Table of Contents
ToggleStainless Steel Hex Bolts
Introduction
Stainless Steel Hex Bolts are among the most reliable and versatile fasteners used across industries worldwide. Designed with a six-sided head that allows easy tightening and maximum torque transfer, these bolts provide secure, long-lasting connections in everything from heavy construction projects to precision engineering applications. Manufactured from high-quality stainless steel grades such as A2 (304), A4 (316), Duplex, and Super Duplex, they deliver excellent corrosion resistance, superior strength, and durability even in the harshest environments—whether exposed to saltwater, chemicals, extreme weather, or high pressure. Their strength ranges from standard A2-70 for general use to high-performance A4-80 and Duplex grades for marine, oil & gas, and offshore applications. Available in a wide range of sizes (M2–M100, 1/8”–4”), lengths, and thread types (coarse, fine, UNC, UNF), stainless steel hex bolts are produced according to global standards like ISO 4014, ISO 4017, DIN 931, DIN 933, ASTM A193, and IS 1364. They are widely used in construction, automotive, aerospace, marine, renewable energy, chemical plants, and food processing industries. With their clean polished finish, resistance to rust, and long service life, stainless steel hex bolts not only ensure structural safety and reliability but also provide a professional, high-quality appearance where visible fasteners are required. Whether you are building a bridge, installing machinery, fabricating equipment, or assembling offshore platforms, stainless steel hex bolts remain the preferred fastening solution for strength, durability, and performance you can trust.
Classification of Hex Bolts
- By Thread Type: Coarse Thread (UNC / ISO Metric Coarse): Stronger thread engagement. Less prone to galling. Easier to assemble/disassemble. Fine Thread (UNF / ISO Metric Fine): Greater tensile strength. Better for vibration resistance. Used in aerospace, automotive.
- By Shank: Partially Threaded (DIN 931 / ISO 4014): Better shear strength. Fully Threaded (DIN 933 / ISO 4017): More grip, adjustable fastening.
- By Head Design: Standard Hex Head, Heavy Hex Head (thicker head for structural loads), Flange Hex Bolt (built-in washer).
- By Performance: General-purpose bolts (A2-50, A2-70), High-tensile bolts (A4-80, A4-100), Structural bolts (heavy hex, high torque).
Stainless Steel Grades & Metallurgy
- Austenitic Stainless Steel: A2 (304): General-purpose, corrosion resistant. A4 (316): Higher corrosion resistance, molybdenum added. A5 (904L): Superior resistance to acids, chemical processing.
- Ferritic Stainless Steel: 430, 446: Moderate corrosion resistance, lower cost, used in light-duty applications.
- Martensitic Stainless Steel: 410, 420: High strength & hardness, moderate corrosion resistance. Used in turbines, pumps, mechanical engineering.
- Duplex & Super Duplex: Duplex 2205, Super Duplex 2507: Double structure (austenitic + ferritic). Twice the strength of standard austenitic.
International Standards & Equivalents
| Standard | Description | Equivalent Codes |
|---|---|---|
| ISO 4014 | Partially threaded hex bolt | DIN 931 |
| ISO 4017 | Fully threaded hex bolt | DIN 933 |
| ASTM A193 | High-temperature bolts | B8 (304), B8M (316) |
| ASTM F593 | SS bolts general purpose | Various grades |
| BS 4190 | Hex bolts/screws | UK Standard |
| IS 1364 / IS 1367 | Hex bolts/nuts | Indian Standard |
Dimensions & Tolerances
Metric Range: M2 – M100
Imperial Range: 1/8”– 4”
Length: 6 mm – 500 mm
Tolerance: Length tolerance ±0.25 mm
Thread tolerance: As per ISO 965 or ANSI/ASME B1.1
Mechanical & Physical Properties
| Property | Range |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 500 – 1200 MPa |
| Yield Strength | 210 – 900 MPa |
| Hardness | 70 – 250 HB |
| Density | ~7.9 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | 1400–1450°C |
| Magnetism | Austenitic grades non-magnetic, martensitic & ferritic magnetic |
Manufacturing Process
- Wire Rod Preparation: Pickling & cleaning of SS rod.
- Cutting: To bolt length.
- Heading: Hot/cold forging of hex head.
- Thread Rolling: Rolling (not cutting) for stronger threads.
- Heat Treatment (if required): For high-tensile grades.
- Surface Treatment: Passivation, coating, polishing.
- Inspection: Dimension, threads, mechanical testing.
Surface Treatments & Coatings
- Passivation: Removes free iron → better corrosion resistance.
