When you need to fasten several items together, hex head bolts can be perfect for the job. These bolts are used in many different ways to secure many different things, but there are some differences that you may need to consider when you are choosing the bolts for your needs. 

Bolt Material

Hex head bolts come in many different materials, including steel, stainless steel, titanium, aluminum, and the list goes on. Getting the right bolt for the job you are doing means getting one that is strong enough to secure the item you need and one that will endure the conditions it is used in. 

A bolt that will be used outside and exposed to the weather all the time might be best made from stainless steel because they're highly corrosion resistant. On the other hand, a bolt used in soft material like aluminum may need to be made from a similar material so that the base material is not damaged by the bolt being used. 

Deciding which hex head bolt to use can be challenging, but working with a bolt supplier to see what is available can help. Often the supplier is an expert on bolts and their various uses, so talk to them about the options that might work best for your needs. 

Where To Buy Bolts

There are many places you can go to get hex head bolts for your projects, assuming you know what you need. Standard hex head bolts made from steel are easy to find at the local hardware store or home center. Still, if you need something special like a titanium bolt or one that has a specific hardness for a particular application, you may need to look somewhere else. 

A bolt supplier that handles hardware for many different applications is an excellent place to start. In addition, these suppliers often carry special fasteners for industrial and commercial applications that may work for your situation. 

If you have an old bolt that you removed and are trying to match, take it with you to the supplier so they can look it over. Often there are numbers on the hex head bolt that will tell the supplier what the material is, the hardness of the bolt, and other critical information that can help them match the bolt for you. 

If the bolt is no longer available, you could also consider having a machine shop make custom hex head bolts for your application. However, be aware that the cost of bolts made to order could be significantly higher than those you purchase in a store or from a fastener supplier.