Technical FAQs

Three Radial Lines on a Hex Bolt

I am replacing old 1-3/4” diameter hex bolts that are marked with 3 radial lines. What grade are these bolts?

The SAE J429 Grade 5 specification used to share the same head marking requirement as ASTM A449. A449 and Grade 5 are virtually identical both chemically and mechanically, but where the Grade 5 specification stops at 1-1/2” diameter, A449 continues up to 3”. They shared the three radial line head marking that Grade 5 still... Read more

Fully Threaded Headed Bolts

Can Portland Bolt make fully threaded headed bolts?

It depends. To answer this question, we have to go into the details about the different ways to we can thread a bolt. As well as different head styles.  Roll Thread  We can thread to within 2” of the head. We can thread up to 1” diameter bolts that are mild steel, stainless steel, or... Read more

Standard Bend Radius

What is the standard bend radius on right angle anchor bolt?

ASME B18.31.5 is, “The standard that establishes general requirements for parts classified as bent bolts.“ According to this specification, “The inside diameters or bend radii shall be as agreed between the buyer and manufacturer, as each dimension depends on material characteristics.” In essence, there is no standard guideline for the radius of the bend in... Read more

Tie Rod Thread Lengths

How much thread length will I need on the tie rods I am ordering?

Unlike hex bolts, lag screws, and structural bolts, there is no standard thread length for tie rods.  A detailer or engineer may specify the thread length for tie rods, but it is not uncommon for the thread length to be left unspecified.  When thread lengths are not specified, Portland Bolt will determine the thread length... Read more

Common Anchor Rod Configurations

Anchor Rod Thread Length

How do I know how much thread length I need on my anchor rods?

There are no standard thread length calculations for anchor rods.  Anchor bolt thread length will depend on the required projection for the protruding end and the required hardware or configuration for the embedded end.  It is very common for structural drawings to detail the required thread lengths for anchor bolts. Bottom Threads Bottom threads will... Read more

Snug Tight

What would you regard as snug tight?

Snug tight is defined by the AISC/RCSC as when all the plies in a connection have been pulled into firm contact by the bolts in the joint, and the bolts have been tightened sufficiently to prevent removal of the nuts without a wrench. They go onto say that this is typically achieved by a few... Read more

Thread Angle

What is the thread angle degree requirement for threaded rods?

Per ASME B1.1, threaded rods should be made at a 60 degree top angle. This is a standard that is produced throughout the United States, however, in recent years, Chinese manufacturers have figured out a way to save on steel costs by manufacturing threaded rods with 45 or 50 degree angles. This material does not... Read more

Clevis Pin Options

What options are available for different configurations of clevis pins?

A tie rod assembly, used to brace steel columns, large timbers or canopies, often comes with clevises which are attached to mounting plates by a pin. These pins typically come in three configurations: headed pins with cotters, straight pins with cotters, and A325 structural bolts with a nut. Headed or ‘vertical’ pins possess a small... Read more

Stainless Grade 55 All Thread

Can I get stainless steel all thread rod in grade 55?

The reference to “Grade 55” is for getting a stainless steel all thread rod with a minimum yield strength of 55,000 psi. There are currently no stainless steel specifications commonly stocked that will guarantee a 55,000 psi yield strength. The most commonly stocked grades of stainless all thread rod are A193, A320, and F593. The... Read more

Large Diameter Anchor Rods

What ASTM specifications are available for anchor bolts with diameters larger than what is covered by ASTM F1554?

The ASTM F1554 specification for anchor bolts ranges from ½ - 4”Ø in Grade 36 and 55 and ½” – 3”Ø in Grade 105. Other material specifications are available for diameters larger than what is covered by F1554, but in some cases they are not technically fastener specifications. Grade Identification Size Inches 36 1⁄2 – 4 55... Read more