Allen key bolts vs Phillips head make a difference

boltsself-assembly-furniture

I received a metal bed frame without the bolts. The directions have the sizes used in hardware list.

I went to hardware store but they didn’t have M6 bolts with hex head as shown. The sales associate suggested Phillips head. I can only screw them in so far. I thought maybe that’s why they use Allen wrench in directions for more leverage. I found Allen wrench shaped device with Phillips head but could only get one all the way in using it. The rest are stripping the head.

Do I need to find bolts with the hex head instead and use an Allen wrench, or do I need to drill the holes bigger, or is it the material of the screw?

Best Answer

A Phillips head bolt can be more difficult to drive tight than one with an Allen (or hex) head, because the screwdriver will easily slip out of the screw when resistance increases. The way the hex key fits in to an Allen bolt will prevent it from slipping.

However, NoSparksPlease's comment about thread pitch is probably your main issue. Looking for an M6 bolt is only half the battle. You have to have the right pitch and length, as well. If the thread pitch is right, you shouldn't run into nearly as much resistance to driving the screw and a Phillips head should do the job.