Hex Cap Screws Vs Hex Tap Bolts

Hex Cap Screws vs Hex Tap Bolts: What’s The Difference?

Hex bolts, hex caps, hex taps, hex heads…there is so much hex bolt lingo.

Hex Cap Screw Partially Threaded Shoulder Hex Tap Bolt Fully Threaded

Hex bolts can be very confusing. Its one of those situations where you may order a hex cap screw and wind up with a hex tap bolt. A hex cap is sometimes a hex tap, and Albany County Fasteners would like to take some time today to explain the details of hex bolts to you. It’s all about the threading, the length and the shoulder.

Hex Bolts

Hex Bolts are bolts with external threading and a hex head designed to be driven by a wrench. Hex bolts may be partially threaded or fully threaded, and are available in hex cap (partially threaded after a certain length) and hex tap (always fully threaded). Hex caps and hex taps are both considered “hex bolts”. Hex bolts are designed to be inserted into holes with machined, tapped threads, they are available in coarse thread (UNC) and fine thread (UNF). Machine screw sizes (diameters #4 – #12) of hex bolts are known as “trim head hex screws” and are always fully threaded.

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Hex Cap Screws / Hex Cap Bolts

Hex cap screws may have a built-in shoulder (un-threaded area under the head) which increases tensile strength of the bolt. However, the threaded length of these screws may be limited and therefore, they are not suitable for all applications. Cap screws are typically fully threaded up to 1-1/4″, hex cap bolts over this length are almost always partially threaded. Hex cap screws are available in diameters 1/4″ and up. Browse our selection of hex cap screws.

Hex Tap Bolts

Tap Bolts on the other hand are fully threaded regardless of size. This means the threading goes from the tip all the way to the underside of the head of the bolt. They have a weaker tensile strength but the extended threads make them more suitable for situations where hex cap screws may not function well. Hex tap bolts are available in diameters 1/4″ and up. Browse our selection of hex tap bolts.

In Summary

Tap bolts have threading all the way down regardless of their size. Hex cap screws may have a shoulder in longer sizes, which makes them stronger. Both are typically installed with a nut and designed to be driven by a wrench or socket driver. And last but not least, if a hex cap screw is small enough to lose its shoulder it can also be considered a tap bolt. In smaller sizes, they are the same but once a unthreaded shoulder starts, become different bolts. Browse our entire selection of hex bolts.

What Is Drill Torque Control

Drill Torque Control

Ever wonder what those numbers are for on the tip of your drill? The ones that Drill Torque Control you can spin but no one actually talks about what they do? If you’re new to the drill world or if you’ve just bought a drill to install some curtains in your house, chances are you have no idea what these numbers are for.

Before We Begin

It’s worth noting that not all drills are the same so if you check your drill and find different numbers and settings don’t get concerned. This is normal and you can find your drill specifications on the manufacturer’s website.

Over-drilling

To understand the importance of drill torque control we must first get an understanding of why it matters. If you have ever screwed into a piece of wood with a flat head wood screw, you may have seen that the top of the head drops below the surface of the wood. Flat head wood screws have a head designed to sit flush with the surface of the wood. If you over-drill chipping may occur around the edge of the hole over time. Over-torquing can damage the surface material, under-torquing will not advance the screw.

Drill Clutch

A drill clutch is a built-in device used to control the amount of drill torque before Adjusting Drill Clutch a breaking point. This is known as a slip clutch. You may know this as the sound of clicking that occurs when you are trying to screw something in, but it won’t turn. A clutch is designed to slip once the appropriate level of torque is achieved so that the screw being installed will not hurt the material it is being installed into.

Settings

Most drills have numbers with preset torque points. Turning the numbered dial from side to side. Our drill starts at the number 1 which is the least amount of torque meaning slippage will happen under very little torque. It ends at 15 which is the highest output the drill can handle. There is also a drill setting that has no slippage and is only supposed to be used with a drill bit. You can adjust the torque by turning to a new number once your drill clutch begins to slip.