- Polished / Bright Finish: Decorative/clean use.
- PTFE / Xylan Coating: Low friction, anti-galling.
- Hot Dip Galvanized (HDG): Rare for SS but used in mixed-material assemblies.
- Electro-Polishing: Ultra-smooth, hygienic finish (pharma, food).
Installation & Torque
- Tools Used: Spanner, socket wrench, torque wrench, impact wrench.
- Torque Values: Must be applied as per grade & size (e.g., M12 A2-70 ≈ 70 Nm).
- Anti-Seize Compounds: Recommended to prevent galling.
- Preload: Correct tightening ensures proper clamping force and avoids loosening.
Failure Modes & Prevention
- Galling / Seizing: Threads lock due to friction → use lubrication or coated bolts.
- Stress Corrosion Cracking (SCC): Avoid in chloride-rich environments → use A4 or Duplex.
- Fatigue Failure: From cyclic loading → ensure correct preload.
- Over-tightening / Under-tightening: Causes bolt breakage or loosening → use torque chart.
Packaging & Marking
- Head Markings: Grade (A2-70, A4-80), manufacturer logo
- Packaging: Small: 25–50 pcs in polypack. Bulk: Cartons & wooden pallets
- Labeling: Size, grade, heat number, country of origin
Hex Bolt Grades – Stanley Alloys
Hex Bolts Grade Classification
| Hex Bolts Grades | Grade / Class / Marking | Hex Bolt Type | Equivalent Standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gr A Nuts | A307 Gr A | ASTM A307 | General-purpose fastening in light structures |
| A325 Hex Bolts | A307 Grade B | ASTM A325 | Structural steel connections |
| Gr B Nuts | A307 Gr C | ASTM A307 | Heavy-duty structural assemblies |
| B7 Hexagon Bolts | F1554 Gr 36 | ASTM F1554 | Oil & gas pipelines, pressure vessels |
| Gr C Nuts | F1554 Gr 55 | ASTM F1554 | High-strength bolted connections |
| 8.8 Hexagon Bolts | SAE J429 Gr 2 | SAE J429 | Machinery, automotive, mechanical engineering |
| 10.9 Hexagon Bolts | A193/A320 B8 Class 1 | ASTM A193 | Pressure vessels, pipelines, high-load machinery |
| 12.9 Hexagon Bolts | A193/A320 B8M | ASTM A193 | Heavy-duty industrial & structural applications |
| A449 Type 3 | F3125 A325 Type 1 | ASTM F3125 | Bridges, construction, structural steelwork |
| A193 B7 | F3125 A325 Type 3 | ASTM F3125 | High-pressure flanges, chemical plants |
| A354 BC | SAE J429 Grade 5 | SAE J429 | Automotive, machinery, moderate load applications |
| F1554 105 | A449 Type 1 | ASTM A449 | High-strength steel structures, bridges |
| A320 L7 | F3125 A490 Type 1 | ASTM A320 | Heavy structural bolts, offshore platforms |
| A320 L43 | F3125 A490 Type 3 | ASTM F3125 | High-tension applications, large structures |
| SAE J429 Grade 1/8 | A354 Gr BD | SAE J429 | Mechanical assemblies, moderate stress applications |
20 Different Types of Bolts and Their Applications – Stanley Alloys
Bolts are essential mechanical fasteners used to join materials in construction, industrial machinery, automotive, marine, and structural applications. At Stanley Alloys, we manufacture and supply premium-quality bolts suitable for diverse environments, providing strength, durability, and corrosion resistance.
Anchor Bolts
- Applications: Securing structural steel columns, machinery bases, and facade systems to concrete.
- Material/Finish: Stainless steel, galvanized steel, or alloy steel.
- Advantages: High tensile and shear strength, ideal for load-bearing connections.
Arbor Bolts
- Applications: Tool assemblies such as mitre saw blades.
- Material/Finish: High-carbon steel, black oxide coating.
- Advantages: Pre-assembled washer prevents loosening; reverse threads allow secure attachment.
Blind Bolts
- Applications: Fastening in restricted spaces where access is limited.
- Material/Finish: Stainless steel, alloy steel.
- Advantages: Provides strong connections without welding; ideal for structural repairs.
Carriage Bolts
- Applications: Wood-to-metal and metal-to-metal fastening in furniture, gates, and decking.
- Material/Finish: Galvanized steel, stainless steel.
- Advantages: Square neck prevents rotation; dome head prevents tampering.
Elevator Bolts
- Applications: Conveyor belts, elevator systems, and compact machinery.
