There are a variety of engineering fasteners used in the oil and gas industry. Structural bolts, nuts and washers, hex heads, and nuts and anchors are just a few examples. In order to select the right fastener for the job, it is important to understand the different types that are available. In this article, we will discuss the most common types of engineering fasteners used in the oil and gas industry.
Structural Bolts, Nuts and Washers
Nuts, bolts and washers are essential fasteners used in a variety of construction and manufacturing applications. They come in a wide range of sizes, materials and finishes to suit the specific needs of the application.
Bolts are typically used to join two or more pieces of metal together, while nuts are used to secure bolts or other fasteners in place. Washers are often used in conjunction with both bolts and nuts to help distribute load and prevent loosening.
There are many different types of structural bolts, each with their own unique features and benefits. The most common types include:
Machine bolts
These are the most commonly used type of bolt, featuring a rounded head and square or hexagonal body. They are available in a variety of sizes and materials.
Anchor bolts
As the name suggests, these bolts are used to secure structures in place. They typically feature a large flat head and longer body than machine bolts.
Tension control bolts
These bolts are designed to be tightened to a specific tension, making them ideal for critical applications where precision is required.
Shear connector bolts
These specialised bolts are used to join two pieces of metal together while transferring shear loads between them.
Hex Heads
The hex head is a type of screw or bolt head with a hexagonal shape. These screws are often used in construction and machinery. The advantage of using a hex head is that it allows for more torque to be applied to the screw, which results in a stronger hold. In addition, the hexagonal shape provides more surface area for the tool to grip, making it less likely to slip.
Anchors
Many types of anchors come under the category of engineering fasteners used in the oil and gas industry. They include wedge anchors which are mainly used in concrete structures, lag screws which are commonly used in timber structures and toggle bolts for hollow walls.
Anchors are usually installed using a hammer drill. It is important to ensure that the anchors are securely fitted as they need to withstand intense pressure from shifting or vibrating machinery. Anchors should also be inspected regularly to make sure they are not corroding or becoming loose.
There are also hex sleeve anchors which are used for heavy-duty applications. These anchors are used to secure large structures such as machinery and equipment.
Wedge anchors are also widely used in the industry. These anchors are made from carbon steel and provide greater holding power than lag screws, making them perfect for projects that require extra durability. Finally, expansion bolt shields fall under the category of anchors because they expand when placed in concrete or other materials to give a secure and permanent hold.
Threaded Fasteners
Threaded fasteners are one of the most important components in nearly every manufactured product. Without them, our world would be a very different place. Threaded fasteners are used to join two or more pieces of material together securely. Most threaded fasteners are made from metals, but there are also some made from plastics and other materials.
Threaded fasteners come in many different shapes and sizes and have a wide variety of uses. They can be used to join two pieces of metal together or to secure a piece of metal to another type of material such as wood or plastic.
There are also special types of threaded fasteners that are designed for use in specific applications. These types of fasteners must meet very strict standards for strength and durability and are often made from exotic materials such as titanium or Inconel.
The most common type of threaded fastener is the screw. Screws are available in a wide range of sizes and styles and can be used for a variety of purposes. The most common type of screw has a coiled thread that is wrapped around a central shaft. This type of screw is known as a machine screw. Other common types of screws include wood screws, sheet metal screws, and self-tapping screws.
In addition to screws, there are also other types of threaded fasteners such as bolts and nuts. Bolts are similar to screws but have a smooth shaft instead of a coiled thread. Nuts are used in conjunction with bolts to create a stronger joint. Both bolts and nuts come in a variety of sizes and styles to meet the needs of different applications.
While threaded fasteners are most commonly made from metals, there are also some made from plastics and other materials. Plastic threaded fasteners are typically used in applications where weight or cost is a concern. Some plastics can also be used in place of metal fasteners in certain applications where corrosion resistance is required.
Sockets
Socket head cap screws and set screws are two of the most common types of socket fasteners. Sockets are usually made from steel or stainless steel and have a hexagonal head for easy installation. They also come in different lengths to suit different applications.
Socket screws can be used to secure objects together such as furniture and cabinets or to connect pieces of machinery together. Socket set screws do not have a head but instead rely on the friction between the threads and the surface of the material to hold them in place. These are commonly used in automotive and aerospace applications.
Socket fasteners come in a wide variety of styles and sizes to meet different requirements. They can be made from metals or plastics depending on their intended use. Socket screws are also available with a variety of coatings such as zinc and black oxide to provide extra corrosion protection.
Conclusion
At Prosper Fasteners & Fixings we stock a vast range of quality engineering fastener and fixings for the oil and gas industry. We know our products inside out and we know the applications they are used on – from bolting together sections of pipe to assembling machine parts – because we have been serving the oil and gas industry for more than forty years. Our commitment to quality means you can always rely on us.