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when were nuts and bolts first used

by Benjamin Monahan Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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The first nuts and bolts appeared in the middle 1400's. The bolts were just screws with straight sides and a blunt end. The nuts were hand-made, and very crude. When a match was found between a nut and a bolt, they were kept together until they were finally assembled.

Full Answer

What are the steps of making nuts and bolts?

The production process

  • Cold forging. Cold forging starts with large steel wire rods, which are uncoiled and cut to length. ...
  • Heat treatment. Heat treatment is a standard process for all bolts, which involves exposing the bolt to extreme temperatures in order to harden the steel.
  • Size and surface. ...

When were bolts and nuts invented?

The History of Hex Head Nuts & Bolts

  • Ancient Screws. Hex-head nuts and bolts are part of a fastening system that uses screw threads. ...
  • Metal Screws. Metal screws and bolts first appeared in Europe in the 1400s, but did not become a common fastener until the 18th century, when machine tools were developed that ...
  • Standardization. ...
  • Bessemer. ...
  • Mass Production. ...
  • Wars. ...

Why do bolts and nuts come loose?

Why do Nuts Come Loose?

  • Over torqueing. ...
  • Under torqueing
  • Joint settling after initial tightening and failure to re-torque
  • Inadequate vehicle maintenance
  • Thermal contractions This occurs when the nuts are mounted at shop temperature in a cold environment. ...
  • Improper mateing surfaces. ...
  • Poor bolt and stud quality
  • Contaminants

More items...

What type metal are nuts and bolts made from?

Grade G nuts are used with Grade 8 bolts. This metal is light and soft, but scratches and nicks will not affect its corrosion resistance. Fasteners can be made from different aluminum alloys, with elements like manganese, silicon, zinc, copper, iron, magnesium, and silicon being added to increase the strength and melting point.

Who invented the square bolt?

What is a hex bolt?

Why are square bolt heads easier to make?

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Who invented the nuts and bolts?

Archytas of Tarentum“But many consider that the screw thread was invented around 400 BC by [Greek philosopher] Archytas of Tarentum, who has often been called the founder of mechanics and considered a contemporary of Plato,” Eccles writes on his website.

When were hex nuts and bolts invented?

NUTS & BOLTS The hex head was developed as far back as the very early 1830's (James Nasmith) , and the square continued mainly in the production of agricultural implements.

When were bolt threads invented?

around 400 BCEThe screw thread is believed to have been invented around 400 BCE, by Archytas of Tarentum, a Greek philosopher sometimes called “the father of mechanics.” The general principle of the screw was applied early on, in cities like Pompeii, to extract olive oil and grape juice.

When did nuts go from square to hex?

Hexagonal bolts and nuts became popular during the early 19th century. The hex nut offered more angles for tightening than a square nut, was not as susceptible to 'rounding' as octagonal nuts, and used less material to manufacture.

Why don't we use square nuts anymore?

Square steel nuts were common on machinery of the late 19th through mid 20th century. Today hex nuts have displaced them. One reason is that a hex nut offers a new wrenching access at every 60°, whereas a square nut offers one only at every 90°.

When did they stop making square head bolts?

For both bolts and nuts, heat treating/hardening of the metal was the last step. By the way...that 1949 agreement to standardize nuts and bolts into ISO inch and ISO metric was probably when the square headed bolts/nuts ended production in mass...as it would have required new investments in machinery.

Why are nuts and bolts called nuts?

nut, (n.) "hard seed," Old English hnutu, from Proto-Germanic *hnut- (source also of Old Norse hnot, Dutch noot, Old High German hnuz, German Nuss "nut"), from PIE kneu- "nut" (source also of Latin nux; see nucleus). Sense of "testicle" is attested from 1915.

Where was the first screw made?

The very first origins of screws are somewhat up for debate, but we do know that wooden screws were used during the first century B.C. throughout the Mediterranean region.

Who invented the first screw?

P. L. RobertsonScrew / InventorPeter Lymburner Robertson was a Canadian inventor, industrialist, salesman, and philanthropist who popularized the square-socket drive for screws, often called the Robertson drive. Wikipedia

What are square bolts called?

