Common Uses For Square Head Bolts

Before manufacturers and contractors had access to hex head fasteners, they used square head bolts for a wide variety of things. Both of these designs offer fewer chances of tool slippage with angled corners providing an anchor point.
While you're likely to see hex head bolts used more often today than square heads, the four-sided design is still in demand for certain projects and structures.

Home Restoration And Period Construction

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When faithfully restoring older homes or constructing period buildings and settings, designers and contractors use different sizes of square head bolts for stability. The shape of these heads is authentic and provides the rustic look that is required for a restoration. They are also easy to install with both traditional and modern tools.
On the walls, roofing and in a wide variety of mechanical applications, the only choice for authentic restoration projects and period construction is square head fasteners.

Machinery

Both square head and hex head bolts are used on many different types of machinery, mainly for the ease of tightening and durability. Square heads are best used in tight or dark spaces where a machinist or fabricator must tighten the bolt blind. It is simple to fit a tool over the square shape even when there are no visual markers available.
Stainless steel bolts are often used in machinery that will be exposed to the elements, providing a corrosion resistant finish. Stainless is also very strong and can handle excessive weight and tension, depending on the design and size of fastener used.

Some Assembly Required Furniture

Square head bolts of various sizes are often shipped with furniture pieces that require at-home assembly. Consumers can use common household tools such as wrenches and even pliers to assemble their furniture when square heads are included. Hex head bolts often require specialty tools that will need to be shipped with the furniture or specified on the box.
Manufacturers and retailers can make their products more accessible and affordable by shipping the packages with square head bolts included. Consumers find these fasteners easy to work with and are happy to put their tools to good use. It’s truly a win-win situation.