Bolt vs hex cap screw

[extropic]

The easy way (for me) to tell them apart is that a Hex Head Cap Screw has a washer face and a Bolt does not.

ASME B18.2.1 Bolts and Screws

ASME B18.2.1 dimensional requirements for bolts and screws: construction styles and manufacture processes, finish and coating, materials, important dimensions, inspection and testing.

www.pipingpipeline.com

 

[extropic]

How important is the distinction day to day as a machinist.

Most people don't think it's very important. I think of such bits as adding to my general knowledge. I can live with that.

EDIT: like most people, I usually say "bolt" rather than "hex head cap screw" because "bolt" is commonly understood and it's easier. However, knowing the difference isn't a defect and is significant in some contexts.

 

[aliva]

For what it's worth I was told a cap screw is similar to a bolt, but the threads are the full length of the fastener, were as a bolt the threads are only on part of the length. If you look at a taper lock bushing the 3 fasteners are fully threaded in order to attach and later remove the taper lock from the shaft. Some taper locks use set screws to or as the EU calls them grub screws.

 

[RJSakowski]

If you hold the wrench on the head and move the wrench on the nut, it is a screw.
If you hold the wrench on the nut and move the wrench on the head it is a bolt.

How does that work with carriage bolts, toggle bolts, U bolts, J bolts, and plow bolts?

 

[Batmanacw]

Just call 'em all fasteners. Anything else is just details ...

I throw my socket head cap screws and hex head bolts in the same bin, sorted by diameter

Blasphemy!

 

[Batmanacw]

I do about the same ... All head styles sorted by diameter( and as required,coarse/fine thread), but also by length (as shown in the photo). View attachment 424953

I remember when i did my organizers that way!

Not anymore......

 

[matthewsx]

I'll bet the people on the other forum didn't have this much fun with it....

 

[rabler]

Blasphemy!

I keep the nuts and washers separate from the bolts, so it my be blasphemous, but at least there's no hanky panky going on between male and female threaded parts in my bins.

 

[Batmanacw]

I'll bet the people on the other forum didn't have this much fun with it....

Not at all!

 

[Batmanacw]

I keep the nuts and washers separate from the bolts, so it my be blasphemous, but at least there's no hanky panky going on between male and female threaded parts in my bins.

Wouldn't you want more little bolts and screws?