At one time, square head bolts (aka square bolts) were the industry standard before being replaced by hex head bolts. Now, they are commonly chosen for aesthetic reasons to create a rustic look in new buildings or to match existing fasteners in an old building.

When were square bolts used in furniture?

Furniture predating 1790 will include “rose-head” nails identified by their irregular, rose-shaped heads. They were made individually by blacksmiths. Square-head nails were made from the late 1700s until about 1830.

What does a hex nut look like?

Hex nuts are fasteners with interior threading that are characterized by a hexagonal shape. They have a hollow, ring-shaped center. But hex nuts have a hexagonal exterior that features six sides. Most nuts are, in fact, hex nuts.

How are hex head bolts made?

Bolts that are larger in diameter or longer in length are band saw cut. Next, A hex head is hot-forged on one end of the steel rod. An induction heating coil heats the end of the round bar to approximately 2000 degrees Fahrenheit. A National Upsetter is used to forge the heated end of the rod into a hex shaped head.

Where are square bolts used?

Square head bolts are used in applications where visibility is limited but durable fastening is required. These bolts have large, flat sides and are easy to tighten with a wrench. Square heads are best used in tight or dark spaces where a machinist or fabricator must tighten the bolt blind.

How are bolt heads made?

0:004:28How It's Made Nuts and bolts - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipEach piece goes through a die that makes it perfectly round then through a series of dies thatMoreEach piece goes through a die that makes it perfectly round then through a series of dies that progressively shape the head of the bolt on one end.

Which one is the nut and bolt?

The bolt consists of a head and a cylindrical body with screw threads along a portion of its length. The nut is the female member of the pair, having internal threads to match those of the bolt. Washers are often used to prevent loosening and crushing.

When were bolts and nuts invented?

Graves argues that a threaded bolt and a matching nut serving as a fastener only dates back to the 15th century. He bases this conclusion on the first printed record of screws appearing in a book in the early 15th century.

What is the history of bolts?

The History of the Bolt. At first glance, a bolt may seem like a very simple item that holds things together. But dig a bit deeper and you’ll realise there’s more behind seemingly insignificant bolt and screws than first meets the eye. Without them, all our gadgets and machines would fall to pieces.

When was the first bolt made?

While the history of threads can be traced back to 400 BC, the most significant developments in the modern-day bolt and screw processes were made during the last 150 years. Experts differ as to the origins of the humble nut and bolt. In his article “Nuts and Bolts”, Frederick E. Graves argues that a threaded bolt and a matching nut serving as a fastener only dates back to the 15th century. He bases this conclusion on the first printed record of screws appearing in a book in the early 15th century.

What were bolts originally used for?

The history can be broken down into two parts: the threads themselves that date back to around 400 BC when they were used for items such as a spiral for lifting water, presses for grapes to make wine, and the fasteners themselves, which have been in use for around 400 years.

When were screw threads first standardized?

It wasn’t until 1841 that Joseph Whitworth managed to find a solution. After years of research collecting sample screws from many British workshops, he suggested standardizing the size of the screw threads in Britain so that, for example, someone could make a bolt in England and someone in Glasgow could make the nut and they would both fit together. His proposal was that the angle of the thread flanks was standardized at 55 degrees, and the number of threads per inch, should be defined for various diameters. While this issue was being addressed in Britain, the Americans were trying to do likewise and initially started using the Whitworth thread.

What are bolts used for?

Bolts are one of the most common elements used in construction and machine design. They hold every­thing together – from screws in electric toothbrushes and door hinges to massive bolts that secure concrete pillars in buildings.

Which revolution sped up the development of the nut and bolt?

What the majority of researchers on this topic do agree on, though, is that it was the Industrial Revolution that sped up the development of the nut and bolt and put them firmly on the map as an important component in the engineering and construction world.

What were bolts originally used for?

The history can be broken down into two parts: the threads themselves that date back to around 400 BC when they were used for items such as a spiral for lifting water, presses for grapes to make wine, and the fasteners themselves, which have been in use for around 400 years.

