Perforated shear bolts vs. non-perf?

44trxfun · Jan 7, 2004

I know there was considerable discussion a short time ago about Grade 5 vs. Grade 8 shear bolts. I won't start that up again, but I have a question about the performance of perforated (grooved) vs. non-perforated bolts. I broke my first shear bolt on the snowblower today. Massey supplied two for the augers, both grade 5s, both perforated. Some time ago, I looked at TSC for perforated bolts; couldn't find 'em.

I talked to the dealer; he said they'd be special order from Massy and that if I just used regular Grade 5s, they'd stand behind any warranty work should there be a problem. (The blower is Massey's 2360--a front-mount blower same size (or real close) as those mounted on Kub's BX2200s.

Today's break worked as designed. The bolt broke right at the groove; just slid the remaining piece out and replaced it. Whatd'ya think? Can I just use regular Grade 5s and expect the same performance or should I go ahead and order a few more perforated bolts?

Dave___in___CT · Jan 7, 2004

Hi...

I like using a grooved shear bolt designed for the application rather than a generic bolt...

I expect the special shear bolts are not expensive...

Dave...

BillyP · Jan 7, 2004

These grooved shear bolts are true shear bolts. They've been tested for their intended purpose.

A plain Grade 5 bolt, who knows what the specs might be. I guess it's according to who produced it. If they came from China, there's no telling.

If I used shear bolts, I'd go with the true/real/made for that purpose shear bolt.

PineRidge · Jan 7, 2004

<font color="blue"> I talked to the dealer; he said they'd be special order from Massy and that if I just used regular Grade 5s, they'd stand behind any warranty work should there be a problem. (The blower is Massey's 2360--a front-mount blower same size (or real close) as those mounted on Kub's BX2200s.
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What is your comfort level with your dealer? If he is familiar with what he sells and he is telling you to go for grade 5s then the real decision is up to you.

I would probably opt to spend the extra few bucks and get the originals.

44trxfun · Jan 7, 2004

These guys are third-generation of this dealership. Personally, I'm not real familiar with them as we're new to this area. But I really liked these guys much better than anyone else around when I was shopping. There's been a few "misfires" with them, but all in all I'm pleased with them. Recognizing that a relationship with a dealer is likely a long-term one, some things I let slide, others I speak right up. So far, none of those occurances.

My objective is not really to save a buck (in this instance), it's to keep my blower working through the winter. Repair work that takes it away and out of commission for a couple days is far less desireable than replacing a shear bolt, regardless of whether the work is under warranty. I was just curious about the performance of the different shear bolts...

So where do you guys find these grooved shear bolts, anyway? I was kind of surprised NOT to find them @ TSC!

mgrick · Jan 7, 2004

When I first got my Honda FM blower I used the perforated shear bolts(in the augers) that Honda sold for it they were like a 1.75 for one bolt (a little pricey) and they broke all to easy for that price.I got sick of that and just started using grade 2 bolts from the hardware store for a few cents and they worked and lasted a little longer.

rambler · Jan 9, 2004

The only 'right' thing to do is use the grooved bolt - which only comes from the manufaturer of your implement, not from a generic supplier - so they decide they can charge an arm 7 a leg for a 12 cent bolt to make lots of money.

Rip off.

So, what is your comfort level?

If the grooved bolt is a grade 5, then a regular gr 2 bolt from the harware store will probabably be close to the same. But it might smoosh off & be difficult to remove - bends a bit before snapping, where a gr5 will snap clean.This is what I would do tho - my comfort level.

If the dealer is honest about it, then do what he says. But a gr 5 without the groove will be harder on your blower in the long run?

I ran into about the same thing with my big blower & ag dealer - they sold me a bag of NH bolts to go on my SnoMachine blower - they didn't bother stocking the $$$$ shear bolts, no one would buy them.

--->Paul