Step Bolts

Step bolts have a large, rounded head and a square neck, installed in series on utility poles, transmission towers, and tanks to serve as climbing steps. The wide head provides a foot-bearing surface, while the square neck locks the bolt against rotation for tightening from the nut side. We stock step bolts in high-strength galvanized steel for utility and structural use.

Why Step Bolts

On towers, poles, and tanks, step bolts double as fasteners and climbing rungs. The large round head is strong enough to bear a climber's weight and broad enough for a boot, and the square neck keeps the bolt from spinning so it can be torqued from inside. They must be high-strength and corrosion-resistant because they're a safety-critical, weather-exposed climbing surface.

Construction and Strength

Step bolts are made from medium-carbon or alloy steel for the load capacity required to support a person, and are almost always hot-dip galvanized for long outdoor life on exposed structures. Many are furnished with nuts. The square neck must seat fully for the anti-rotation feature to work.

Selecting the Right Step Bolt

Match the bolt to the tower or pole hardware specification, the length to the structure thickness plus nuts, and choose galvanized for outdoor durability. Verify the head diameter meets the climbing/bearing requirement and that the grade supports the rated load. Always follow the structure manufacturer's hardware spec for safety-critical climbing steps.

Use the filters to narrow by size, length, and finish. Orders before 12 PM ET ship same day.