Cup head bolts have been used mostly in relation to building for years and sometimes known as a carriage bolt. With the use of bolts comes the use of nuts and washers to hold the object in place. Using bolts seems easy but complications may arise. This depends on the type of bolt or how the bolt was used. Cup head bolts are similar to regular bolts only they have a cup at one end.
How should cup head bolts be used? Here’s a guide to using them so as to get the most from them:
- 1. Before insertion, ensure the hole is free from any obstruction caused by dirt then check to see whether the hole and cup head bolt match. Ensure the threads of the bolt and nuts match. When inserting the bolt, if the motion stops or is hard to get it all the way through, the threads may be get damaged. Remove the bolt and correct the hole size. Something to note; the cup head bolt needs to be longer than the objects being connected, at least a nut’s width.
- 2. Insert the cup head bolt into the hole placing the nut and washer onto the thread once inserted through the materials being fastened. You may need to tap home the head to be flush with a hammer as under the cup head there is often a square anti rotation device. Ensure the correct selection of the washer is made, the larger the washer, the higher the loads.
- 3. Tighten the nut clockwise until the nut is even with the surface. Due to the amount of force needed to tighten the nut, you will need to use a wrench, socket or spanner.