Threaded rod is a widely used fastener with many applications. This guide aims to provide answers to all common questions about it.

What is Threaded Rod?

Threaded rod, also known as threaded bar and all thread, is a stud that is used to fasten materials together in tension.

Unlike a bolt, on a threaded rod the thread extends the whole length of the bar. Threaded rods can be cut to the desired length with a threaded rod cutter, a hacksaw or a bandsaw. They can be bought at pre-cut lengths (often 1m) or cut to size on the job.

Threaded rod can be connected with nuts called studding connectors. Standard nuts and washers can be also be used. After cutting the rod to length, the burr (rough edge) may need a small amount of filing so nuts can be screwed smoothly over the ends of the thread.

Threaded Rod Uses

Threaded rod has a vast range of applications in the construction, manufacturing, automative, and aerospace industries. Some applications include:

• Ground anchoring

• Bridge strengthening

• Cross ties

• Pinning two materials together, e.g. wood to metal

Left-Handed Threaded Rod

Threaded rod is usually right-hand threaded by default, so that clockwise rotation tightens the rod to a fastener. For applications where motor vibration can loosen a threaded rod, a left-handed rod is more suitable than a right-handed thread.

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Threaded Rod Materials

Threaded rod is most frequently manufactured in steel. High tensile steel is strong, resistant to corrosion, and ductile. Threaded rod can also be purchased in aluminium, brass, copper, nylon, stainless steel, and titanium.

Undercut studs, known as rolled thread, are the strongest type of threaded rods, because the production process preserves the grain of the steel. Full-bodied studs, known as cut thread, are weaker, because the production process involves removing metal to create the thread, weakening the steel.

Threaded Rod Pitch

The pitch of threaded rod refers to the distance from the crest of one thread to the next.

Fine pitch is prefered in situations where fine adjustments to the position of a nut may be needed, or where vibration can loosen the thread. Fine pitch thread is therefore often used in the automative and aviation industries, as well as model-making. UNF (Unified National Fine) is a type of fine pitch threaded rod common in the USA and Canada.

It is important to ensure that the nuts you use match the pitch of the thread on the rod.

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Metric Threaded Rod Sizes

In metric threaded rod sizing, M8 means 8mm width, M10 means 10mm width, and so on.

Shop4Fasteners supply threaded rod in a vast range of popular sizes, from M2, all the way up to M48.

Browse our wide selection of threaded rod online.