the head and the threads. This shoulder allows for rotational movement and is used in mechanical and precision applications.

Key Features: 

• Cylindrical shoulder for free rotation of attached parts

• Used in applications that require precise movement

• Made from alloy steel for strength and durability

Common Uses:

• Used with hinges, pulleys, and linkages to fix wood, ropes, and machinery 

• Used to fix industrial machinery and mechanical systems

• Used in automotive suspension components

• Used to fix robotics and automation

Imperial U-Bolts

Imperial U-bolts are U-shaped fasteners that have two threaded ends. They wrap around pipes, tubes, or round objects to secure them in place using nuts. They are used for clamping, support, and suspension applications.

Key Features: 

• U-shaped design for securing cylindrical objects

• Available in stainless steel, galvanized steel, and alloy steel for durability

• Can be custom-sized for specific applications

Common Uses:

• It can help to secure pipes and tubing in plumbing and HVAC systems

• They can attach leaf springs in vehicle suspension systems

• Used to clamp structural components in construction

• Help to support antennas, poles, and railings

How to Choose the Right Imperial Bolts For Your Project?

Selecting the right bolt imperial size is essential to ensure the structure of your project. You should always check imperial bolt sizes according to application requirements to avoid problems that could weaken the connection. You can use them in heavy-duty industrial projects or precision engineering but choosing the right will enhance safety and durability.

Determine the Bolt Size

Imperial bolt sizes are measured in inches and fractions of an inch. The key dimensions you should check are:

• Diameter: The thickness of the bolt shaft (e.g., 1/4", 3/8", 1/2"). You can choose from various other sizes according to your project. 

• Length: The measurement from the bottom of the head to the tip of the bolt.

• Thread Pitch: The number of threads per inch (TPI) shows how well the bolt grips.

You can also use a bolt gauge to measure the diameter and thread pitch accurately.

Choose the Right Metal

The metal of the bolt will help you to understand its strength, corrosion resistance, and durability. Common metals include:

• Imperial stainless steel bolts: They are used for outdoor and marine applications because they have high corrosion resistance.

• Carbon steel bolts: They are strong and are widely used in construction but they can become rusty without proper coating.

• Alloy steel bolts: They are high-strength bolts that are used in heavy-duty industrial applications.

• Brass or aluminum bolts: They are used in electrical and decorative applications because of their non-corrosive properties.

Select the Right Bolt Type

There are various types of bolts so you should choose the bolt depending on the application. Some common imperial bolts include:

• Imperial hex bolts: They are used for construction and machinery applications because they have six-sided heads.

• Imperial carriage bolts: You can use these bolts for connecting wood with wood and metal with a smooth, corrosion-resistant finish.

• Imperial shoulder bolts: They are used in moving parts, hinges, and precision applications.

• Imperial bolt set: It includes various types of bolt sizes for multi-purpose use.

Consider Load Capacity and Strength

Imperial bolts come in different grades. They show their tensile strength. There are various capacities and strengths of these bolts depending on application:

• Grade 2: It is low-strength and can be used in light-duty applications like furniture assembly.

• Grade 5: It has medium strength and is used in automotive and construction.

• Grade 8: They are high-strength bolts and are used in heavy machinery and load-bearing structures.

Check the Finish

You should also check the finish of an imperial bolt because it should be resistant to rust and wear. You should buy:

• Zinc-plated bolts: They are mainly used for basic corrosion resistance.

• Black oxide bolts: They provide minimal corrosion protection but enhance appearance.

• Stainless steel bolts: They are naturally corrosion-resistant and used for outdoor and marine environments.

• Bare metal bolts: They are exposed to rust without additional coating so you can use them for indoor or controlled environments.

Check The Thread Type

Imperial bolts come in various thread styles for the bolt’s performance:

• Coarse threads: They are easy to fix and don’t strip easily.

• Fine threads: They provide a tighter hold but you need to fix them properly.