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anchor-bolt-vs-through-bolt-ferry-international

21 Sep , 2025

Through Bolts vs. Anchor Bolts – Key Differences Every Contractor Should Know

Through Bolts vs. Anchor Bolts: The Complete Guide Contractors Need

 

Why This Choice Cannot Be Taken Lightly

 

On any construction site, bolts look like small details. Yet, they hold the weight of entire structures. A wrongly chosen fastener can mean cracked concrete, shifting machinery, failed inspections, or even collapsed components. The right fastener ensures the project stays safe and compliant for decades.

Two fasteners most commonly confused are through bolts and anchor bolts. At Ferry International, with over 60 years of fastener manufacturing, we’ve seen projects saved — and projects delayed — simply because of this choice.

This guide explains everything clearly, so you never have to search twice.

 

Understanding Anchor Bolts

Anchor bolts are designed to become part of the concrete itself. They don’t just “attach” — they are embedded and form a permanent connection.

 

  1. Design: One end is fixed deep into concrete. The other is threaded for fastening machinery, beams, or plates.
  2. Strength: Built to carry very heavy, structural loads.
  3. Nature: Permanent. Once placed, they cannot be removed or adjusted.

 

Where Anchor Bolts Are Used

 

  1. Foundations of factories and warehouses
  2. Heavy equipment bases are under continuous vibration
  3. Towers, columns, and bridges
  4. Oil, gas, and power infrastructure requiring IS/ASTM/ISO standards
     

Example: In a cement plant, crushers weighing over 50 tons run daily. M24 galvanized anchor bolts, embedded to IS standards, keep the machines aligned and safe despite constant vibration. Without them, the machines would shift, crack the plinth, and stop production.

👉 Anchor bolts are roots of the structure — once set, they stay for life.

 

Understanding Through Bolts

Through bolts work differently. Instead of embedding, they pass completely through the material and are tightened with a nut and washer on the opposite side.

 

  1. Design: Bolt passes through, secured with nut & washer.
  2. Strength: Reliable for medium to heavy loads.
  3. Nature: Adjustable and removable — can be loosened or reused.
     

Where Through Bolts Are Used
 

  1. Safety railings in warehouses and malls
  2. Façade brackets and cladding supports
  3. Equipment mounting where alignment may change
  4. Projects involving mixed materials — wood, masonry, steel, or concrete (if both sides are accessible)
     

Example: A warehouse installed guardrails on its mezzanine. Through bolts allowed fast fixing and later removal when layouts changed. Contractors didn’t have to break the floor — they just unscrewed the bolts and reused them.
 

👉 Through bolts are clamps of construction — firm but flexible.

 

Through Bolts vs. Anchor Bolts: Side-by-Side

 

anchor-bolt-vs-through-bolt-ferry-international

 

FeatureThrough BoltAnchor Bolt
InstallationPasses through with nut & washerEmbedded in concrete, threaded end exposed
Access NeededBoth sidesOne side only
Load CapacityMedium–heavyVery heavy, structural
ServiceabilityAdjustable, removablePermanent
Common SizesM6–M20M10–M36+
Best FitRailings, façades, adjustable supportsFoundations, columns, machinery bases

 

How to Choose: The 3-Step Framework
 

Access Check

  1. Both sides accessible → Through bolt
  2. One side only → Anchor bolt
     

Permanence Check

  1. Temporary or adjustable → Through bolt
  2. Permanent and structural → Anchor bolt
     

Load Check

  1. Medium-heavy → Through bolt
  2. Very heavy, vibrating, or structural → Anchor bolt

 

Mistakes That Lead to Rework

Using through bolts instead of anchor bolts in foundations. Looks fine at first, but slips under real loads.
 

  1. Ignoring finishes. In marine or chemical plants, plain bolts corrode fast — always choose galvanized or stainless.
  2. Choosing by price only. A cheaper fastener can cost 10x more in rework.
  3. Skipping torque checks. Through bolts often need retightening after initial load cycles.

 

Questions Contractors Often Ask
 

1. Which bolt is stronger overall?
Anchor bolts. They are designed for permanent, structural anchorage and can be manufactured up to M36+ for high-load projects.
 

2. Can through bolts be used in concrete?
Yes, but only if both sides are accessible for tightening. They are excellent for railings and facades, but not for heavy foundations.
 

3. What sizes are available?

Through bolts: M6–M20

Anchor bolts: M10–M36+ (with custom manufacturing for larger applications).
 

4. Do finishes really matter?
Yes. Galvanized or stainless finishes protect against corrosion and extend service life in outdoor or industrial environments.
 

5. What’s the most common mistake?
Confusing “strong” with “suitable.” Both bolts are strong, but their suitability depends on permanence, load, and accessibility.

 

Conclusion: The Right Bolt for the Right Job

Through bolts and anchor bolts are not interchangeable — they solve different problems.
 

  1. Anchor bolts: for permanence, safety, and very heavy loads.
  2. Through bolts: for flexibility, speed, and adjustability.
     

With more than six decades of experience, Ferry International provides ISO-certified fasteners, bulk supply, and technical support to ensure every project chooses the right solution from the start.

📌 Next Step: Request a Free Quote or ask our team for technical datasheets tailored to your project.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are anchor bolts used for?

<p><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">Anchor bolts are essential fasteners for securing structures like machinery, pipes, and more in place, ensuring safety and stability in construction and industrial projects.</span><br>&nbsp;</p>

What types of anchor bolts do you supply and where are they used?

<p><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">We supply a wide range of anchor bolts like shield anchors, through bolts, brass anchors, drop-in anchors, eye hooks, and J-hooks. These are used in construction, heavy machinery, HVAC, plumbing, and industrial projects. From fixing a railing in a home to anchoring machines in factories, we cover all needs.</span></p>

How do I select the right anchor bolt for my project?

<p>The right anchor depends on your load, base material, and environment.</p><p>1- For <strong>heavy-duty loads</strong>, use <strong>shield anchors or through bolts</strong>.</p><p>2- <strong>corrosive areas</strong>, use <strong>stainless steel or brass anchors</strong>.</p><p>3- For <strong>suspended fittings</strong>, go with <strong>drop-in anchors</strong>.<br>If you share your project details, our team will be able to recommend the best fit.</p>

Do you manufacture pipe clamps and hinges also?

<p><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">Yes, along with anchor bolts, we also make pipe clamps and industrial hinges. Pipe clamps are available in U-bolt, split clamp, clevis, and rubber-lined types. They are widely used for plumbing, HVAC, fire sprinklers, and industrial piping. Hinges are made for industrial doors and heavy structures.</span></p>

Can I order small quantities or only bulk?

<p>We cater to both retail and bulk orders. Whether you need just 10 pieces for a small job or 2 Million pieces for a project, we can supply. We deliver across India with fast shipping and custom packaging for bigger orders.</p>

What industries can benefit from your products?

<p><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">Our products serve industries like construction, plumbing, HVAC, oil &amp; gas, providing reliable and durable fasteners for various commercial and industrial projects.</span></p>