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Bolts, Can they be machined?

Bolts, Can they be machined?

Bolts, Can they be machined?

(OP)
Bolts, Can they be machined and welded? Or are they a hardend material?


Thanks
Matthew

RE: Bolts, Can they be machined?

Bolts have a variety of compositions, structures, and properties.  Some can be machined, some welded, some both, many neither.  If you are ignorant of the parts condition, you should not alter them.

Regards,

Cory

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RE: Bolts, Can they be machined?

Yes, they're typically hardened and good bolts have rolled threads.  Rolled threads are basically forged, rather than cut into the bolt, making them stronger.  Why would you want to make a bolt?

RE: Bolts, Can they be machined?

It's fairly routine to turn (on a lathe) and cross drill existing bolts.  We've done it with grade 8 bolts (socket head cap screws)

RE: Bolts, Can they be machined?

(OP)
Thanks everyone. This brings more light to the situation.

Matthew

RE: Bolts, Can they be machined?

I've drilled and tapped many a bolt in the search for a good place to mount an accelerometer.  Of course the originals went back before driving on the road!

- Steve

RE: Bolts, Can they be machined?

What Cory Pad says is basically true.

You often can do it but need to know the possible side effects etc.

My last place machined screws to put holes thru for lockwire/split pins quite a bit & grooves for circlips etc.

We also machined set screws to be able to put a wedge on the bottom.

KENAT, probably the least qualified checker you'll ever meet...

RE: Bolts, Can they be machined?

I've seen bolts modified many times. It is generally frowned upon in a production environment because of the high scrap rate. In an application like yours the bolt is often larger than absolutely needed to get a larger head or because it can live with more corrosion and still function.

ISZ

RE: Bolts, Can they be machined?

You've really got to keep your eyes open.

Many years ago we armored a limousine for an overseas client. After they received it they tore it down in order to bench mark it. They found welded extensions to the seat bolts, very embarrassing. All the techs had to do was ask for longer bolts, and we could have procured them.

RE: Bolts, Can they be machined?

Welding to bolts is generally a no-no for two reasons. The plating on the bolt interferes with the welding process, and welding usually does no good to the heat-treat of the bolt.
Those are the generalities, there are always exceptions.

As part of R&D it's a rare day that I don't machine a bolt in some manner.

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