Understanding the Differences Between a Finished Hex Nut and Other Nuts

The finished hex nut is perhaps the most commonly used nut in the world today. Found in structural, machinery and automotive applications, hex nuts and heavy hex nuts couple with bolts to create a tight, secure joint. And the finished hex nut provides adequate strength for many different types of common applications.

But this nut style does not work in other conditions where a stronger, larger, taller or alternatively designed nut must be used. Think about the various styles of bolts and threaded fasteners available, and the wide range of atmospheric and load conditions present in different applications. Hex nuts cannot provide a “one size fits all” solution.

Look for these other types of nuts available through your fastener distributor:

•    Heavy Hex Nuts – made with a thicker wall, this type of nut can handle heavy loads, hence the name ‘heavy hex’
•    Thick Nuts – unlike heavy hex nuts, which are formed using a thicker wall, thick nuts are actually taller or higher than standard finished hex nuts to better distribute loads
•    Lock Nuts – this style of nut uses additional friction or simple resistance to avoid loosening and provide a more secure joint – you’ll find a wide selection of lock nuts available in several materials specifically suited for different applications
•    Jam Nuts – this simple style of thin nut is installed between a hex nut and joint material, allowing the stronger nut to handle the load

How Hex Nuts Cause Fastener Failure

Nuts are designed and manufactured to greater strengths than the bolts they are coupled with. You can use a nut designed with greater strength than the bolt, but substituting a weaker nut and stronger bolt results in fastener failure.

Always choose a nut finished to match the bolt. Hot dipped galvanized hex bolts used on structural applications need to be joined with hot dipped galvanized nuts, and correspondingly, with hot dipped galvanized washers. Using the proper combination of fasteners allows for a reliable fit designed to last for years, even under heavy loads and extreme conditions.

While the common finished hex nut experiences wide use across the construction, automotive and engineering industries, other types of nuts can be found in specific applications where the design advantages are realized.