- Material/Finish: Stainless steel or carbon steel.
- Advantages: Thin head fits flush; prevents interference with moving parts.
Eye Bolts
- Applications: Lifting or attaching ropes, chains, or cables to machinery or structures.
- Material/Finish: Stainless steel, galvanized steel.
- Advantages: Safe lifting points; rated for axial loads.
Flange Bolts
- Applications: Automotive engines, transmission connections, and plumbing assemblies.
- Material/Finish: Stainless steel, alloy steel.
- Advantages: Built-in washer distributes load; reduces assembly time and surface damage.
Hex Bolts
- Applications: Construction, machinery, and repair work.
- Material/Finish: Stainless steel, carbon steel, alloy steel.
- Advantages: Standard hex head allows easy torque application; versatile sizes.
J-Bolts
- Applications: Anchoring walls, roofs, and concrete bases.
- Material/Finish: Carbon steel, stainless steel.
- Advantages: Bent shape allows casting in concrete; versatile fastening solution.
Lag Bolts (Lag Screws)
- Applications: Heavy lumber, large structural timber, and outdoor decking.
- Material/Finish: Galvanized steel, stainless steel.
- Advantages: Large coarse threads provide high gripping strength.
Machine Bolts
- Applications: Connecting metals and industrial machinery components.
- Material/Finish: Alloy steel, stainless steel.
- Advantages: Fully threaded; available in hex, square, flat, or oval heads.
Hanger Bolts
- Applications: Attaching legs or supports to furniture and cabinets.
- Material/Finish: Stainless steel, carbon steel.
- Advantages: Double-ended design; secure and reliable hidden fastener.
Plow Bolts
- Applications: Attaching plowshares, bulldozer blades, and graders.
- Material/Finish: High-strength steel.
- Advantages: Countersunk head prevents interference with moving earth; square neck prevents rotation.
Rock Bolts
- Applications: Tunnel stabilization, underground mining, rock cuts, and slope reinforcement.
- Material/Finish: High-tensile steel, epoxy-coated for corrosion resistance.
- Advantages: Transfers load from weak exterior to strong interior rock; critical in New Austrian Tunneling Method.
Sex Bolts (Chicago Bolts)
- Applications: Furniture, signage, partitions, and helmets.
- Material/Finish: Stainless steel, zinc-plated.
- Advantages: Smooth, even connection; prevents material damage; ideal for binding multiple layers.
Shoulder Bolts
- Applications: Machinery, rotating assemblies, and sliding bearings.
- Material/Finish: Alloy steel, stainless steel.
- Advantages: Axial clearance allows rotational movement; smooth bearing surface.
Socket Head Bolts
- Applications: Machinery, precision assemblies, and confined spaces.
- Material/Finish: Alloy steel, stainless steel.
- Advantages: Hex socket allows tightening without external clearance; compact head design.
Square Bolts
- Applications: Restoration projects, traditional machinery, and aesthetic designs.
- Material/Finish: Galvanized steel, stainless steel.
- Advantages: Rustic appearance; easy wrench application.
T-Head Bolts
- Applications: T-slotted machine fixtures, pipe clamps, and modular assemblies.
- Material/Finish: Stainless steel, alloy steel.
- Advantages: Bolts slide into T-slot and lock with a 90° turn; fast and secure installation.
U-Bolts
- Applications: Securing pipes, tubes, rods, or cable runs.
- Material/Finish: Stainless steel, galvanized steel.
- Advantages: Versatile pipe support; allows pipework alignment and stabilization.
Stainless Steel Hex Bolts – Stanley Alloys
Looking for high-quality stainless steel hex bolts? Stanley Alloys offers a comprehensive range of hex head fasteners designed for marine, industrial, construction, automotive, and precision engineering applications. Our products are crafted from premium stainless steel grades including A2-70, A4-70, SS 303, 304, 316, 410, 431, 416, 440C, and 304L, ensuring unmatched durability, corrosion resistance, and strength.
