Last Updated on September 16, 2022
Square nuts, also known as “cut nuts,” were first created by drilling thousands of holes in a large sheet of steel. The sheet was then “cut” in a shear machine, in which a smaller shear cut a series of holes on the long sheet. Unfortunately, this process was not very precise, so the square head was not always symmetrical. Regardless of its appearance, square nuts were a staple of industry for a long time.
Machine square nuts
It is not clear when manufacturers stopped using machine square nuts. It is hard to determine the exact date, but the last time that square headed bolts and nuts were produced in mass is around 1949, when the first standardized nuts were produced. After all, this standardization was required for new machinery investments, and square nuts and bolts became obsolete. And why not? There are good reasons for this. Let’s take a look at some of those reasons.
Traditionally, square nuts were made of wood and used with wooden pegs. Their square shape made it easier to use a wrench to tighten them. In the late 19th century, these nuts were largely replaced by steel ones. Today, square steel nuts are made from steel stock bars and used in conjunction with steel bolts. However, in recent years, they have been replaced by hex nuts. This is due to the fact that hex nuts offer new wrenching access at 60 degrees, while square nuts provide new access every 90 degrees.
James Nasmyth, an assistant of Henry Maudslay, was one of the first to use hexagonal bolts on a science museum model. In the 1840s, cold head press machines became available for metal stamping. In the 1880s, the Bessemer steel plant began producing new mild steel and hex nuts. Today, hexagon nuts are used in all parts of the country. When did they stop using machine square nuts?
A key difference between the hexagonal nut and square nut is the size. A hexagonal nut is four times larger than a square one, so a square nut is usually easier to use in tightening tasks. Unlike hexagonal nuts, machine screws have smaller square heads. In addition to the lower precision, square nuts require more rotation space. Despite these disadvantages, square nuts are still widely used, and are easier to work with.
Hexagonal bolts
Hexagonal bolts have a wide variety of uses. They can be used for a wide range of applications from suspension bridges to electronics and reading glasses. In addition to these, they are also available as fully threaded bolts. Despite the differences between square nuts and hexagon bolts, many customers find no real difference in their performance. Therefore, they are often used interchangeably.
Hexagonal bolts were first introduced in 1847 when James Nasmyth, an assistant to Henry Maudslay, designed a milling attachment for Maudslay’s bench lathe. The resulting hex-head bolts were made for the Science Museum model. In the 1840s, cold-heading machines were developed, which made the process of manufacturing square bolt heads easier. In 1880, the Bessemer steel plant started producing hexagon nuts in large quantities. These nuts are often machined to exact tolerances and quickly replaced the square bolt heads in heavy industrial applications.
A hexagon nut has two distinct types. The smallest is known as a carriage bolt. It is a self-tapping bolt with a hexagon head and is used in a variety of applications, such as fastening wood to wood. The hexagonal nut has a domed head to resist cam-out and slippage. It is also compatible with larger tooling and available in larger sizes.
Square nuts had been used for many years, and were common in early applications. While they were easier to make with tools, techniques, and metal, they had limited precision and required more rotation space. In 1841, Joseph Whitworth, a British toolmaker, suggested a standardized threaded system, which led to the production of standardized bolts. Hex nuts were mass produced and made more efficient in the long run.
Hexagonal bolts replaced square bolt heads
Hexagonal bolts are the latest type of nut and fastener that replaced square nuts and bolts. These fasteners are much more convenient to use. They were first introduced in the 1840s by British toolmaker Sir Henry Bessemer, who invented the Bessemer process, which mass-produced inexpensive, mild steel. The need for compact bolt heads prompted the evolution of the hex-head bolt.
Hexagonal bolts are manufactured in varying grades of strength, with low carbon grade being the weakest. Medium carbon grade 2 hex bolts are also offered, as are heat-treated grade 5. For more strength, you can buy hex nuts made of Grade 8 structural steel. You can read more about different grades of stainless steel bolts here. Hex bolts can span eccentric and oversize holes, and hex nuts can span oversize bolt holes.
In addition to being more convenient to use, hex nuts reduce the risk of rounding. While there are twelve-point nut varieties, they would easily round over due to the smaller area for the torque-transmitting face. This allows square nuts to be used in captive situations and as a blind nut. Hex nuts are generally stronger than square nuts. For this reason, they have replaced square nuts in most applications.
Because of their size and potential load, hexagonal bolts have a greater use in construction than square nuts. They can also be used in construction applications and feature Allen cap heads. Counterbore holes must be large enough to accommodate the right-size socket. However, this feature has limitations. Hex bolts are still the best choice for many applications, such as sheet metal, and are much more durable than square nuts.
Hexagonal bolts are tamper-resistant
If tamper-proofing is an important concern, then hexagonal bolts may be a good option for your project. These fasteners are easily re-used and come with a tamper-resistant feature. They have a rounded head that is easy to insert with an Allen wrench. They also come in black, stainless steel, and alloy finishes.
Tamper-resistant screws come in different levels of security. While some are only secure enough to discourage casual interference, others are so difficult to remove without a special driver. “One way” security screws can’t be unscrewed without the use of a special tool. These are usually used for permanent fixings. Conventional socket screws feature a hexagonal recess. A hex bit or an allen key is used to tighten them. Pin hex screws, on the other hand, have a pin in the middle. To remove these screws, a specialised tool must be used.
Hexagonal bolts provide greater resistance to loosening and tightening
Hexagonal bolts are popular for a variety of applications. They are easier to use in small spaces, because they have more surface area to grip. This feature makes them particularly useful for heavy-duty fastening and fixing. A hexagonal bolt’s construction also allows for more force to be exerted when tightening or loosening it.
Hexagonal bolts also have the benefit of providing more resistance against torque. Hex bolts are a popular choice for construction and industrial applications. Unlike traditional nuts, hexagonal bolts can resist torque better than their square counterparts. Hexagonal bolts are also known as set screws or stove bolts, and they often have a head with a hexagonal shape.
Hexagonal bolts can be easily tightened or loosened with a screwdriver, but are also popular for fastening small items. The hexagonal head of a bolt means it will be less easily loosened and is less likely to slip out. Hexagonal bolts are often used for small-scale projects, such as building a child’s playset. They are also frequently used on fences and outdoor play equipment.
Another benefit of hex bolts is their ability to deform when tightened. This provides a better fit and a stronger joint. They are not recommended for use in applications where the bolts are subject to constant pressure. They are designed to resist both stress and vibrations. So you don’t have to worry about loosing or loosening again.
Hexagonal bolts are made of low or medium carbon steel, which makes them ideal for environments that may be corrosive. They have a round head and a serrated shoulder, and a hex nut is typically used to tighten them. If you’re not sure whether hex bolts are right for your application, a quick search online will help you find the perfect match.
About The Author
Fernánda Esteban is a food fanatic. She can't go more than a few hours without eating, and she loves trying new foods from all over the world. Her friends know that they can always count on her for a good conversation, and she's an animal lover who will never turn down an opportunity to pet a dog or cat. Fernánda also enjoys learning about random facts, and she's a social media practitioner who loves to share what she knows with others.