Greg's FAQs

Rotational Capacity Tests

Which bolts require a rotational capacity test?

The rotational capacity test, sometimes referred to as a ROCAP test or RC test, serves as a quality control measure against excessively over-tapped nuts, a material with insufficient ductility, and generally assures that the assembly of elements (bolt, nut, and washer) will function together as a unit to achieve the required preloads. The test intends... Read more

Thread Class for All Thread Rod

Is all thread rod produced with a Class 2A thread?

There are three classes of thread fit associated with fasteners: Class 1A/1B, Class 2A/2B, Class 3A/3B. The “A” refers to the externally threaded fastener component, typically the bolt, while “B” refers to the internally threaded fastener component, usually a nut. As the number of thread class increases, the threading tolerances become more precise. Most construction... Read more

Heat-treatment After Forging

Do headed bolds receive heat treatment before or after the heads are forged?

Not all grades of bolts require heat-treating, but those specifications that do are heat-treated after the heads are forged. Heat-treating is performed in a controlled environment using specific quenching and tempering temperatures and durations. The bolts are then tested to ensure the strength of the heat-treated bolts meet the requirements of the given specification. Since... Read more

Shipping Quantities of +/- 10%

Why do some manufacturers have a policy of shipping quantities of +/- 10%?

Portland Bolt does not abide by the practice of shipping quantities of +/- 10%. We feel this policy is ludicrous. We ship exact quantities and the reason is explained below. Shipping +/- 10% is done as a cost-cutting measure by many manufacturers. Since several parts are lost during the manufacturing process (some are used for... Read more

ASTM A153 and Hot-dip Galvanizing

Does Portland Bolt sell hot-dip galvanized bolts that meet the A153 specification?

ASTM A153 is a broad specification covering zinc coating (hot-dip) of iron and steel hardware. In the past, A153 was the hot-dip galvanizing specification referenced by ASTM construction fasteners. The problem was that ASTM Committee F16 on Fasteners did not have any jurisdiction over this specification. Therefore, in 2005 the F2329 fastener-specific hot-dip galvanizing specification was established.... Read more

ASTM B633

Does Portland Bolt sell zinc plated bolts that meet the B633 specification?

ASTM B633 is a broad specification covering electrodeposited zinc coating applied to iron or steel. In the past, this was the zinc plating specification referenced by ASTM construction fasteners. The problem was that ASTM Committee F16 on Fasteners did not have any jurisdiction over this specification. Therefore, in 1998 the F1941 fastener-specific zinc plating specification was... Read more

Galvanizing A193 B7 Bolts

According to the information you give in your site, ASTM A193 Grade B7 can be galvanized. However, this material does not have a maximum tensile strength. Thus, it is possible to have ASTM A193 Grade B7 bolts with a tensile strength higher than 150 ksi and in this case, bolts should not be galvanized. What is your experience about this matter and how high can the tensile strength be in a current production?

The concern with galvanizing any high strength steel is the risk of hydrogen embrittlement. There is plenty of research on galvanizing high strength steels, but conclusions vary on the strength at which hydrogen embrittlement will likely occur when the parts are galvanized. Some research identifies 150 ksi tensile strength as a threshold, but other research... Read more

Stamped F1554 rods

Metric F1554

Does the ASTM F1554 specification allow metric sizes?

The ASTM F1554 specification does not prohibit or allow metric diameter F1554 anchor bolts.  It does not address the subject of metric dimensions at all.  So theoretically, if a manufacturer can locate metric steel round bar that meets both the chemical and mechanical requirements of the specification, metric F1554 anchor bolts can be provided.  Since... Read more

Ductile Steel

Are ASTM F1554 Grade 55 anchor rods > 2” in diameter a ‘ductile steel element’ per ACI 318-05 Appendix D.1?

According to ACI 318-05 Appendix D.1, a “Ductile Steel Element” is an element with a tensile test elongation of at least 14 percent and reduction in area of at least 30 percent. The minimum elongation percentage for any diameter of F1554 Grade 55 anchor rod is 21% and the minimum reduction of area percentage is... Read more

Domestic Washers

Are domestic flat washers a standard stock item?

Standard flat washers are a mass-produced item that Portland Bolt stocks as an accessory to accompany custom sized bolts we manufacture. A washer is a steel ring placed under a nut and/or bolt head to spread the pressure when the assembly is tightened. A washer also creates a smooth bearing surface for the nut to turn... Read more