Anthony's FAQs

Certified Mill Test Reports

What is a “CMTR”?

The acronym CMTR stands for, “Certified Mill Test Report” or “Certified Material Test Reports.”  As a manufacturer, it is imperative that we are using the correct raw material when manufacturing a given part, whether it is a bolt or fabricated steel plate.  A CMTR is provided by the raw material producer (mill), which is a... Read more

ASTM A47 vs. A48 vs. A536

What is the difference between ASTM A47, A48, and A536?

ASTM A47, A48, and A536 are all casting specifications. Each grade has its own strength requirements and base material used. Each grade is also commonly associated with a particular finished part that Portland Bolt stocks. ASTM A47 ASTM A47 covers ferritic malleable castings intended for general use at temperatures from normal ambient to approximately 750°... Read more

Structural Bolt

Head Style Requirements

Do ASTM and SAE Grades Require a Specific Head Style?

When selecting an ASTM grade of fastener for a particular application, the chemical and mechanical requirements are normally considered first, but there are some fastener specifications that require a certain head style as well.  Below is a chart showing some common ASTM grades and whether or not they have requirements for the pattern of forged... Read more

Thread Runout

What is “thread runout” and what specifications cover it?

The thread runout portion of a bolt is where the threaded section transitions into the bolt shank.  This area exists beyond where the usable thread stops.  In other words, if you were to assemble a nut all the way onto a bolt, the nut will stop, but there will still be a small portion of... Read more

Rural Utilities Service

What is the RUS or the Rural Utilities Service?

The United States Rural Utilities Service (RUS) is in charge of administering programs that provide rural communities with infrastructure or infrastructure improvements. The programs administered by the RUS include water and waste treatment, electric power, and telecommunications services. The RUS is a part of the USDA Rural Development Agency of the United States Department of Agriculture. The RUS provides assistance... Read more

Custom Coupling Nuts

Can coupling nuts be made in custom lengths?

Hex and heavy hex coupling nuts can be made in custom lengths. Depending on the size and grade, however, there may be an extended lead time associated with doing that. Off-the-shelf coupling nut lengths have fairly few options for a given diameter. As long as the coupling nut is long enough to achieve the desired thread... Read more

1/2″ x 1″ Structural Bolts

Are ½” A325 Structural Bolts available in 1” length?

A325 structural bolts start at ½” diameter with the shortest length available being 1-1/4”. As far as the ASTM specification is concerned, there is not an official documented reason as to why they are not readily available; however when asked to provide 1” length, we have found that they are not easily obtained in the marketplace.... Read more

Split Ring

Split Ring Grades

Are Split Rings Graded the Same as Shear Plates?

Unlike shear plates, split rings are not made to a particular specification. Shear plates are made to a dimensional specification, ASTM D5933 and are made from a malleable casting meeting the ASTM A47 Grade 32510 specification. This is a specification that covers ferritic malleable castings intended for general use. Other products which are made to... Read more

Product Catalog

Can Portland Bolt mail me a catalog and a price list?

Portland Bolt does not have a traditional catalog or price list. The reason for this is because the majority of fasteners supplied by Portland Bolt are custom made on a per order basis. Once manufactured, the parts are shipped out immediately to the end user, so a price list would not be easy to compile. Portland... Read more

Dimensioned Closed Eye Bolt

Turned Eye Bolts

Do Portland Bolt eye bolts have load ratings?

Portland Bolt manufactures eye bolts to pretty much any size imaginable. The type of eye bolt that Portland Bolt makes is not forged, but is turned and can be welded shut if needed. When load ratings are provided for eye bolts, they are normally for forged eye bolts, where the eye is formed as one solid... Read more