What are plow bolts?
Plow bolts are heavy-duty round- or low-profile head bolts with a square neck under the head that prevents rotation during tightening. The smooth head sits flush or near-flush to resist snagging and abrasion on wear surfaces. They’re used on scrapers, graders, dozers, snowplows, and other equipment where vibration, impact, and friction are constant.
Why choose plow bolts
- Low-snag head — rounded or countersunk profile protects wear parts and slides over material.
- Locked-in neck — square neck bites into the base plate so nuts can be tightened from one side.
- High strength options — available in common strength levels (e.g., Grade 5 and Grade 8) to match OEM specs.
- Corrosion-resistant finishes — zinc-plated and stainless options for harsh environments.
Materials & finishes for plow bolts
- Plain/carbon steel Grade 5 — strong, economical choice for many ground-engaging parts.
- Plain/carbon steel Grade 8 — higher tensile strength for severe duty and thicker cutting edges.
- Zinc-plated steel — added corrosion protection and easier removal in service.
- Stainless steel (304/316) — corrosion resistance for wet, salty, or chemical environments.
Common applications for plow bolts
- Grader blades, cutting edges, and wear plates
- Dozers, scrapers, loaders, and quarry equipment
- Snowplows and municipal plowing attachments
- Timber, mining, and agricultural wear components
How to size and specify plow bolts
Order by diameter × thread × length (e.g., 5/8″-11 × 2″). For round heads, length is measured from under the head; for fully countersunk styles, length is measured overall. Match strength grade and neck style to your base plate or cutting edge, and pair with compatible nuts and washers (often heavy hex or locknuts).
Installation tips for plow bolts
- Seat the square neck fully before final torque to avoid head spin and slotting.
- Use hardened washers/locknuts where vibration is present; re-check torque after first use.
- If the base is very hard, square punch or broach the hole so the neck can engage properly.
- Replace bolts that show neck fretting, elongated holes, or head wear—don’t reuse if threads are stretched.