Bolts and Hex Keys

While there are various types of fasteners that you can use for your building projects and crafts, which range from nails to screws, the versatility provided by bolts makes them a popular choice. Available in a wide range of styles and sizes, bolts provide security fastening to keep your project stable.

Bolts have two basic methods of tightening and loosening. If you want the bolt to protrude, the head will be smooth and will be adjusted with a socket wrench. Socket wrenches fit over the head of the bolt, catching on the corners of the bolt to provide leverage as you turn the socket wrench.

If you don't want the bolt to protrude, you'll want to have it so the head is even with (or below) the plane of the wood. This makes using a socket wrench problematic. You either have to create enough space around the bolt to fit the socket, or, more likely, use a bolt which can be turned with a hex key.

Hex key sets include a variety of sizes to help you match up with the bolt you are needing to turn. Hex key dimensions come in both American measurements (the Imperial system) and metric, meaning working with hex keys requires knowing the size of bolts you'll be using.

Even though deciding between an American or metric hex key set may stress you out if you're likely to use both American and metric-sized bolts, the good news is that some of the sizes match up. However, if you intend on frequently needing to tighten and loosen bolts, you may need to acquire a set of each.

What about projects where a standard bolt just doesn't cut it? In scenarios where you need custom made fasteners, there are companies which allow you to provide specifications for the fastener you need. This comes in handy when the item you're producing needs a bolt which, for example, holds up to extreme heats.

For these fasteners, specialty companies basically allow you to dictate what you need. High heat? Sure. Twenty inches long? Why not. Want your fasteners in metric? Of course! Twenty inches long and in metric? Uh, okay!

It may be tempting to just make do with a bolt that isn't ideal for your needs. However, if you're producing major equipment that could cause problems if it fails, the extra cost will be worth the peace of mind.

Luckily, most projects can be constructed using bolts easily found on the market.