SAE bolts are an important component of many vehicles and machinery. They’re used to fasten components together, and they come in a variety of sizes. These bolts are based on an imperial system of measurement, meaning they’re sized in inches and fractions of inches. Metric sockets and wrenches use the metric system, which is based on millimeters.
The most important part of any bolt is its grade, which dictates how much stress it can handle. Bolt grades are based on the strength requirements for carbon or alloy steel and the hardness requirements of that material. The higher the grade, the stronger the bolt. Bolts are typically marked with their grade on the head, often in the form of raised numbers or dashes.
There are several different SAE bolt grades, ranging from low-strength carbon and alloy steel to high-strength, medium-carbon and alloy steel. Grades 1, 2, 3, and 4 are common for low- to medium-strength applications. Grade 5 and 8 bolts are higher-strength and typically used for heavy-duty, rugged applications. Grade 9 bolts offer the highest strength, up to 150,000 psi, and are commonly used in aerospace engineering.
Another important aspect of SAE bolts is their thread pitch. Thread pitch is the number of threads per inch on a fastener. Thread pitches are designated as either “coarse” or “fine.” Coarse threads have closer spaced threads, while finer threads have more threads per inch. For example, a 1/4″ bolt might be labeled as “SAE standard coarse” or “SAE standard fine.”
When working on cars, you’ll most likely use SAE sockets and wrenches. However, when working on other types of equipment or machinery, you’ll need metric hardware. This is because most cars in the world are made with metric parts.
Metric hardware is a bit more complicated than its SAE counterpart, because it uses different sizes and standards. Metric threads are also more precise than SAE threads, so there isn’t a direct equivalent for most SAE hardware. Metric bolts, for example, are available in a variety of thread pitches, ranging from 1.0 to 1.5.
Whether you’re using metric or SAE hardware, it’s essential to know your hardware dimensions when searching for the right product online. Searches for hardware dimensions often return variable results, and it’s best to consult official SAE/ANSI manuals to get the most accurate information possible. Also, remember that metric hardware is typically identified by numbers that are based on millimeters, while most SAE bolts are based on an imperial measurement system (inches and fractions of inches). For this reason, it’s especially helpful to learn the dimensions of both systems. This will help you identify the correct parts for your specific projects. Check out our comprehensive guide for more tips on measuring and using hardware dimensions. Also be sure to follow all safety precautions when working on any project. SAE bolts