bolted

Bolted is the past tense and past participle of bolt. In common usage, it describes parts fastened together with bolts; a bolt is a fastening with a head and threaded shank, designed to be used with a nut or with a tapped hole. Bolted joints are used in a wide range of applications, from timber construction to aerospace. When a joint is bolted, components are aligned with holes, a bolt is inserted, and a nut is tightened to create a clamped connection. Bolting allows disassembly for maintenance or modification and can accommodate thermal expansion and load changes.

Other meanings: to bolt (verb) also means to run away suddenly, as in a horse bolting or a person bolting through a door. In cooking, to bolt down means to eat quickly.

Common bolt types include hex bolts, carriage bolts, socket cap screws, and shoulder bolts. Bolts come in various materials (carbon steel, stainless steel) and grades, with coarse or fine threads. They are often used with nuts, washers, or tapped holes. To prevent loosening, designers may use lock nuts, thread lockers, or safety devices; installation relies on proper torque and preload.

Standards agencies publish specifications for bolts, including ISO, ASTM, and DIN. In engineering, bolted joints are designed to transfer loads through preload and friction, balancing strength and serviceability. Maintenance concerns include corrosion, thread wear, and nut integrity.