Frequently asked questions
Bolts
What does 'High Tensile' mean in a bolt?
High tensile refers to the strength within the bolt. High tensile are the strongest bolts available and are identified by 3 (grade 5) or 6 (grade 8) slots on the head of the bolt for imperial sizes and 8.8 or 10.9 or 12.9 stamped on the head for metric bolts. The higher the grade or number the higher the strength.
How do I measure a bolt?
The length of a bolt is taken from underneath the head to the end of the bolt. Counter-sunk type bolts are taken as an overall measurement. The thickness is measured by taking the diameter of the shank of the bolt.
Where do I find the bolt standards?
There is a number on the top of the bolt.
Chains
What type of chain do I need?
We can supply regular link galvanised chain or gold high tensile transport chain cut to your specified length and all the hooks, turnbuckles, links and accessories needed to get the job done.
Concrete
Fasteners
What kind of concrete fasteners should I use?

Dynabolt: General purpose, medium duty, through fixing for masonry and concrete – good for fixing timber, metal, formwork or batons to concrete.

Trubolt: Heavy duty application wher superior ‘hold’ strength is required. Diameter of anchor and thread are the same giving extra strength

Screwbolt: Light to medium application used to fasten fixtures to concrete and other solid masonry as well as hollow concrete. Removable and reusable.

Cutting
Grinding
Finishing
I want to cut stainless steel?
You need a cutoff wheel that has ‘INOX’ on it. These are available in various sizes and thickness. These can also be used to cut normal steel applications.
Drilling
Tapping
What lubricant should I use when drilling?
Tap magic is a great product to use when drilling constantly. It keeps the drill bit cool so it won’t distort and become blunt.
What size drill do I use when tapping a thread?
You need to refer to the tapping drill chart supplied at the Bolt Barn to accurately drill the correct size hole
Fasteners
A question about fasteners?

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Nails
How do I choose the correct nail length?
In most applications, the plain shank nail should be 2 to 3 times longer than the timber being held.
What type of nail do I use in decking?
We stock timberdeck nails that are designed with a slightly domed head to ensure the perimeter of the nail just penetrates the timber and therefore eliminates any protusion which may affect foot traffic. You may need to pre-drill approx. 1/3 less that the nail diameter when nailing into hardwood. Timberdeck nails are available in galvanised or stainless steel.
Rivets
What material do you have rivets in?
We stock rivets in steel, aluminium, stainless steel and Monel (Nickel/Copper).
Welding
What type of welding rod should I use?

It depends on the type of material you are welding. Welding rods are identified by a number:

12P – General purpose rods, mild steel in all postions

13S – General purpose,smooth running easy slag removal

16TC – Low hydrogen. for mild steel and low alloy materials

Stainless
Steel
Balustrading
What spacings are required between the wires?
We have found that your local council is the best guide as this may vary between councils.
What do I order for my stainless steel balustrading?
You need to know how many ‘runs’ you intend to do, their measurements and the spacings. Also, are you using timber or steel posts? And what type of fittings do you need? We can help with all of that.
Still need help?
For any other questions, please send us an email or call us on 02 6621 9090