Global Names for Hex Bolts – Regional Terms & Variations
Hex Bolt Names Around the World: What Buyers and Engineers Actually Say
If you source or sell hex bolts across borders, you’ll hear a mix of names: hex bolt, hex head bolt, hexagon bolt, and hex cap screw. They all describe a six-sided head fastener. In purchasing and drawings, use the term that matches the standard on the line (ISO/DIN/JIS/UNI/KS) so suppliers quote the right part.
Regional naming—plain English and local language
| Region / Market | Common English Name | Local Language Name | Typical Standards Seen | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Europe (general) | Hex bolt / Hex head bolt / Hexagon bolt | — | ISO 4014 (partial), ISO 4017 (full), DIN 931/933 | ISO has replaced many DIN references; both still appear on prints and listings. |
| Japan | Hex bolt / Hexagon bolt | 六角ボルト (Rokkaku Boruto) | JIS B 1180 (bolts), JIS property classes | Local catalogs often show English + JIS code for export clarity. |
| India | Hex bolt / Hex cap bolt / Machine bolt | — (English predominates in trade) | ISO 4014/4017, DIN 931/933, IS equivalents | “Hex cap bolt” may appear in listings; confirm whether a cap screw spec is intended. |
| France | Hex bolt / Hexagon bolt | vis à tête hexagonale / boulon hexagonal | ISO 4014/4017, NF, EN | On prints you may see “vis H, M8×50 – 8.8”. |
| Italy | Hex bolt | vite a testa esagonale | DIN 931/933 ↔ ISO 4014/4017 ↔ UNI 5737/5739 | Italian catalogs often show DIN/ISO/UNI side by side. |
| Korea | Hex bolt | 육각 머리 볼트 (Yukgak Meori Bolteu) | KS (Korean Standards) + ISO | Export listings commonly keep the English term “Hex Bolt”. |
When to write “hex bolt” vs “hex cap screw”
- Hex bolt — general construction and assembly with a nut; broader tolerances are typical.
- Hex cap screw — usually a washer face under the head and tighter tolerance; often installed into tapped holes.
- Avoid “hex cap” alone — not specific enough in quotes or drawings.
Standards quick map (use on your PO line)
- ISO: 4014 (partially threaded), 4017 (fully threaded).
- DIN: 931 (partial), 933 (full) — legacy but still widely referenced.
- UNI (Italy): 5737 (partial), 5739 (full) — aligned with DIN/ISO families.
- JIS (Japan): B 1180 for hex bolts; property classes per JIS.
- KS (Korea): KS hex bolt/nut specs; export listings often also cite ISO.
How to write a clean, quotable line item
Clear lines help suppliers quote faster and prevent substitutions. Example:
Example: Hex bolt, M10×50, pitch 1.5, ISO 4017, property class 8.8, zinc plated, ISO 4042, qty 2,000.
- Size & thread: diameter × length + pitch (for metric fine).
- Standard: ISO 4014/4017 (or DIN/UNI/JIS/KS as required).
- Property class: e.g., 8.8, 10.9, 12.9.
- Coating: zinc, black oxide, HDG, Geomet®, etc.
- Docs: if needed, add PPAP, material certs, salt spray, RoHS/REACH.
Buying or benchmarking?
Browse our current Hex Bolts catalog for sizes, grades, finishes and pack options. If you need regional labeling (FR/IT/JP/KR) on the packing list, mention it at RFQ stage—we can print both English and the local term.
Key takeaways
- Across regions, “hex bolt” is understood; France/Italy/Japan/Korea also use clear local names.
- “Hex cap screw” is valid but more specific; avoid “hex cap” by itself.
- Put the standard on the line (ISO/DIN/JIS/UNI/KS) to make cross-border purchasing smoother.
