A fully threaded hex bolt is referred to as a hex “tap” bolt. Users frequently interchange the names “Fully-Threaded Hex Cap Screw” and “Hex Tap Bolt”. A “bolt” is known as a fastener that has been designed to be used along with a nut in the United States. A “screw” is also a fastener with a head that has been designed to be tightened to install it.

You can buy both silicon bronze hex bolts and screws from Fair Wind fasteners, who is a well-known manufacturer of different fasteners mainly for boating applications. Hex Bolts

Bolts having external threading with a hex head that has been designed so that it is driven by using a certain wrench are known as hex bolts. Hex bolts come in two types:

• Hex cap (remains partially threaded after a given length)
• Hex tap (completely threaded after a set length and usually are always fully threaded).

Both hex caps, as well as hex taps are referred to as “hex bolts.” Hex bolts come in coarse and fine threads and are designed to be placed into holes having machined, tapped threads.

Hex Tap Bolt

A nut should be used to secure a tap bolt, and the nut has to be rotated to tighten it. A hex cap screw with full thread is used with or sometimes even without a nut and the head or nut can be turned during assembly.

In the industry, you can always deliver a hex cap screw if someone ever orders a hex bolt. In case a hex cap screw will be requested, you must first obtain the customer’s approval before supplying a hex bolt.

Hex Cap Screws

A built-in shoulder on hex cap screws can boost the bolt’s tensile strength. The threaded length of all these screws, however, may be limited, making them unsuitable for all applications.

Hex cap bolts exceeding this length are nearly often partially threaded. Typically, cap screws are fully threaded up to 1 to 1/4′′. Hex cap screws will be available in diameters ranging from 1/4′′ to 2′′.

Visual difference

The key visual distinction between any fully threaded type hex cap screw and any hex tap bolt is that your hex cap screw has a certain washer face under its head, whereas the tap bolt does not have.

The washer face present on your hex cap screw is going to ensure a flat surface perpendicular to the threads, ensuring that the assembly develops the proper clamp load when the head is tightened. If the application calls for the bolt need to be tightened with any nut, a washer-faced product is not necessary.

In Summary

Regardless of size, tap bolts have threading all throughout their length. In larger, hex cap screws may feature a shoulder, which will make them stronger. Usually, both are secured with a nut and are designed to be driven with a socket or wrench driver.

Finally, if any hex cap screw is sufficiently small enough to lose the shoulder, then it can be classified as a tap bolt. They are the same in lower diameters, but once an unthreaded shoulder begins, they become separate bolts.