Global Standards
- DIN: DIN 933, DIN 931, DIN EN 14399-4, DIN 601, DIN 558, DIN 7968, DIN 7990
- ISO: ISO 4014, ISO 4016, ISO 4017, ISO 4018
- BS & JIS: BS 1083, BS 1768, JIS B1180
- ASME & ANSI: ASME B18.2.1, ANSI B28.2.4
- Others: CSN 21301, EU 24016
Dimensions & Threads
- Metric Sizes (DIN 933): Diameter: M10 – M110, Length: 12 – 1200 mm, Custom lengths available
- Thread Options: Metric, BSW, BSF, UNC, UNF, UNEF, UNJC, UNJF, UNK, UNR, NPT, NPTF
Bolt Heads & Drive Types
- Hex head (standard, heavy, flange)
- Phillips / Slot, Indented hex, Oval, Pan, Flat 82° / 100°
- Round, Truss, Flat undercut, Fillister head, Six-Lobe
Surface Finishes & Coatings
- PTFE / Teflon coated
- Hot-dipped galvanized
- Phosphate, zinc phosphate, manganese phosphate
- Zinc electroplating (hexavalent or trivalent)
- Zinc-aluminium flake coating (ZAC)
- Cadmium plating
- Polished, passivated, black oxide, anodized, sand-blasted, rust-preventive oil
Quality Certifications
- EN 10204 / 3.1 MTC
- ISO 898-1 & ISO 898-2
- EN 14399-2 & EN 14399-10
- ISO 148-1, ISO 6508-1
- Western Europe origin by default; Eastern origin on request
Why Choose Stanley Alloys?
- Established Expertise: Serving since 1990
- Global Network: Western & Eastern Europe, Middle East, Asia, Americas
- Competitive Pricing: High quality, cost-effective
- Custom Solutions: Free samples, custom lengths & threads
- Reliable Delivery: Standard 7–15 days; faster for custom orders
| Bolt Size (M) | d1 (mm) | K – Head Height (mm) | S – Across Flats (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| M3 | 2 | 6.01 | 5.5 |
| M4 | 2.8 | 7.66 | 7 |
| M5 | 3.5 | 8.79 | 8 |
| M6 | 4 | 11.05 | 10 |
| M8 | 5.3 | 14.38 | 13 |
| M10 | 6.4 | 18.9 | 17 |
| M12 | 7.5 | 21.1 | 19 |
| M14 | 8.8 | 24.49 | 22 |
| M16 | 10 | 26.75 | 24 |
| M18 | 11.5 | 30.14 | 27 |
| M20 | 12.5 | 33.53 | 30 |
| M22 | 14 | 35.72 | 32 |
| M24 | 15 | 39.98 | 36 |
| M27 | 17 | 45.2 | 41 |
| M30 | 18.7 | 50.85 | 46 |
| M33 | 21 | 55.37 | 50 |
| M36 | 22.5 | 60.79 | 55 |
| M42 | 26 | 71.3 | 65 |
| M48 | 30 | 82.6 | 75 |
| Bolt Size (M) | B ≤ 125 mm | B ≤ 200 mm | B > 200 mm | K – Head Height (mm) | E – Across Corners (mm) | S – Across Flats (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M4 | 14 | - | - | 2.8 | 7.66 | 7 |
| M5 | 16 | - | - | 3.5 | 8.79 | 8 |
| M6 | 18 | 24 | - | 4 | 11.05 | 10 |
| M8 | 22 | 28 | - | 5.3 | 14.38 | 13 |
| M10 | 26 | 32 | 45 | 6.4 | 18.9 | 17 |
| M12 | 30 | 36 | 49 | 7.5 | 21.1 | 19 |
| M14 | 34 | 40 | 53 | 8.8 | 24.49 | 22 |
| M16 | 38 | 44 | 57 | 10 | 26.75 | 24 |
| M18 | 42 | 48 | 61 | 11.5 | 30.14 | 27 |
| M20 | 46 | 52 | 65 | 12.5 | 33.53 | 30 |
| M22 | 50 | 56 | 69 | 14 | 35.72 | 32 |
| M24 | 54 | 60 | 73 | 15 | 39.98 | 36 |
| M27 | 60 | 66 | 79 | 17 | 45.2 | 41 |
| M30 | 66 | 72 | 85 | 18.7 | 50.85 | 46 |
| M33 | 72 | 78 | 91 | 21 | 55.37 | 50 |
| M36 | 78 | 84 | 97 | 22.5 | 60.79 | 55 |
| M42 | 90 | 96 | 109 | 26 | 71.3 | 65 |
| M45 | 96 | 102 | 115 | 28 | 76.95 | 70 |
| M48 | 102 | 108 | 121 | 30 | 82.6 | 75 |
| Bolt Size (M) | D1 (mm) | S (mm) | E (mm) | K (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M6 | 10 | 10.89 | – | 4 |
| M8 | 13 | 14.2 | – | 5.3 |
| M10 | 17 | 18.72 | – | 6.4 |
| M12 | 19 | 20.88 | – | 7.5 |
| M16 | 24 | 26.17 | – | 10 |
| M20 | 30 | 32.95 | – | 12.5 |