Hex Nuts in Zinc Plated Grade 2 Steel

Standard Hexagonal Nuts For General Applications

Hex nuts, or hex finish nuts, are the most common type of finish nut used. The hexagonal shape makes these nuts easy to grasp with a wrench or pliers. These nuts are often used with screws and bolts when mechanically joining materials together. They are installed on the opposite side of the materials being fastened. With the bolt head or machine screw head on the other side, they compress the materials together for a secure fit.

Zinc Plated Steel

Zinc is by far the most common and economical type of plating for fasteners. The zinc plating adds a protective "sacrificial" top layer against corrosion while also adding a shiny finish to the threaded rod. Zinc plated threaded rod is ideal for indoor use where it won't be constantly exposed to harsh elements.

Most steel grades and classes in this selection of hex nuts have a zinc plating on them. Grade 2, Grade 5, Class 8, and Class 10 steels are all zinc plated. Most Grade 8 steel is also zinc-plated. Specifically, yellow zinc plated to help Grade 8 stand out from the rest of the zinc-plated steel fasteners.

Steel Grades
  • SAE Grade 2 - Low Strength Carbon Steel
  • SAE Grade 5 - Medium Strength Carbon Steel
  • SAE Grade 8 - High Strength, Thru-Hardened Steel
  • Metric Class 8 - Comparable to Grade 5
  • Metric Class 10 - Comparable to Grade 8

FAQs

What are hex nuts?

Hex nuts are hexagonal blocks of material, typically metal, with a hole punched through that is threaded. Hex nuts, or hex finish nuts, are the most common type of finish nut used. The hexagonal shape makes these nuts easy to grasp with a wrench or pliers. These nuts are often used with screws and bolts when mechanically joining materials together.

What is a hex nut used for?

Hex nuts are used alongside machine threaded fasteners to complete a secure assembly. The head of the screw or bolt clamps down on the material while the nut clamps down on the opposite side. This effectively "sandwiches" the assembly securely together.

How does a hex nut work?

Hex nuts work jointly with machine threaded fasteners such as bolts, anchors, and machine screws to effectively clamp down on both sides of the fastened material. The bolt and nut threading causes friction against each other, allowing a secure fit for general applications. A lock nut is used instead if the application would be subject to high amounts of vibration.

What is zinc plated steel?

Zinc plated steel is steel that goes through the process of adding a layer or coating of zinc to protect the steel from corrosion. The added layer of zinc sacrifices itself to keep the steel from rusting, even if the plating is damaged.

Is zinc plated steel rust proof?

No. Zinc plating adds a layer of corrosion resistance for rust protection. Still, it's a thin plating, and it's not as rust resistant as hot-dip galvanizing, which also uses a zinc top layer. While not the most corrosive resistant of materials, zinc plating is easily the most economical and commonly used.