It’s important to determine the quality of a bin bolt before purchasing it in bulk. You don’t want to spend money on bolts and spend time waiting on your shipment just to end up realizing, when it’s too late, that they are not high quality. Whether you’re constructing a new bin or making repairs to an old one, the quality of your bolts is going to be vital to your project.

Here are some of the questions you should be asking yourself when determining the quality of a bin bolt, so you can make better purchasing decisions.

What load requirements will you have?

In order to ensure the bolts you purchase are of an appropriate quality for your application, you need to consider what type of bin you’re building and what load requirements you’re going to have. Some bolts that might be considered great for one bin might not work out so well for yours. Make sure you know how much pressure the bolts you buy are going to need to withstand on a regular basis.

Know your bin bolt’s precise load requirements—this will be your base for determining the quality that you need. Any bin bolt that cannot handle your loads won’t be good enough and you’ll have to keep going up a level in quality until you find one that can.

What bolt grade will provide the necessary strength?

The strength of a bin bolt is expressed through its grade. So you’re going to need a basic understanding of the different types of bolt grades to determine quality.

Cheaper bolts, like those made of grade 2 metal, are on the lowest end of quality and could fail under stress. Grade 5 bolts, on the other hand, have been hardened for increased strength, and may be sufficient for your load requirements. However, if you need even higher quality, look for grade 8 bolts—these are used in the most demanding applications requiring the highest safe loads.

How well was the bin bolt manufactured?

The manufacturing process used to create your bolts can have an impact on their overall quality. Bolts that are handled carelessly and threaded inappropriately could be ill-fitting, break on installation, or be unable to withstand heavy loads over time. Bad threading, gaps, and holes in the fasteners will be tell-tale signs of a poor manufacturing process. Make sure the manufacturer you choose to purchase from prioritizes quality, has properly functioning equipment and machinery, and doesn’t cut corners for personal financial gain.

Does it have a protective coating?

Your bolts are not going to be durable over time if they are not coated for protection against the harsh environmental elements they’ll be in contact with. Your outdoor bins are going to be subjected to snow, rain, heat, humidity, and cold—and all of these conditions can rust and otherwise damage your bolts if they aren’t covered with a protective coating.

Though many different types of surface coatings could be adequately sufficient, the highest quality bolts will likely be coated with one of the following four options.

Zinc: Electroplating with zinc is an aesthetically appealing, thinner, and cost-effective option. This coating option is ideal for bolts that won’t be subjected to extreme weather conditions.

Dacromet: This is a non-electrolytic, water-based, thin, and dry coating option. It can protect against corrosion as well as resist against mechanical and chemical damage and is ideal for high-temperature applications.

JS500: An effective and economical surface coating, JS500 is adequately thick to cover steel blemishes that cause corrosion sites for better protection.

JS Plus: This is one of the most superior options that will guarantee a longer lifespan for your bolts and increase quality.

Keep these four questions in mind the next time you need to determine the quality of a bin bolt. If in doubt, consult with a reputable bolt manufacturer for guidance, advice, and recommendations