Assorted Bolt Packs

About Assorted Bolt Packs

Assorted bolt packs are essential additions to any workshop, van, or toolbox, offering convenient collections of commonly used fasteners in one organised package. These comprehensive sets typically include a variety of bolts, screws, nuts, and washers in different sizes, thread types, and specifications, eliminating the need to purchase individual fixings. Whether you're working on machinery maintenance, automotive repairs, general fabrication, or construction projects, having a well-stocked assortment pack ensures you'll have the right fastener to hand when you need it most.

Professional tradespeople and serious DIY enthusiasts appreciate assorted bolt packs for their value and convenience. Rather than accumulating dozens of partially used boxes of individual fixings, these curated collections provide the most frequently used sizes in practical quantities. Premium brands like Sealey and Draper offer sets tailored to specific applications, from metric and imperial high-tensile bolts to panhead screws and comprehensive nut assortments. Many packs come in sturdy storage cases with compartmentalised sections, making it easy to identify and access the exact fastener you need whilst keeping everything organised on site or in the workshop.

The range available includes general-purpose assortments suitable for everyday tasks, as well as specialist packs containing high-tensile bolts for applications requiring exceptional strength and durability. Imperial UNF (Unified National Fine) thread assortments remain popular for maintaining older equipment and machinery, whilst metric collections align with modern European standards. With pack sizes ranging from 150 to over 350 pieces, there's an assortment to suit every requirement and budget, ensuring you're never caught short without the right fixing for the job.

Jargon Buster

High Tensile

Bolts manufactured from hardened steel with superior strength properties, typically graded 8.8 or above. Essential for applications requiring high load-bearing capacity and resistance to shearing forces.

UNF (Unified National Fine)

An imperial thread standard with finer pitch than UNC (Unified National Coarse), offering greater resistance to vibration loosening. Commonly found on older British and American machinery.

Panhead

A screw head design with a rounded top and flat bearing surface, providing a larger contact area than countersunk heads. Ideal for applications where a flush finish isn't required.

Set Screw

Fully threaded bolts designed to be screwed completely into a tapped hole or secured with a nut. Also known as machine screws or cap screws depending on the application.

Metric Thread

International standard thread system measured in millimetres, denoted by 'M' followed by diameter (e.g., M6, M10). The most common threading system for modern equipment in the UK and Europe.

Thread Pitch

The distance between adjacent threads, measured in millimetres for metric or threads per inch for imperial. Fine pitch threads offer better vibration resistance, whilst coarse pitch provides faster assembly.

Who Uses Assorted Bolt Packs?

• General Builders and Maintenance Engineers - for structural repairs, equipment installation, and general fabrication work
• Motor Mechanics and Vehicle Technicians - essential for automotive repairs, engine work, and bodywork projects
• Agricultural Engineers - maintaining farm machinery, tractors, and agricultural equipment
• Plumbers and Heating Engineers - securing pipework, mounting boilers, and installing radiators
• Electrical Contractors - mounting electrical enclosures, cable trays, and equipment racks
• Carpenters and Joiners - supplementing woodworking fixings for hardware installation and metalwork connections
• Manufacturing and Production Facilities - machine maintenance, assembly line repairs, and production equipment upkeep
• MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Operations) Teams - keeping facilities running with readily available fixings
• DIY Enthusiasts and Home Workshop Users - tackling a wide range of projects without needing to visit the hardware shop repeatedly

How to Choose the Right Assorted Bolt Packs

Thread Standard: Determine whether you need metric, imperial UNF, or imperial UNC threads based on your typical work. Metric is standard for modern European equipment, whilst imperial remains essential for maintaining older British and American machinery. Some workshops require both standards to cover all eventualities.

Grade and Strength: Consider the applications you'll be tackling. High-tensile assortments with grade 8.8 or higher bolts are necessary for structural work, machinery, and load-bearing applications. Standard grade fixings suffice for general assembly and non-critical fastenings.

