Sunday, December 8, 2013
Metric Bolt Tightness Specs
Regardless of the type of bolt, the tightness that a bolt requires -- its torque -- is essential to using a bolt properly. The torque of a bolt will vary depending upon a number of factors, which can make finding torque specs a little difficult. However, there are many ways to find out what the torque specifications are for a particular bolt.
Torque
When speaking of the tightness of a bolt, one is actually referring to the bolts torque. Torque is the amount of force that is required to rotate an object, like a bolt, around a pivot point. With bolts, the torque is the amount of tightening it requires so that the bolt and whatever the bolt is secured to are not damaged.
Metric Bolts vs. SAE Bolts
There are two major categories of bolts: SAE bolts, which are sized by their diameter, pitch thread and length and are measured in inches; and metric bolts, which are sized by their diameter, distance between threads, and length and are measured in millimeters. SAE or American bolts are used in America; metric bolts are used in most other countries. When looking at a bolt torque specification chart, it is important to check the chart for whether the specs are for SAE or metric bolts, since their torque specs will not be the same.
Bolt Grades
Not all bolts are the same. Bolts are made out of different materials that give them different strengths, uses and capabilities. All bolts have a grade, which indicates the strength of a bolt and what material it is made from. Usually the grade is stamped on the head of the bolt, but metric bolts are sometimes unmarked. Higher grade bolts have higher torque values.
Torque Specs
There are many charts available online that will give a rough estimate of a bolts torque specs based on its size and grade; however, all of these charts are approximations. The torque of a bolt will vary depending upon the manufacturer and other factors, such as whether the bolt is lubricated or dry. There are many instances in which knowing exact bolt specs is essential; for instance, preventing a bolt from breaking or a material from warping. In these cases, contacting the supplier of the bolts for their specs or looking for a chart that is specifically designed for a certain brand of bolt is very important.
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