Plow Bolts
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.
Plow Bolts FAQs
See the accordion below for quick answers on grade selection, length measurement, coatings, and the differences between plow bolts and carriage bolts.
Both have a square neck, but plow bolts use a low-snag head for wear surfaces on equipment; carriage bolts are for construction and leave a domed head on the show side.
Match the OEM spec. Grade 8 offers higher tensile strength for severe duty and thicker cutting edges; Grade 5 is common for standard service.
Round-head styles are measured from under the head; fully countersunk styles are measured overall.
Heavy-hex nuts or prevailing-torque locknuts matched to the bolt’s grade and thread. Use hardened washers where needed.
Often yes, washers protect the base plate and help maintain preload; lock washers or prevailing-torque nuts resist loosening in vibration.
Stainless improves corrosion resistance in salted environments; verify required strength, as some stainless grades have lower tensile than Grade 8.
Ensure the square neck is seated in a square pocket or properly sized round hole that allows the neck to bite; snug the joint before final torque.
Replace at signs of head wear, elongated holes, bent shanks, stretched threads, or after component changes that alter clamp length.
Zinc plating eases removal and adds corrosion protection; hot-dip or premium coatings may be specified for aggressive service.
They can, but carriage or timber bolts are usually better suited for wood construction; plow bolts are optimized for wear plates and cutting edges.