What Are the Basic Types of Bolts?

Bolts are often the fastener of choice for applications requiring robust connections. At Bossard, we offer bolts with a wide variety of attributes, making it important to know which bolts are most effective for a particular application. This brief rundown highlights the common types of bolts and their most frequent applications.

Anchor Bolts – These bolts feature a thread on one end and a non-threaded L or split shape on the other end. Commonly used to secure materials and equipment to concrete and masonry.

Carriage Bolts – Commonly used for metal-to-wood or wood-to-wood fastening, these bolts feature a square neck undercut that keeps them from turning when tightened.

Elevator Bolts – Similar to carriage bolts, but with a thin, flat, or countersunk head. These bolts find use throughout the RV and camping industries, as well as in conveyor systems, elevators, and bucket lifts.

Eye Bolts – Used as connection points for rigging, anchoring, and hoisting applications.

Flange Bolts – Used to connect plumbing pipes and in the assembly of truck and bed frames.

Hex Bolts – A versatile bolt with a slim six-sided hexagonal head. Commonly used in a broad range of industries.

J-Bolts – A J-shaped bolt with a non-curved threaded section. Used for structural applications.

Lag Bolts – A self-piercing bolt that creates its own threads in wood timber and other soft materials.

Plow Bolts – Features a countersunk flat bolt head with a square neck undercut. Used in applications demanding a smooth top surface.

Shoulder Bolts – These bolts feature an unthreaded shank that lets pulleys, gears, and other rotating parts move freely.

Structural Bolts – Similar to hex bolts but with shorter thread lengths. Commonly used in bridge construction and other structural applications.

T-Bolts – Features a T-shaped head that’s easily held in place with a wrench or fitted into a slot.

Toggle Bolts – Known as a butterfly anchor thanks to its expanding wing nut, these bolts are popular for mounting heavy objects to plaster, drywall, and hollow masonry.

U-Bolts – Also known as bent bolts, these are commonly used to support liquid and gas pipework. U-bolts are also used in the automotive industry to support exhaust pipes and mufflers.

To learn more about the different types of bolts, their uses, and which types best suit your needs, contact Bossard at ProvenProductivity@bossard.com.