Size Range: Evaluate which diameters and lengths you use most frequently. Common sizes like M6, M8, and M10 in metric, or 1/4", 5/16", and 3/8" in imperial, feature in most comprehensive packs. Ensure the assortment covers your typical requirements without excessive quantities of sizes you'll rarely use.

Pack Quantity: Balance initial investment against long-term convenience. Larger assortments of 300+ pieces offer better value per fixing and reduce the frequency of restocking, whilst smaller 150-piece sets suit occasional users or those with limited storage space.

Storage Configuration: Look for packs with sturdy, compartmentalised cases that keep fixings organised and prevent mixing. Clear lid panels help identify contents quickly, whilst robust latches ensure the case won't open accidentally during transport.

Brand Reputation: Trusted names like Sealey and Draper maintain consistent quality standards, proper grading, and accurate sizing. Reputable brands use appropriate materials and heat treatments to ensure fixings meet stated specifications and perform reliably under load.

Popular Accessories

• Tap and Die Sets - for creating or repairing threads in existing holes and on damaged bolts
• Thread Repair Kits - HeliCoil-type inserts to restore stripped or damaged threads
• Socket Sets and Spanners - comprehensive wrench collections from brands like Bahco and Wera for fastener installation
• Drill Bit Sets - for creating pilot holes matched to your bolt diameters
• Spring Washer Assortments - providing vibration resistance and preventing loosening
• Flat Washer Collections - distributing load and protecting surfaces beneath bolt heads
• Thread-Locking Compound - Loctite-type adhesives preventing vibration loosening on critical fastenings
• Small Parts Organisers - additional storage boxes from Stanley FatMax or similar for expanding your fastener collection
• Torque Wrenches - ensuring correct tightening specifications, particularly important for high-tensile applications
• Thread Gauges - identifying unknown thread types and pitches when working with unfamiliar equipment

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between metric and imperial bolt packs?

Metric bolts are measured in millimetres (e.g., M8 x 20mm) and use metric thread pitches, which is the European standard. Imperial bolts use inches (e.g., 1/4" x 1") with UNF (fine) or UNC (coarse) threads. Metric is standard for modern equipment in the UK, but imperial remains essential for maintaining older British-made machinery, classic vehicles, and American equipment. The threads are not interchangeable, so matching the correct standard to your application is crucial.

How do I know if I need high-tensile bolts?

High-tensile bolts (typically grade 8.8 or higher) are necessary for structural applications, load-bearing assemblies, machinery mounting, automotive suspension work, and any situation where the fastener experiences significant stress. They feature identifying marks on the head indicating their grade. For general assembly, mounting non-structural components, or applications with minimal stress, standard grade bolts are adequate and more economical.

Can I reuse bolts from an assorted pack?

Standard bolts can generally be reused multiple times provided the threads aren't damaged, they haven't been over-torqued, and there's no visible deformation. However, high-tensile bolts used in critical applications (such as automotive suspension or safety-critical machinery) should typically not be reused, as they may have been stressed beyond their elastic limit. Always replace any bolt showing thread damage, corrosion, or deformation, and follow manufacturer guidelines for safety-critical applications.

What size assortment pack should I buy?

This depends on your usage frequency and variety of work. Occasional DIY users working on home projects may find a 150-piece general assortment sufficient. Professional tradespeople, mobile mechanics, or maintenance engineers typically benefit from larger 300+ piece collections offering comprehensive coverage of common sizes. Consider your storage space, typical project requirements, and whether you work primarily with metric or imperial standards when making your selection.

Are the storage cases reusable for other small parts?

Yes, the compartmentalised cases that assorted bolt packs come in are excellent for organising other small components once the original fixings are used. They're perfect for storing electrical terminals, washers, split pins, O-rings, drill bits, or any small workshop consumables. The clear lids and multiple compartments make them valuable organisational tools, and many professionals purchase additional packs partly for the quality storage cases they provide.