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Question: Can I mechanically galvanize fasteners that are very long in length?

Answer: Mechanical galvanizing (ASTM B695) is a process in which fasteners are tumbled in a barrel with a mixture of water, zinc powder, other chemicals, and glass impact beads. Read More...

Question: Can I use a hot-dip galvanized nut on a plain finish bolt?

Answer: Hot-dip galvanized nuts cannot be used on a plain finish bolt.

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Question: What is the length tolerance for a bolt?

Answer: ASME B18.2.1 has a table that deals with the length tolerance for square, hex, heavy hex, and askew head bolts.

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Question: Can I weld to your malleable beveled washers?

Answer: Along with shear plates and round malleable washers, malleable beveled washers are made with ASTM A47 cast malleable iron.

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Question: Can an A563 Grade DH high strength heavy hex nut be substituted for a lower strength A563 Grade A hex nut?

Answer: Yes. According to ASTM A563, the specification covering carbon and alloy steel nuts, the supplier may supply any higher strength nut at anytime, but the supplier must give notice to the purchaser that the substitution is being made. Read More...

ANSI/ASME B18.2.1 is the dimensional specification that covers hex bolts and square head bolts.  Read More...

Question: My plans are calling for a 1″ thick, 5″ outside diameter ASTM F436 plate washer. My local supplier is telling me that F436 washers only come in standard sizes that are much smaller. Are these larger F436 plate washers available?

Answer: Yes. Custom F436 washers can be manufactured to larger sizes per your job’s requirements. Portland Bolt has been involved in many projects where custom F436 washers were specifically called for on a job.

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Question: My plans call for an A307 grade C anchor bolt and my supplier is offering F1554 grade 55 anchor bolts as a substitution. Is this acceptable?

Answer: Theoretically, this substitution makes sense. However, one should always check with the project engineer before making any alterations to the grade or configuration of product that has been specified for the structure. Please note that for liability reasons, Portland Bolt is not recommending that this substitution be made without appropriate approval.

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Question: My company is looking to purchase A325SC, A325N, and A325X heavy hex structural bolts. What is the difference between these three?

Answer: There is no difference between these bolts. The “X”, “SC”, and “N” simply identify the type of connection the bolts are used in. “X” and “N” are bearing type connections, where the bolts are being used…

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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...