Ask the Expert

Question: Are gimlet points (threaded points) required on large diameter lag screws?

Answer: A lag screw, also referred to as a lag bolt, is a heavy wood screw with a spiral thread and a hex or square head used for driving it into wood. Read More...

Question: Are black bolts painted black?

Answer: Most likely no. Our “black” bolts are unfinished or bare steel. Read More...

Question: What is the ASTM specification for stainless steel washers?

Answer: Stainless steel washers are not made to an ASTM specification; they are only made to raw material specifications. Read More...

Question: How large should I oversize my plate holes?

Answer: Square plates, rectangular plates, round plates, and templates are often required as part of an anchor bolt or fastener assembly. Read More...

Question: Does Portland Bolt sell metric anchor bolt sleeves?

Answer: Portland Bolt does not sell metric anchor sleeves but we do provide them all the time using a soft imperial conversion.

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Question: Can I substitute Grade 5 or A449 bolts for F1554 grade 55 bolts?

Answer: In most circumstances the answer is no. For Grade 5 the answer is never. Read More...

Question: Will imported A307 grade A hex bolts meet the requirements of F1554 grade 36?

Answer: Anchor bolts which are embedded in concrete and used for structural anchorage purposes can assume several forms. Read More...

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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