Drill Clutch Setting

Highest Torque Setting

To Begin

If you are unsure about the proper torque to use start with a lower number and begin installing your screw. If your clutch starts to slip, simply move the settings

up to a higher number and continue. Your goal is to get the clutch to slip right as the head rests in its intended position so you do not run the risk of hurting the material you are installing into.

Congratulations!

You now know everything you’ll need to about a drill clutch and torque control to get started with all your DIY or professional projects!

Need drill bits for your power drill? Browse our extensive Drill Bit selection.

How To Install T Nuts

What Are T Nuts

In this post we will discuss how to install t nuts. T Nuts, aka “Tee Nuts”, have flanges on a thin surface of the nut, often available with three or four “prongs.” These flanges act as hooks and are pulled into the material when the bolt is threaded into the nut. These nuts require a pre-drilled hole to use and can be serrated to provide a better grip.

T nuts are designed to be used with a softer material such as wood or composite. T nuts are a very unusual looking nut, due to the prong design. It can be intimidating to see one of these nuts and realize you have no idea what to do with it. T nuts are great for creating a flush finish on the nut side of wood. You can browse our T Nut stock here.

Before You Begin The Install

Before we discuss how to install a t nut, you must first get the proper tools for the job. You will need a bolt, a t nut that matches the bolt, a washer and a power drill with the proper sized drill bit.

How to Install T Nuts

Step 1: Drill The Hole

Placing The T Nut Into Wood

The first step in installing a T nut is to drill a hole straight through the material. The hole diameter should be just large enough for the cylinder of the nut to fit through. Then sit the nut into the hole. It will not slide all the way in, is should simply rest in the hole.

Step 2: Connecting The Bolt

Screwing In The T Nut

On the other side of the material, slide the washer onto the bolt, slide the bolt threads through the drilled hole and begin hand threading the bolt onto the nut. The washer will help you distribute the pressure of the bolt and keep the material from being damaged. It is important to hold the washer in place during this process so it can start to grip the wood.

Step 3: Tighten The Bolt

Once the screw is hand threaded (screwed on by hand until it is firmly connected), it is time to take a wrench or socket and continue to drive the bolt. This tightening will pull the flanges of the T nut into the wood creating a snug and secure hold. Continue driving the bolt until the T-nut is firmly pulled all the way into the material and the bolt tightens. If the bolt is too long it will stick out significantly from the other side and can be removed so a shorter bolt that creates a flush finish can be installed. Do not over tighten.

T Nut Flanges Holding Themselves In Place

T Nut Pulling Into The Wood

Fully Installed T Nut

Signs Of Improper Installation:

Some materials (when installed), such as stainless steel, can cause what is known as thread galling. A process where the threads heat up from friction and cause fusion to occur. This can be seen if the T nut you are trying to install cannot be loosened or tightened easily or if the T nut simply spins without properly gripping into the wood. To protect this from happening, Anti-seize lubrication is recommended to minimize friction and make install a breeze.

In This Video:

Our Fastener Expert shows us how to install a t-nut into wood.

Threaded Rod – Fully Threaded Rods

Now Available by Popular Demand:

Threaded Rod

Threaded Rod, also known as All Thread, ATR, Redi-Rod, Threaded Bar, and Stud, is essentially a long bolt without a head. It is also used for fastening anything from an anchor bolt, to suspending electrical or plumbing equipment from a ceiling and often used in drop ceiling application. Fully Threaded Rods are often used with coupling nuts in tension assemblies. Coupling Nuts offer the ability to connect multiple threaded items together. Reducer Coupling Nuts offer the ability to couple different rod sizes. Fully Threaded Rods are used to join and stabilize structures or objects, often into ceilings or walls. Threaded fastener strength varies by size and material, making a solution for all rod needs.

Threaded Rod from Albany County Fasteners is available in 3 and 6 foot lengths in a variety of materials including Stainless Steel, B7 Alloy Steel, Zinc Plated Steel, Hot Dip Galvanized Steel and Brass.