When was the first bolt made?

While the history of threads can be traced back to 400 BC, the most significant developments in the modern-day bolt and screw processes were made during the last 150 years. Experts differ as to the origins of the humble nut and bolt. In his article “Nuts and Bolts”, Frederick E. Graves argues that a threaded bolt and a matching nut serving as a fastener only dates back to the 15th century. He bases this conclusion on the first printed record of screws appearing in a book in the early 15th century.

When were screw threads first standardized?

It wasn’t until 1841 that Joseph Whitworth managed to find a solution. After years of research collecting sample screws from many British workshops, he suggested standardizing the size of the screw threads in Britain so that, for example, someone could make a bolt in England and someone in Glasgow could make the nut and they would both fit together. His proposal was that the angle of the thread flanks was standardized at 55 degrees, and the number of threads per inch, should be defined for various diameters. While this issue was being addressed in Britain, the Americans were trying to do likewise and initially started using the Whitworth thread.

When were bolts and nuts invented?

Graves argues that a threaded bolt and a matching nut serving as a fastener only dates back to the 15th century. He bases this conclusion on the first printed record of screws appearing in a book in the early 15th century.

What is the history of a bolt?

The history of the bolt. At first glance, a bolt may seem like a very simple item that holds things together. But dig a bit deeper and you’ll realise there’s more behind seemingly insignificant bolt and screws than first meets the eye. Without them, all our gadgets and machines would fall to pieces.

What are bolts used for?

Bolts are one of the most common elements used in construction and machine design. They hold every­thing together – from screws in electric toothbrushes and door hinges to massive bolts that secure concrete pillars in buildings.

What were the nuts on cars built in the 1800s?

Nuts on vehicles built in the early 1800s were flatter and squarer than later vehicles, which had chamfered corners on the nuts and the flush was trimmed off the bolts. Making bolts at this time was a cumbersome and painstaking process.

When were threads first used?

The history can be broken down into two parts: the threads themselves that date back to around 400 BC when they were used for items such as a spiral for lifting water, presses for grapes to make wine, and the fasteners themselves, which have been in use for around 400 years.

Which revolution sped up the development of the nut and bolt?

What the majority of researchers on this topic do agree on, though, is that it was the Industrial Revolution that sped up the development of the nut and bolt and put them firmly on the map as an important component in the engineering and construction world.

When did Leonardo da Vinci use screws?

According to Graves, Leonardo da Vinci’s notebooks from the late 15th and early 16th centuries include several designs for screw-cutting machines.

When were 3/4 nuts invented?

Then two 3/4 nuts were introduced. This was widely believed as far back as 1893. Then the world went upside down and said the thick went on the bottom and the thin on top, for convenience, then science .

Who invented the Whitworth bolt?

Joseph Whitworth (1803 -1887) During 1841 devised the ‘British Standard Whitworth’ system of standard threads and more so the pitch (55 O) to ensure the greatest strength in the nut and bolt. Before this revolution each manufacturer made his own proprietary thread which in turn meant only he could replace them!On my “ARAB” platen printing press, patented 1872, (and sold in pack form) it has mostly numbered Whitworth nuts and bolts after 1841, but one set of four bolts is definitely proprietary thread. On restoration of the platen one bolt was missing and it had to be remade.

What happens when you tension a bolt?

Remember that by tensioning the bolt it stretches and the nut compresses, the effect here is that the pitch of the thread changes. On applying the locking nut it now compresses the expanded load nut. If the small nut was on the bottom then the pressure applied to the thinner nut is greater than a thicker nut.

What year did Rolls Royce use square nuts?

Today we often see a variety of nut heads used mainly as ‘security’ to ensure you ‘keep out’! – but now you can buy the kits to remove them. During 1974 Rolls Royce had square nuts right down to small. 3BA that held the pipe clips were also square. Also some railways still use square nuts in fixing rails to sleepers etc.

What is the clearance of a class 3 bolt?

