Our Bolt Lubrication Recommendations | Applied Bolting (2024)

FAQs

Our Bolt Lubrication Recommendations | Applied Bolting? ›

For best results, apply wax as a couple stripes along the threads where the nut will thread onto the bolt. Approximately 50% of input torque is consumed where the threads of the nut and bolt meet. Next, swipe the washer face of the nut, with the wax, where it will contact the flat washer.

Lubricating threaded fasteners in action

It's incredibly difficult to precisely manage clamping strength without proper lubrication, leading to inconsistent results and under-tightening. A hands-on exercise from Reliability Solutions' popular Essential Craft Skills series illustrates this.

Proper bolt lubrication means: Consistent frictional properties: In order to determine your torque value, you have to understand, and solve for your K-factor. K-factor, which can also be called “nu*t factor,” is an experimental number. It is not adequate to use a friction coefficient or a friction factor calculation.

What lubricant should you use? In the past nickel-based lubricants were often used due to their high heat resistance. Industries have recently moved to molybdenum disulfide or “moly” lubrication. Moly lubricants are known for being the best type of lube for assembly as it does not cause hydrogen-induced cracking.

The bolt make-up torque is calculated based on the material, bolt size, and more importantly, the overall friction force between the nut face and the threads. This friction force is significantly affected by the lubrication and the lubrication method that you use on the bolt.

To loosen these, an ideal solution for this is to use WD-40® Penetrant Spray. Simply apply the Penetrant Spray over the affected nuts and bolts, then tap them lightly using a hammer. This will help the product seep into the nuts and bolts' fittings, allowing you remove the stuck fasteners.

The Best Penetrating Oils Today

Kroil Original Penetrant is made to penetrante small crevices between metal parts to make disassembly easier. Kroil Penetrant with Silicone is formulated similar to Kroil Original Penetrant with the added benefit of longer lasting lubrication.

From a gardener's point of view, bolting is bad since the productivity of both leafy and root vegetables is brought to an end. From a seed producer's perspective, however, bolting is good since the end product is seed, without which there would be no vegetable gardening.

A bolt is meant to be used with a nut, and it is tightened by torquing the nut. A screw is designed to be used in either a preformed or threaded hole, or it is capable of forming its own threaded hole. A screw is designed to be tightened by torquing the head.

If the bolting assemblies have lost their lubrication, you may reapply an oil-based structural bolt lubricant, like stick wax or liquid wax, prior to installation. To reapply bolt lubricant, put it on the nut's threads and inside face.

Should you grease tire bolts? ›

There's a difference between grease and anti-seize. I would not recommend grease on lug studs, but anti-seize on them, absolutely! While you're there, put a little on the sections of steel where your aluminum wheels touch. Some engineer forgot about dissimilar metals reacting and corroding together.

The screws should be kept with a slight film of grease/oil at all times. It should feel slick to the touch but not dripping. You can lubricate the screw by applying grease to the OD of the screw and running the nut back and forth or via the lubrication fitting if the nut has one.

Anti-seize products are applied to bolts, fasteners, and flanges to prevent galling and seizing on assembly, and corrosion during use: This helps disassembly.