what is a flange bolt

Sep 03, 2025

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what is a flange bolt?

A flange bolt is a specialized type of fastener (a type of bolt) designed specifically for use with flanges-the disk-shaped components that connect pipes, valves, pumps, or equipment in mechanical, plumbing, and industrial systems. Its core function is to securely fasten two or more flanges together, creating a tight, leak-proof seal (often paired with gaskets between flanges) to contain fluids, gases, or pressure within the connected system.

 

 

 

 

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Key Characteristics of Flange Bolts

Unlike standard bolts, flange bolts have unique features tailored specifically for flange connection scenarios:

 

Built-in "Flange" (Washer Face)

Its most distinctive feature is a wide, flat, washer-like flange (collar) that is integrally formed with the bolt near the bolt head. This built-in flange structure eliminates the need for an additional washer, saving installation time while ensuring even pressure distribution across the flange surface-a factor critical for preventing leaks.

Bolt Head Design

Common head types include:

 

Hex head: The most widely used type, which can be easily tightened with a wrench.

Socket head: Suitable for narrow spaces where standard wrenches cannot reach (requires an Allen key for operation).

Square head: Less commonly used today, but still applied in some industrial scenarios due to its stronger grip.

Thread Type

Most flange bolts are partially threaded (only the end of the bolt shank is threaded). This design ensures that the unthreaded part of the shank bears the load (rather than the threaded part), which not only improves strength but also reduces wear on the flange bolt holes.

Thread standards vary by region (for example, the United States adopts the UNC/UNF thread standard, while Europe and Asia mostly use metric threads) to match the specifications of different flange bolt holes.

Material and Coating

The material selection of flange bolts depends on the environment of the system (such as pressure, temperature, and chemical exposure):

 

Carbon steel: Suitable for general low-pressure, non-corrosive scenarios.

Stainless steel (Grade 304, 316): Suitable for corrosive environments (e.g., chemical plants, marine systems).

Alloy steel (e.g., Grade A193 B7): Suitable for high-pressure, high-temperature systems (e.g., oil refineries, power plants).

 

 

 

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Differences Between Hex Bolts and Flange Bolts

 

Structural Design (Core Distinction)

Hex Bolts: Consist of a hexagonal (six-sided) head and a cylindrical shank (may be fully threaded or partially threaded). They do not have an integrated washer-like structure. To distribute pressure and prevent damage to the connected surface during installation, a separate flat washer or spring washer is usually required.

Flange Bolts: Feature a hexagonal head (or other head types, but hex is common) with a wide, flat, integrated flange (collar) near the head. This flange acts as a built-in washer, eliminating the need for additional washers. The flange surface is often textured (e.g., serrated) in some designs to enhance anti-loosening performance.

Functional Focus

Their designs determine their primary functional priorities:

Hex Bolts: Prioritize general fastening reliability. Their core role is to securely connect two or more components, with pressure distribution and anti-loosening relying on matching washers. They are versatile but lack specialized optimization for leak prevention or uneven surface adaptation.

Flange Bolts: Focus on even pressure distribution and leak-proof performance. The integrated flange ensures uniform pressure across the entire contact area (critical for flange connections in fluid/gas systems), while also reducing installation steps (no washer assembly). Some flange bolts also have anti-loosening structures (e.g., serrated flanges) to resist vibration-induced loosening.

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Application Scenarios of Flange Bolts
Flange bolts are high-strength fasteners specifically designed for connecting flanges. Characterized by their head structure (typically hexagonal heads for easy wrench tightening) and excellent tensile and shear resistance, they enable tight sealing between flanges under complex working conditions such as high pressure, high temperature, and vibration..
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Pipelines and equipment in the petroleum, chemical, and natural gas sectors are required to transport flammable, explosive, and highly corrosive media (e.g., crude oil, natural gas, acid-base solutions) or operate under high-temperature and high-pressure working conditions (e.g., reactors, distillation towers). Flange bolts are key components for preventing leakage in these systems.
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For flange connections of fire-fighting pipelines and main water supply pipelines (e.g., pipelines with a diameter of DN100 or larger) in high-rise buildings, the flanges must bear the vertical and horizontal loads of the pipelines. Flange bolts should be made of carbon steel with sufficient strength (e.g., Grade 8.8) and undergo galvanizing treatment for rust prevention to ensure no loosening during long-term use.
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For the flange connections of fire-fighting pipelines and main water supply pipelines (e.g., pipelines with DN100 or larger) in high-rise buildings, they must bear the vertical and horizontal loads of the pipelines. Flange bolts should be made of carbon steel with sufficient strength (e.g., Grade 8.8) and undergo galvanization for rust prevention to ensure no loosening during long-term use.
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For the flange connections of milk storage tanks in dairy factories and fermentation tanks in breweries, flange bolts that are free of hygiene dead corners and easy to clean (e.g., polished-surface 316L stainless steel bolts) must be used. Additionally, the bolt material must comply with food contact-grade standards (e.g., FDA certification) to prevent food contamination caused by the leaching of metal ions.
 

 

Hebei Sanwei Fasteners Co., Ltd.

Hebei Sanwei Fasteners Co., Ltd. is a professional manufacturer and supplier specializing in the R&D, production, and sales of high-quality bolts and nuts. With a focus on precision manufacturing and reliable performance, we have established a solid reputation in the fastener industry, serving customers across domestic and international markets.

Bolts: Hexagon head bolts, flange bolts, high-strength bolts (Grade 4.8, 8.8, 10.9, 12.9), anchor bolts, stud bolts, and non-standard bolts tailored to specific requirements.

Nuts: Hexagon nuts, lock nuts, flange nuts, slotted nuts, and customized nuts that perfectly match our bolt products.

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834M

Total Freelancer

732M

Positive Review

90M

Order recieved

236M

Projects Completed

 

 
Our production and equipment

Our free service hotline:+86  13383206915

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6

years

 

 We have been working in the industry since 2019

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certificates

 

We have obtained most of the professional certificates in the industry and insist on international standards of production.

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awards

 

We have won a lot of awards for strong creativity

 

 
 
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Our address

Industrial park,Yongnian District,HanDanCity,Hebei Province

Phone Number

(+86)  13383206915

E-mail

meilin@ftyfastener.com

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https://www.swftyfastener.com/bolt/hex-flange-bolt-din6921-grade-8-8.html

 

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