In addition to the standard lengths, we are offering custom orders, where we can cut and chamfer each bar to your specifications in house.

Custom Threaded Rod Cutting and Chamfer Options Available.
Call For Details

Hidden Deck Fasteners

Deckwise Hidden Deck Fasteners

Premium USA Made Hidden Deck Fasteners and Accessories

Here at Albany County Fasteners we are proud to announce the launch of our new line: Hidden Deck Fasteners and Accessories by Deckwise. As a Deckwise Authorized Dealer we are able to offer this extensive USA made catalog. Deckwise Fasteners, Tools and Accessories are used to create some of the most beautiful decks we have ever seen which highlight the natural beauty of hardwoods and create a top quality smooth finish.

Ipe Clip Kits

Ipe Clip Kits offer everything you need to get started on a Hidden Deck Fastener System. Black Stainless Steel Ipe Clips with a protective colored polymer coating, as well as all of the additional fasteners required for an Ipe assembly. Ipe clip kits contain Ipe Clips, Trim Head Stainless Steel Deck Screws, Ipe Plugs, Bits and spaces depending upon the kit desired.
Ipe Clips, also known as hidden deck fasteners are used to install the boards of a deck to the main beams. Ipe Clips are used with pre-grooved boards (sometimes called Ipe Wood) as part of a hidden deck fastening system. For boards that are not grooved, slots for these clips can be added quickly with the use of a biscuit joiner or router.
Each Ipe Clip attached a deck board to a joist or beam with the use of a 45 degree deck screw on one side. The clip’s polymer coating is colored, often as well as the screw, to be as inconspicuous as possible and provide a smooth, clean, finished look. The Included Deck Screws can come in either 305 or 316 stainless steel.

Hardwood Plug Kits

Hidden Deck Fasteners don’t always mean Ipe Clips. Deck Builders and Clients each have their preferences, and a deck without visible screws often means countersinking the pilot hole, installing the screw and then plugging the top of the hole. This process is also required when installing an Ipe Clip system for the start and end boards.
This method of finishing is often used to create a smooth clean finish that highlights the natural look of the wood. Matching wood plugs are used to create a sleek and hidden finish, however contrasting wood plugs are also used to create a premium luxury look.
Hardwood Plugs, often called Ipe Plugs, are used as part of a decking system. First, a pilot hole is drilled into the deck board with a 3/8 inch countersink to accept the wood plug at the end of installation. Next, a trim head deck screw is installed into the hole to face screw the board into a joist or beam. A strong adhesive, such as Gorilla Glue, is then applied on top of the installed screw, which is used to hold the finishing wood plug-in place.

Painted Head Deck Screws

Painted Head Bugle Head Deck Screws feature a flat head that has been painted to closely match the color of the wooden or composite decking boards being used in a deck installation. The purpose of the paint is to make the heads of the screws less noticeable, and create a sleek and smooth looking finish. Stainless Steel Deck Screws in this selection feature a notched Type 17 point for easy installation into deck boards and joists, as well as a shoulder with sharp coarse threads to pull the boards closely together and ensure excellent retention with a snug fit. The double countersink flat bugle head has 6 nibs; utilizes a 6 lobe star drive to reduce cam-out and increase torque; and comes as a chipboard thread screw with partial thread and triple spline (one at the beginning on the thread and two at the end of point).

Decking Tools and Accessories

Installing a wooden or composite Deck is no easy task, but these tools and finishes are designed to create a top quality deck by working smarter, not harder. Premium board straightening tools, Power Bits and Drill Bits designed to simplify and streamline the installation process of both boards and fasteners, as well as cleaners and oils to ensure a premium finish and maximize the life of any deck.
Decking Tools and Accessories are designed to work in as many applications as possible, whether the Deck be face mounted with screws or built using a hidden deck fastener system. Many of these items are formulated to be used on a wide variety of decking materials including wood, hardwoods, PVC and composites.