Newest FAQs

ASTM A193 B7 vs. A193 B7M

What is the difference between A193 Grade B7 & A193 Grade B7M?

Several ASTM specifications are followed by an “M” that denotes it being an equivalent metric standard. While there is actually an A193M Grade B7 specification which is applicable to metric fasteners, this is not the case with ASTM A193 Grade B7M. This is a different grade of material than A193 Grade B7. So how exactly... Read more

Straightness Tolerances for F1554

Are there straightness tolerances for ASTM F1554 anchor bolts?

The answer to this question is no. The ASTM F1554 specification defines tolerance ranges for various dimensional requirements such as thread dimensions, thread length variance, overall length, (and in the case of bent anchor bolts) bend section, hook length, and bend length. However, no tolerances are given for straightness. The reason for this is because... Read more

Hex Lag Screw

Gimlet Points on Lag Screws

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

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. Large diameter lag screws typically do not require gimlet points because of the need for a pilot hole to lower the torque required to... Read more

Hot-Dip Galvanizing Specifications

Does ASTM A123 apply to bolts and fasteners as a galvanizing specification?

ASTM A123 does not cover threaded bolts and fasteners. ASTM A153 and F2329 are the ASTM specifications that cover the requirements for hot-dip zinc coating of fasteners. ASTM A123 This specification covers the requirements for hot-dip galvanizing on iron and steel products made from rolled pressed and forged shapes, castings, plates, bars, and strips. It... Read more

Fastener Strength Terminology

What does yield, tensile, reduction of area, proof load, hardness, elongation, and shear mean in the context of fastener strength?

The following terms are measurements of strength that are commonly used in the fastener industry. All ASTM and SAE graded fasteners possess requirements for some or all of these strength characteristics. Our Strength Requirements by Grade Chart will provide a list of these strength requirements for each specification. Yield The yield strength or yield point of... Read more

Ordering Bolts to ASTM A588

Can I order bolts to A588?

ASTM A588 is a common steel standard that covers high strength, low-alloy structural steel shapes, plates, and bars with improved atmospheric corrosion resistance that is intended for riveted, bolted, or welded construction. Fasteners are not specifically included in the scope of A588, but that doesn’t stop engineers and contractors from asking for A588 bolts. Why is... Read more

Ordering Bolts to A572 Grade 50

Can I order bolts to A572 Grade 50?

ASTM A572 is a common structural steel standard that covers five grades (42, 50, 55, 60, 65) of high strength, low-alloy structural steel shapes, plates, and bars that is intended for riveted, bolted, or welded construction. Fasteners are not specifically included in the scope of A572, but that doesn’t stop engineers and contractors from asking for... Read more

Ordering Bolts to ASTM A36

Can I order bolts to ASTM A36?

ASTM A36 is a very common steel standard that covers structural carbon steel shapes, plates and bars. Fasteners are not specifically included in the scope of A36, but that doesn’t stop engineers and contractors from asking for A36 bolts. Why is that an issue? The inherent problem with trying to order bolts to a ASTM... Read more

Metric to Imperial Grade Equivalents

What are the imperial/ASTM equivalents for metric fastener grades?

Both ASTM F568M and ISO 898-1 outline several grades of metric fastener, from low carbon/low strength, up to high strength/heat treated alloy grades. The equivalents listed below should be only considered as rough equivalents. Special care should be taken before substituting grades to make sure that an acceptable substitute is being used. For example, grade... Read more

Thread Pitch for 1-5/8″ Bolts

What is the Unified National Coarse thread pitch for a 1-5/8” diameter bolt?

Currently, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) specification B 1.1 does not define a “standard” Unified National Coarse (UNC) thread pitch for 1-5/8” diameter bolts (or 1-7/8” for that matter). The “pseudo standard” coarse thread that is often used in the industry is 5-1/2 threads per inch. The 8UN (eight threads per inch) series... Read more