Ask the Expert

Question: What is Product Liability Insurance? Which companies should have it? Truly an asset you may not always like paying for but one you surely cannot live without. All manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, in fact all those involved in the “stream of commerce” should have adequate product liability insurance. Product liability insurance is an insurance policy [...] Read More...

Question: Are current ASTM galvanizing standards suitable for use with the new chemicals being used in pressure treated wood? Some people have told me I need to use double or triple dipped fasteners. Is this true? Answer: Since the new chemicals (alkaline copper quat [ACQ], copper azole [CBA-A and CA-B], and sodium borates [SBX]) now [...] Read More...

Question: Do your products have a UL Listing or ICC-ES report available? Answer: No. The products manufactured by Portland Bolt do not fall under the umbrella of products that would require a UL listing or ICC-ES report. There are three main governing bodies that cover specifications for fasteners. ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) [...] Read More...

Question: Is it acceptable practice to alter a bolt’s length in the field if it is too long? Answer: Altering a bolt’s length or configuration in the field is acceptable as long as it does not change the length originally specified by the designer or engineer. If a bolt is longer than what was originally [...] Read More...

Question: What is the difference between Grade 5 and A325 bolts? Answer: While these two bolts are virtually identical in terms of chemical and physical strengths and properties, there are several differences between the two. The Grade 5 specification falls under the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) classification system, while A325 is an ASTM specification. ASTM A325 bolts are more commonly specified by engineers for use in structural steel connections on heavy construction projects, while SAE Grade 5 bolts are more common in OEM-type applications. Read More...

Question: What are the differences between 18-8, type 304, and type 316 stainless steels?

Answer: To answer this question, you first need to know some basic information about stainless steel. “Stainless Steel” is the general name for a large family of alloy steels that contain at least 10.5% chromium as part of their composition.

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This post gives a detailed description of different end types for rods and bolts. Sheared and saw cut ends of rods are covered, as well as chamfered, semi-cone, cone, and gimlet points for bolts. Specific applications and product types for each end type are discussed. Read More...

Question: How do I determine the strength of a specific diameter of bolt?

Answer: In most cases, the strength of a given material used to make a fastener has strength requirements or parameters described as pounds per square inch (psi) or thousands of pounds per square inch (ksi). This is helpful when analyzing what grade of material should be used for a given application, but this doesn’t tell us the actual strength of that diameter of material. In order to calculate the actual strength values of a given diameter, you would use the following formulas:

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Question: Can a bolt be reused? If so, what grades and in what scenarios?

Answer: A bolt that has already been used in a given application may or may not be reused, depending on the grade, application, and recommendation of the “Engineer of Record”. There is a tremendous amount of conflicting opinions on this subject, but the only definitive published information we can find on this issue from a reputable source is in regards to ASTM A325 and A490 structural bolts.

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Question: What are the differences between hex bolts ordered as type 304 stainless steel, A193 Grade B8, and F593 Group 1 (type 304 stainless)?

Answer: Hex bolts are often ordered as a type 304 stainless and not to a specific ASTM specification. When bolts are ordered under the raw material grade (type 304) and not to an ASTM fastener specification, there are no specific requirements other than that they meet the chemical and physical requirements of 304 stainless steel and ASME B18.2.1 dimensional requirements for hex bolts.

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