Difference Between Bolt, Screw and Stud

Bolts,screws and studs are common threaded fasteners in piping,flange and industrial equipment installation.Although they look similar in appearance,they have clear differences in structure,installation method and application scenarios.

1.Bolt

A bolt consists of a hexagonal head and a full or partial threaded shank.It is always used with a matching nut.During installation,it passes through unthreaded through holes of two connected parts,then fastens and fixes with a nut.

Bolts are widely used for flange connection,pipeline equipment and heavy-duty structures.They bear large shear and tensile force,easy to disassemble and maintain,and are the first choice for high-pressure and high-temperature flange assembly.

2.Screw

A screw has an integral head and threaded body,and it does not need a nut.It is directly screwed into the pre-threaded hole of the workpiece to complete locking.

Screws are mostly used for thin parts,cabinet equipment,daily machinery and light-load connection.They feature simple installation,small size and compact structure,and are not suitable for heavy-load or frequent disassembly occasions.

3.Stud/Threaded Stud

A stud is a double-ended threaded fastener without a head,with threads on both ends and a smooth rod in the middle.One end is screwed into the fixed equipment body,and the other end is matched with a nut to fasten the flange or cover.

Studs are commonly used for high-temperature pipeline flanges,pressure vessels and high-load working conditions.They can withstand high temperature,strong vibration and heavy pressure,and will not damage the threaded base hole during frequent disassembly.

Summary

Bolt:With head+nut assembly,for flange&heavy industry.

Screw:Self-tapping into threaded hole,no nut needed,for light load.

Stud:Headless double thread,for high temperature,high pressure flange connection.