For example a class 3 bolt with a quality fit – lying in the middle of the tolerance range, the clearance will be about 3 thou. If the bolt were 4” long in mild steel a stress of no less than 22,500 p.s.i. to take up the clearance, and then a bit more to get the locking action. Remember that by tensioning the bolt it stretches and the nut compresses, the effect here is that the pitch of the thread changes.

When to use square or hexagonal nuts?

The common rule was that Square was used where the fastening was not required near the vertical member, or with tension, and then hexagonal were used so as to get closer to the vertical member. If you needed to get even closer, then an Octagonal nut was used – however I have not seen an octagonal but I’m assured that some of the early steam engines used octagonal nuts, again in the early 1800’s.

When was the hex head invented?

The hex head was developed as far back as the very early 1830’s (James Nasmith) , and the square continued mainly in the production of agricultural implements. In Australia the implement manufacturers bought square mild steel bars and made their own, say into the 30’s (Depression). 1/4" Gutter bolts with square nuts are still available.

When were rivets first used?

The earliest recorded history of fastener use was during the third century. Archeological and other evidence shows that this was when metal rivets were first used. This makes a lot of sense, since this was also when metals were used. It would have been necessary to come up with a number of rivet types that could be used to fasten metal together, and using rivets was the most logical choice at the time.

What were the military fasteners made of?

During this time, the variety in the number and types of fasteners also increased as well. They were made out of a wider variety of materials including iron, copper and brass. Despite the fact that the fasteners were used most extensively for creating military machines, there are indications that people also started using them in other industries such as the manufacture of farming machines.

What were rivets made of?

Most of the early fasteners such as rivets were very simple to use, as well as being very effective. They were essentially made out of a soft material that could be manipulated to hold two sheets of metal together. With time, however, the demands on the fasteners increased, and this means that the soft ones became gradually unsuitable. Since the structures that needed to be put together were heavier and placed more stress on the fasteners, stronger ones such as those made of steel were introduced. During the earlier ages, heat was used to make the tougher fasteners more malleable so that they could be put in place more easily.

Do people use fasteners?

Most people use fasteners without giving a second thought as to how they came about, and what they were used for in the past. In fact, most people imagine that fasteners are a very recent invention. The truth is that these devices have been in place for quite a long time, and have played a ]

What are nuts made of?

History. Early nuts were made of wood and were used with wooden pegs. The square shape made it possible to form a tool in order to tighten nut in place. Later wooden fasteners were replaced by steel ones, and modern nuts are forged from steel stock bars and used along with steel bolts.

Why use square nuts?

Square nuts are used along with flat washers in order to avoid damage from its sharp edges and increase the strength of the fastener. Square nuts can have standard, fine or coarse threading with platings of zinc yellow, plain, zinc clear, tin and cadmium, among others.

What is a blind nut?

Commonly used in furniture as a blind nut, they are also used in rail channels in order to prevent turning of rail when pressure is applied. They are also used as a perfect foundation in metal channels for hidden fasteners .

How to tighten a nut?

Tighten easily by gripping two sides. Work well in tight spaces by using needle nosed pliers. Work well in blind spots using pliers or a wrench. Can be a quick gauge to measure the position of the nut.

Who invented the square bolt?

Between 1856 and 1876, the English metallurgist Sir Henry Bessemer developed the Bessemer process, which produced cheap mild steel in large quantities. Square bolt heads are easier to make when machinists use cast iron and thicker steel. However, as the machinery became smaller and more compact, hex bolts were developed to meet the demand for more compact bolt heads.

What is a hex bolt?

Hex nuts and bolts are part of a fastening system using threads. The thread's history can be traced back to the seventh century BC when the Assyrian king Sennacherib. Sennacherib uses screws as part of the pump that supplies water to the Hanging Gardens of Babylon's water supply system. The Greek mathematician Archytas of Tarentum described wood threads in the third century BC, and by the first century BC wood screws were widely used in oil and wine presses. These are usually attached to some kind of permanent handle as a rotating device.

Why are square bolt heads easier to make?

Square bolt heads are easier to make when machinists use cast iron and thicker steel. However, as the machinery became smaller and more compact, hex bolts were developed to meet the demand for more compact bolt heads.

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