What is Threaded Rod?
Threaded rod is fully threaded bar used with nuts and washers to hang, brace, and assemble components when both ends are accessible. It is stocked in multiple materials, lengths, and thread series to match job requirements.
What is threaded rod used for?
- Hanging HVAC ducts, pipe, cable trays, and lighting
- Equipment mounting and framing, racking, and guards
- Electrical and plumbing supports, suspended ceilings
- Splicing or extending runs with coupling nuts
How do I choose material and finish?
- Carbon steel (A307): economical for indoor or light exposure
- Alloy steel (B7): higher strength for specified applications
- Hot-dip galvanized: thicker zinc for outdoor service, use overtapped nuts
- Zinc plated: thin coating for dry, indoor areas
- Stainless 304: general corrosion resistance
- Stainless 316: better resistance in chloride or marine environments
- Brass: non-sparking and decorative hardware
- Silicon bronze: marine and corrosion-resistant applications
- Aluminum: lightweight where weight is a concern
How is threaded rod sized and specified?
List diameter, thread pitch, length (for example, 3/8-16 × 6 ft). Metric uses diameter × pitch × length (for example, M10 × 1.5 × 1 m). Common thread series are UNC for general use, UNF for finer adjustment, and 8UN on larger diameters.
What lengths are typical?
- Imperial: commonly 3 ft, 6 ft, and 10–12 ft sticks
- Metric: commonly 1 m and 2 m sticks
- Cut-to-length services available; chase or file cut ends so nuts start smoothly
How do I connect two threaded rods?
- Use a coupling nut with matching thread and appropriate grade
- Engage at least one rod diameter of thread into each end
- For different diameters, use a reducing coupler
Installation and best practices
- Confirm grade, diameter, and thread series for the hardware set
- Cut to length as needed, then clean and chamfer the ends
- Deburr holes, use flat washers to protect surfaces if required
- Tighten per project specification, re-check after initial load
Troubleshooting and tips
- Nuts bind on cut end: chase threads with a die or thread file and remove burrs
- Rust outdoors: select hot-dip galvanized or 316 stainless
- Coupler loosens: verify full thread engagement and use the correct grade coupler and nuts
Why buy Threaded Rod from AlbanyCountyFasteners.com
- Carbon steel, alloy B7, stainless (304/316), galvanized, zinc plated, brass, silicon bronze, and aluminum
- Popular diameters, thread series, and stock lengths
- Cutting and chamfering options, contractor-friendly packs
- USA-based support for sizing, grades, and hardware selection
FAQs
Straight answers on sizing, finishes, and hardware for threaded rod.
What grade is typical for general use?
A307 carbon steel is widely used for general construction and support work. Use higher-strength grades only when specified.
Which is better outdoors, galvanized or zinc plated?
Hot-dip galvanized has a much thicker zinc layer for outdoor durability. Zinc plated is thinner and best for indoor areas.
304 vs 316 stainless, which should I pick?
Choose 304 for many general environments. Choose 316 in chloride or marine exposure for added corrosion resistance.
How do I specify size correctly?
List diameter, thread pitch, and length, for example 1/2-13 × 6 ft. Metric uses diameter × pitch × length in meters.
How do I join two rods?
Use a coupling nut of the same thread. Engage at least one diameter of thread per side, and match the hardware grade to the rod.