M10 bolts is used in a variety of different applications. M10 bolts are found in engine bays as well as in flat-pack furnitures. Before purchasing an M10 bolt, a person must understanding the thread pitch that is used for that bolt.
The thread pitch for an M10 bolt will determine the amount of force that the bolt can hold. Additionally, the thread pitch will help to determine the behavior of that bolt if it is subjected to vibration. Bolder bolts has coarse threads while finer bolts have fine threads.
How to Choose and Use M10 Bolts
Each of these types of threads have different function within the bolt. Coarse threads are often used for general construction and repair job. The coarse threads allow for small alignment errors between the two pieces of wood or metal that the bolt is to be secured together.
Fine threads are used for projects where the load that will act upon the bolt is going to be higher. However, the fine threads do not cut into the material as quick than the coarse threads do. The geometry for bolts is also important in understanding how the bolt will function.
The 60 degree angle for the flanks of the bolt are the same for all metric bolts but the depth of the bolt change with the pitch of the threads. The deeper that the flanks of the bolt are into the material that is being secured, the more surface area that will be distributed to that bolt. This even distribution of loads allow for the M10 bolt to last longer and to hold more tension before the threads of the bolt begin to yield.
Another factor that the buyer of an M10 bolt must consider is the tap drill size. If the drill is too small, the tap will fight the rotation of the drill bit. Additionally, if the drill bit is too large, the threads of the M10 bolt will not be able to hold as much of a load.
Most workshops use the size of drill bit that will allow for three-quarters of the threads to engage with the tapped hole. Less thread engagement save time when using a drill press but may lead to the M10 bolt stripping. More thread engagement create more resistance when the bolt is tightened but will reduce the life of the tap tool.
The torque that should be applied to bolts with M10 sizes can vary depending on the condition of the threads. The values of torque that are indicated on charts are typically for bolts with clean and dry threads. If lubrication is added to the threads of an M10 bolt, the same amount of torque that is used will create a higher clamp load on the bolt.
This increased clamp load can lead to the M10 bolt failing. The grade markings on the M10 bolt will indicate the strength of the metal but the vibrations that the bolt will experience must also be considered. An M10 bolt used on a low vibration bracket will outlive one used on a motorcycle swingarm.
The materials for the M10 bolt will also impact the function that it will have within the application. If stainless steel is used, it will resist corrosion but it will gall more easy. Titanium is used in applications in which an M10 bolt must be light in weight but because it is more expensive than other metals it is typically only used when the weight of the component is of primary concern.
Brass is used in electrical panels because it is non-magnetic but it is easier to machine than other metals but it is weaker than steel. One final factor is the depth of engagement between the M10 bolt and the mating hole. If the metal that is to be fastened together is made of steel, it can tolerate the engagement of one diameter of the threads but softer metals will require more thread engagement.
One way around this problem is to use an M10 bolt that is longer in length. Additionally, thread inserts can be used to increase the engagement of the threads. Head styles for M10 bolts can range from flange heads that distribute the load of the bolt but do not require a washer to be used with the bolt, socket cap screws that are used in tight space, carriage bolts used in wooden applications where the drive of the bolt needs to be hidden.
These different head styles do not impact the thread pitch but do impact the way that the bolts are tightened to the required torque.
