Assorted Bolt Packs

About Assorted Bolt Packs

Assorted bolt packs are indispensable resources for any tradesperson, mechanic, or workshop environment, providing comprehensive collections of commonly used fasteners in organised, ready-to-use formats. These carefully curated sets typically contain a variety of bolts, screws, nuts, and washers in multiple sizes, thread types, and specifications, eliminating the frustration of discovering you're missing a critical fixing midway through a job. Whether you're undertaking machinery maintenance, automotive repairs, general fabrication work, or construction projects, having a well-stocked assortment pack ensures the right fastener is always within reach, minimising downtime and avoiding unnecessary trips to the suppliers.

Professional tradespeople particularly value assorted bolt packs for their exceptional convenience and cost-effectiveness. Rather than accumulating dozens of partially used boxes cluttering your van or workshop, these comprehensive collections provide the most frequently required sizes in practical quantities. Premium manufacturers like Sealey and Draper offer sets tailored to specific applications, from metric and imperial high-tensile bolts to panhead screws and comprehensive nut assortments. The majority of quality packs are supplied in robust storage cases with compartmentalised sections, making it straightforward to identify and access the precise fastener required whilst maintaining organisation on site or in the workshop environment.

The selection available at Tooled-Up.com includes general-purpose assortments suitable for everyday tasks, alongside specialist packs containing high-tensile bolts for applications demanding exceptional strength and durability. Imperial UNF (Unified National Fine) thread assortments remain essential for maintaining older British equipment and machinery, whilst metric collections align with modern European standards that predominate in contemporary manufacturing. With pack sizes ranging from compact 144-piece sets to comprehensive 366-piece collections, there's an assortment to suit every requirement and budget, ensuring you're never caught short without the appropriate fixing for the job at hand.

Jargon Buster

• High Tensile: Bolts manufactured from hardened steel with superior strength properties, typically graded 8.8 or above. Essential for applications requiring substantial load-bearing capacity and resistance to shearing forces, commonly used in structural and automotive work.
• 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, particularly pre-1970s equipment.
• Panhead: A screw head design featuring 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 and better load distribution is beneficial.
• 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 specific application and head configuration.
• Metric Thread: International standard thread system measured in millimetres, denoted by 'M' followed by diameter (such as M6, M8, M10). The predominant threading system for modern equipment throughout the UK and Europe.
• Thread Pitch: The distance between adjacent threads, measured in millimetres for metric or threads per inch for imperial standards. Fine pitch threads offer superior vibration resistance, whilst coarse pitch provides faster assembly and better performance in softer materials.

Who Uses Assorted Bolt Packs?

• General Builders and Maintenance Engineers: For structural repairs, equipment installation, and general fabrication work across commercial and residential projects.
• Motor Mechanics and Vehicle Technicians: Essential for automotive repairs, engine work, bodywork projects, and maintaining fleets of vehicles.
• Agricultural Engineers: Maintaining farm machinery, tractors, combine harvesters, and agricultural equipment that operates in demanding environments.
• Plumbers and Heating Engineers: Securing pipework, mounting boilers, installing radiators, and fixing brackets for various installations.
• Electrical Contractors: Mounting electrical enclosures, cable trays, equipment racks, and securing distribution boards.
• Carpenters and Joiners: Supplementing woodworking fixings for hardware installation, metalwork connections, and architectural ironmongery.
• Manufacturing and Production Facilities: Machine maintenance, assembly line repairs, production equipment upkeep, and general factory maintenance.
• MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Operations) Teams: Keeping commercial facilities running smoothly with readily available fixings for emergency repairs.
• DIY Enthusiasts and Home Workshop Users: Tackling a diverse range of projects without needing repeated trips to hardware suppliers.

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. Many professional workshops stock both standards to cover all eventualities.

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

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 and value. Larger assortments of 300+ pieces offer better value per fixing and reduce the frequency of restocking trips, whilst smaller 144-150 piece sets suit occasional users or those with limited storage space in their van or workshop.

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

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, essential for maintenance work.
• Thread Repair Kits: HeliCoil-type inserts to restore stripped or damaged threads in aluminium, steel, or cast iron components.
• Socket Sets and Spanners: Comprehensive wrench collections from brands like Bahco and Wera for efficient fastener installation and removal.
• Drill Bit Sets: For creating pilot holes matched to your bolt diameters, ensuring accurate alignment and preventing splitting.
• Spring Washer Assortments: Providing vibration resistance and preventing loosening in machinery and automotive applications.
• Flat Washer Collections: Distributing load evenly and protecting surfaces beneath bolt heads and nuts.
• Thread-Locking Compound: Loctite-type adhesives preventing vibration loosening on critical fastenings in high-vibration environments.
• Small Parts Organisers: Additional storage boxes from Stanley FatMax or similar for expanding your fastener collection systematically.
• Torque Wrenches: Ensuring correct tightening specifications, particularly important for high-tensile applications and safety-critical assemblies.
• Thread Gauges: Identifying unknown thread types and pitches when working with unfamiliar equipment or replacement parts.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Metric bolts are measured in millimetres (such as M8 x 20mm) and use metric thread pitches, which is the European standard. Imperial bolts use inches (such as 1/4" x 1") with UNF (fine) or UNC (coarse) threads. Metric is standard for modern equipment throughout 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 for proper assembly and safety.

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 or vibration. 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. When in doubt, consult the equipment manufacturer's specifications or HSE guidelines for safety-critical applications.

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 or corrosion. 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 during initial use. 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 undertaken. Occasional DIY users working on home projects may find a 144-150 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 are supplied 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, which integrate well with other systems from Stanley and similar manufacturers.