Explore the Different Types of Hex Head Screws

The screw has evolved since ancient times to be one of our most used and versatile tools. What may have been designed as a method of removing water from a well has since developed into our most useful fastener.

Moving Beyond Square-head Screws

In the 18th and 19th centuries, the square-head screw was the most inexpensive screw to mass produce, so it was commonly used until the beginning of the Industrial Revolution. During the Industrial Revolution and the innovations in mass production it spawned, engineers realized that the square-head screw was actually slowing down production because of the limited number of angles that could be used to access it. This slowdown cost money, and the hexagonal heads screw, with its greater number of faces, proved to be the most efficient and cost-effective screw to use quickly.

The discovery that the hexagon shape was the most efficient shape to be used for grabbing onto and tightening these screw fasteners resulted in the development of many different varieties of hex head screw types and socket cap screws.

What are Hex Head Screws?

Hex head screws, also known as hex bolts, are a type of fastener that features a hexagonal head designed to be tightened or loosened with a wrench or socket tool. They come in various sizes and materials, and they have different variations to suit specific applications.

These are not to be confused with socket head cap screws. Socket head cap screws are one of the most popular variations. These screws do away with the hexagonal shape of the head and employ an interior hexagonal-shaped hole in the cap that accepts an Allen-type wrench as a driver. They are much more suited for applications in tight quarters, as they can be accessed from the top and don’t demand the elbow room to turn a wrench that the hex head bolt does.

These newer types of screws take their place among the various other types of screws that have established a place in modern mechanics. The variations include:

Hex Cap Screw. This is the standard hex head screw. It's used in a wide range of applications where a secure fastener applied with a wrench or socket is required.

Hex Socket Head Cap Screws. These popular screws have a cylindrical head and an internal hex socket drive. They are commonly used in applications where a low-profile, flush installation is desired.

Hex Tap Bolt. Similar to a hex cap screw. These bolts are often used in construction and industrial applications where a non-removable fastener is needed.

Hex Flange Bolt. This bolt has an integral flange that serves as a built-in washer. It's often used in automotive and structural applications, where the flange distributes the load and eliminates the need for a separate washer.

Hex Serrated Flange Bolt. Similar to a hex flange bolt, this type has serrations under the flange to help prevent loosening due to vibrations. It's commonly used in machinery and equipment assembly.

Hex Machine Screws. These smaller-sized hex screws are used in applications that require threaded fasteners but in smaller sizes, such as electronics, machinery, and appliances.

Hex Lag Screws. Also known as a lag bolt, it has a larger body and is designed to be used with a nut and washer. These screws are commonly used for fastening wood to wood or wood to metal in construction and woodworking.

Hex Head Set Screws. These screws have no head and are fully threaded. They are used to secure one object within or against another, often used in conjunction with a threaded hole.

These variations of hex head screw types cater to a wide range of applications, including construction, automotive, machinery, electronics, and woodworking. The right choice of hex head screw depends on factors such as load requirements, material compatibility, aesthetics, and the specific function within the assembly.

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