Structural
Stick Wax
Stick wax lubricant for structural bolt threads and nut faces, 425g.
About the Stick Wax
Stick wax lubricates structural bolts: wax on the threads and the washer face of the nut cuts friction so the bolt reaches its tension with less torque, a fix Hobson recommends where bolts twist off, a powered tool stalls before the DTI bumps compress, or the lubricant has dried out. It comes as a 425g stick, sold singly. Never use it on TC bolts: Hobson says extra lubrication should never be applied to them. The guide below covers when and how to use it.
Also called bolt wax, wax stick lubricant or thread wax.
Features
- Wax stick form
- Lubricant
Applications
- Structural bolts that twist off before reaching tension
- Bolts whose factory lubricant has dried out
- Helping a powered tool reach DTI compression
What stick wax is for in structural bolting
Structural bolts are tightened to a tension, not a torque. Hobson's Squirter DTI troubleshooting article puts it plainly: torque is not tension, and torque values are not published for structural assemblies because torque cannot be used for installation (refer to AS 4100). What stands between the tool and the tension is friction, between the nut and bolt threads and between the nut and the washer.
That is the job of stick wax. Hobson's article names this product (Hobson part XXWSC) where bolts are breaking in torsion because the lube has dried out, possibly from poor storage, and recommends wax on the washer face of the nut and the threads of the bolt where bolts break before reaching minimum tension or a powered tool stalls before the DTI bumps compress. Less friction means less torque, or power, to tension the bolt properly, and less risk of the bolt twisting off before it reaches tension.
Never on TC bolts
Hobson's TC bolt data sheet says additional lubrication should never be applied to TCBOLTs, that changes to the coating or foreign matter will affect the tension, and that dirty, oily or rusted assemblies should not be used. A TC bolt is tightened until its spline end shears off, so extra lubricant changes the tension it reaches. Use TC bolts as supplied, keep them in the carton, protected from dirt and moisture, and take out only the assemblies you are about to use.
Stick wax: the product
One product, sold singly. Select the row to open it in the selector.
Hobson stick wax lubricant. Contents from Hobson's stocklist (Stick Wax Lubricant 425G); form and composition from the safety data sheet Hobson links for it (CRL Tube Wax Lubricant). Tap a number to show it in the selector above.
| Product | Code | Contents | Form | Made from | Minimum order |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stick wax lubricant | XXWSC | 425g | Solid, off-white, waxy odour, insoluble in water | Hydrocarbon, microcrystalline and paraffin waxes, tallow, stearic acid | 1 |
How to use stick wax on a bolt assembly
- Check the bolting is not TC bolts. If it is, do not wax it.
- Rub the wax onto the threads of the bolt (the male thread), before the nut goes on.
- Rub wax onto the washer face of the nut, the face that turns against the hardened washer.
- Assemble and tension to the method in the job specification (part-turn, DTI washers or as specified). Waxing does not change how tension is checked.
- If you use DTI washers, keep the bumps facing away from the steel with a hardened washer against them, and check the gap with a feeler gauge as Hobson's DTI guidance sets out. Hobson's article puts the wax on the bolt threads and the nut washer face only.
Store bolts dry so they need less help
Hobson's article ties most friction problems to storage: keep assemblies away from dirt, heat and moisture, because the drier and rustier the bolt, the more energy it takes to reach full tension, and white rust on galvanised bolts creates more friction. It also warns that covering bolt assemblies with a tarp in humid conditions keeps them dry but leads to sweating and direct corrosion.
Handling and storing the wax
- The safety data sheet says the product is not classified as hazardous under the GHS, and may irritate eyes and skin.
- Wear eye protection; the sheet lists goggles and rubber or neoprene gloves. Wash with soap and water after use.
- Store it away from sources of ignition and heat: the sheet says not to store it near heat sources above 100 degrees F (about 38 degrees C), so do not leave it on a dashboard or in direct sun.
- For first aid and full details, read the safety data sheet; ask us and we will send it.
Stick wax in Adelaide
Allmat supplies stick wax, structural bolts, nuts and washers, DTI washers and feeler gauges to steel fabricators and erectors across Adelaide and South Australia. Add the wax to your bolting list and we will price the lot.
Stick wax and structural bolting gear
Stick wax, structural bolts, nuts and washers, DTI washers and feeler gauges are available to order from Allmat for steel fabricators, erectors, builders and trade across Adelaide and South Australia. Order through Allmat, we pick and pack it, then click and collect from the Allmat yard or have it delivered to site.
Goes with
Questions
What is stick wax used for?
Lubricating structural bolt assemblies where friction is a problem. Hobson's article recommends it where bolts twist off before reaching minimum tension, a powered tool stalls before the DTI bumps compress, or the lubricant has dried out: wax on the bolt threads and the washer face of the nut cuts friction, so the bolt reaches tension with less torque.
Can I use stick wax on TC bolts?
No. Hobson says additional lubrication should never be applied to TC bolts, because it changes the tension they reach. Use them as supplied, clean and dry, straight from the carton.
Where do I put the wax on a bolt?
On the threads of the bolt and the washer face of the nut, the face that turns against the washer.
Why are my structural bolts twisting off before tension?
Hobson puts it down to friction between the threads and between the nut and the washer, often from lube that has dried out or dirty, rusty or white-rusted bolts. Wax the bolt threads and nut washer face, and store bolting dry.
Does waxing a bolt mean I can tighten it by torque?
No. Hobson's article says torque is not tension and torque values are not published for structural assemblies; tension is set by the method in the job specification, such as part-turn or DTI washers.
How big is a stick of wax?
425g (Hobson's stocklist lists it as Stick Wax Lubricant 425G), sold singly.
Where can I buy stick wax in Adelaide?
Order through Allmat. Order ahead by phone on 1300 03 03 63 or send your list for a quote, then click and collect from 25 Kapara Road, Gillman, or have it delivered to site.
Stick Wax: sizes and finishes we supply
1 line by finish. Pick one above for its product code and pack sizes.
| Finish | Sizes | Lines |
|---|---|---|
| WAX | 425g | 1 |
Data sheets and documents
The documents for the product you choose are listed with the selector above. Here is every Stick Wax document from Hobson Engineering.
All Stick Wax documents (2)
Safety data sheets (1)
Guides and articles (1)
Need them in bulk?
Add the sizes you need to your quote, or send us your list and we’ll price the lot and supply it with the rest of your order.
Browse all tools