Square-Head Bolts for Dummy Mechanics

Square-head bolt

If you took a poll of the staffers here at the Antisocial Network, you would probably learn that the freelancers for which our team members reserve the most scorn are those with "journalism" degrees. We aren't certain when the degree's name changed to "communications," but they're just as bad. Apparently these people are taught that they can appear to be experts on anything, even when they know jack about the topic. Well, they can't – and Lori Kilchermann of WiseGeek.com proves that point with the AboutMechanics.com post, "What are Square Head Bolts?"

The staffer who turned up this post has seen a few bolts in his time; so he was nonplussed, to say the least, to note that nowhere does Kilchermann mention that there are also hex-headed bolts – with one notable exception, in which Lori "explains" that

"Square-head bolts, which often actually have a hexagonal head, can be used to secure wooden planks and other materials."

Ummm, no, Lori, the use of the word "square" specifically refers to four sides. Dumbass! With an opening like that, our staffer soon realized that Kilchermann had no earthly idea what the difference between a square-head and a hex-head bolt is, and conflated them throughout her post; to wit:

• "Square head bolts are typically lag bolts. These lag bolts resemble very large screws and are used when assembling heavy lumber." – No, lag bolts don't "resemble very large screws", lag screws do. Lag bolts are used to assemble all sorts of things, and can have either square or hex heads.
• "The advantage in using square head bolts is that they can be tightened with an adjustable wrench." – Ummm, so can a hex-head... idiot. That's not to mention socket wrenches, which are specifically designed for use with hex-head bolts and nuts.
• "[Electrical] Connections, such as wall outlets and light switches, enjoy the advantages that square head bolts provide when being used in close quarters." – "Enjoy"? Moron.

Kilchermann failed miserably in answering the question, since she never once used either the word "four" or the word "six"; never once mentioned that square head bolts have largely been replaced by hex-heads.  Only someone completely ignorant of tools could answer the question "What is a Square Head Bolt" without mentioning those facts... and that sort of ignorance makes Lori our Dumbass of the Day – again.

copyright © 2018-2021 scmrak

DD - HAND TOOLS