An Allen bolt, also known as a hex key or socket head cap screw, is one of the most popular fasteners used in general construction and home improvement projects. It is a type of screw with an internal hexagonal drive that can be used to fasten two components together. In this article, we will discuss the advantages and uses of Allen bolts.
What is Allen Bolt?
An Allen bolt is a type of fastener with a hexagonal recess in its head, designed to be driven by an Allen key or hex key. It is comprised of an externally threaded bolt or screw made from alloy steel and surface-treated for extra corrosion protection. This type of bolt is also known as socket screws, hex socket screws, cap screws, or Allen caps. Due to their strength and versatility, these bolts can be used in many applications, including furniture assemblies, automotive components, industrial machinery, window frames, and hinges. These bolts come in various sizes and lengths, with coarse or fine threads, so one can select the one that’s best for their particular application. As an added benefit, Allen’s heads require no special tools for assembly, unlike other bolts requiring wrenches or drill bit sets for mounting.
Advantages of Allen Bolt
The main advantage of using an Allen bolt is that it requires less space than other types of screws and bolts due to its small head size. This makes them ideal for use in confined spaces or areas with limited access. They are also designed to offer superior strength and stability compared to other types of screws and bolts. Additionally, they are relatively inexpensive and easy to install with just a simple wrench or an Allen key.
Allen Bolt Uses
Allen bolts are commonly used in a wide variety of applications, such as furniture assembly, automotive repair, construction projects, and more. They are often used to secure two components that need to remain firmly connected for many years without coming loose or becoming weakened due to vibration or wear and tear from everyday use. They can also be used on materials such as wood, metal, plastic, composites, etc., making them highly versatile fasteners.
Allen Bolt Dimensions
| Standard Allen Bolt Dimensions (Alloy & Stainless Steel) ASME B18.3-2003 | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Screw Diameter
|
Body Diameter (D) | Head Diameter (A) | Head Height (H) | Top Chamfer or Radius (C) | Hex Socket Size (J) | Fillet Juncture Diameter at Bearing Surface (F) | Key Engage-ment (T) | Wall Thick-ness (G) | Bottom Chamfer or Radius (K) | ||||
| Max | Min | Max | Min | Max | Min | Max | Nom | Max | Min | Min | Min | Max | |
| 0 | 0.0600 | 0.0568 | 0.096 | 0.091 | 0.060 | 0.057 | 0.004 | 0.050 | 0.074 | 0.062 | 0.025 | 0.020 | 0.007 |
| 1 | 0.0730 | 0.0695 | 0.118 | 0.112 | 0.073 | 0.070 | 0.005 | 1/16 | 0.087 | 0.075 | 0.031 | 0.025 | 0.007 |
| 2 | 0.0860 | 0.0822 | 0.140 | 0.134 | 0.086 | 0.083 | 0.008 | 5/64 | 0.102 | 0.090 | 0.038 | 0.029 | 0.007 |
| 3 | 0.0990 | 0.0949 | 0.161 | 0.154 | 0.099 | 0.095 | 0.008 | 5/64 | 0.115 | 0.102 | 0.044 | 0.034 | 0.007 |
| 4 | 0.1120 | 0.1075 | 0.183 | 0.176 | 0.112 | 0.108 | 0.009 | 3/32 | 0.130 | 0.117 | 0.051 | 0.038 | 0.008 |
| 5 | 0.1250 | 0.1202 | 0.205 | 0.198 | 0.125 | 0.121 | 0.012 | 3/32 | 0.145 | 0.132 | 0.057 | 0.043 | 0.008 |
| 6 | 0.1380 | 0.1329 | 0.226 | 0.218 | 0.138 | 0.134 | 0.013 | 7/64 | 0.158 | 0.144 | 0.064 | 0.047 | 0.008 |
| 8 | 0.1640 | 0.1585 | 0.270 | 0.262 | 0.164 | 0.159 | 0.014 | 9/64 | 0.188 | 0.172 | 0.077 | 0.056 | 0.008 |
| 10 | 0.1900 | 0.1840 | 0.312 | 0.303 | 0.190 | 0.185 | 0.018 | 5/32 | 0.218 | 0.202 | 0.090 | 0.065 | 0.008 |
| 1/4 | 0.2500 | 0.2435 | 0.375 | 0.365 | 0.250 | 0.244 | 0.025 | 3/16 | 0.278 | 0.261 | 0.120 | 0.095 | 0.010 |
| 5/16 | 0.3125 | 0.3053 | 0.469 | 0.457 | 0.312 | 0.306 | 0.033 | 1/4 | 0.347 | 0.329 | 0.151 | 0.119 | 0.010 |
| 3/8 | 0.3750 | 0.3678 | 0.562 | 0.550 | 0.375 | 0.368 | 0.040 | 5/16 | 0.415 | 0.397 | 0.182 | 0.143 | 0.010 |
| 7/16 | 0.4375 | 0.4294 | 0.656 | 0.642 | 0.438 | 0.430 | 0.047 | 3/8 | 0.484 | 0.465 | 0.213 | 0.166 | 0.015 |
| 1/2 | 0.5000 | 0.4919 | 0.750 | 0.735 | 0.500 | 0.492 | 0.055 | 3/8 | 0.552 | 0.531 | 0.245 | 0.190 | 0.015 |
| 5/8 | 0.6250 | 0.6163 | 0.938 | 0.921 | 0.625 | 0.616 | 0.070 | 1/2 | 0.689 | 0.664 | 0.307 | 0.238 | 0.015 |
| 3/4 | 0.7500 | 0.7406 | 1.125 | 1.107 | 0.750 | 0.740 | 0.085 | 5/8 | 0.828 | 0.800 | 0.370 | 0.285 | 0.015 |
| 7/8 | 0.8750 | 0.8647 | 1.312 | 1.293 | 0.875 | 0.864 | 0.100 | 3/4 | 0.963 | 0.932 | 0.432 | 0.333 | 0.020 |
| 1 | 1.0000 | 0.9886 | 1.500 | 1.479 | 1.000 | 0.988 | 0.114 | 3/4 | 1.100 | 1.068 | 0.495 | 0.380 | 0.020 |
| 1-1/4 | 1.2500 | 1.2336 | 1.875 | 1.852 | 1.250 | 1.236 | 0.144 | 7/8 | 1.370 | 1.333 | 0.620 | 0.475 | 0.020 |
| 1-1/2 | 1.5000 | 1.4818 | 2.250 | 2.224 | 1.500 | 1.485 | 0.176 | 1 | 1.640 | 1.601 | 0.745 | 0.570 | 0.020 |
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Allen bolts are one of the most popular types of fasteners due to their versatility and ease of use. They require less space than other types of screws and bolts while still offering superior strength and stability. Additionally, they can be used on a variety of materials, including wood, metal, plastics, composites, etc., making them extremely versatile for any project you may have in mind! Whether you’re assembling furniture or repairing your car’s brakes – you should consider using an Allen bolt for your next project!
A passionate metal industry expert and blogger. With over 5 years of experience in the field, Palak brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to her writing. Whether discussing the latest trends in the metal industry or sharing tips, she is dedicated to helping others succeed in the metal industry.
