Threaded rods are one of the most common fastener types you will come across. This versatile fastener is a great addition to any toolbox but is a much better fit in professional and industrial settings.
In this guide, you will learn all that there is to know about threaded rods. What are they? What are they used for? What are the benefits of using them? You’ll be a threaded rod expert in no time.
What are Threaded Rods?
Let’s start with the basics: what is a threaded rod? In a world dominated by technology, there is no replacing a good fastener. A threaded rod is akin to a long, thick screw or bolt. Threading runs along the shaft either partway or all the way.
For projects where greater rigidity and length are needed, threaded rods are the way to go. Even better, threaded rods come in a huge array of load capacities, gauges, and sizes, making it one of the most versatile fasteners you will find. You might even find a drive head threaded rod, though they aren’t the same as bolts even though they are very similar.
Threaded Rod Materials
The cool thing about threaded rods is that they come in different materials. The right material for the job comes down to a few critical factors. Mostly, it comes down to the environment where the installation will take place, what type of materials are being secured, and what you need the threaded rod to do.
Mild steel is the most common threaded rod type. You will find a litany of other steel types like stainless steel and galvanized threaded rods. Depending on the use, you can even find nylon and brass, though they tend to only come in small gauges, which means dealing with lower force. You wouldn’t want to use brass or nylon for any kind of critical structure application.
The Advantages of Threaded Rods
As mentioned above, there are different material types available when using threaded rods. Each of them has its own unique benefits, but let’s focus on stainless steel threaded rods since those are the most common material types.
Stainless steel will not rust or corrode. For outdoor applications where moisture is a regular occurrence, having stainless steel threaded rods can wind up being advantageous. They are also quite durable because they have improved tensile strength. You can install threaded rods without fear of them breaking down anytime soon.
One underrated use of threaded rods is that they can even be used in sterile environments. It is one of the most versatile fastener types you will find and not any fastener can be used in a sterile environment like a hospital.
What Threaded Rods are Used For
Maybe you’re still a bit unclear on what you can use threaded rods for. The cool thing about these fasteners is that they can serve nearly any kind of purpose. Mostly, you’ll find them in repair and maintenance, processing and production, construction work, and industrial applications.
It is a common fastener type for a few reasons. For starters, it’s pretty cheap, which means that any project can keep costs in control by using threaded rods. They are also very easy to work with and install, even for those who aren’t the most handy. Their installation is neat and tidy, providing a clean aesthetic that other fastener types can’t match.
Most importantly, threaded rods are used for outdoor and marine applications. Their ability to hold up against corrosion and rusting makes them the perfect choice for those particularly harsh environments.
