Kyle's FAQs

High Strength vs Standard Nuts

Can an A563 Grade DH high strength heavy hex nut be substituted for a lower strength A563 Grade A hex nut?

Yes. According to ASTM A563, the specification covering carbon and alloy steel nuts, the supplier may supply any higher strength nut at anytime, but the supplier must give notice to the purchaser that the substitution is being made. The supplier cannot supply a nut that is prohibited by the inquiry and resulting purchase order. “1.2... Read more

Roll Threading Dimensional Requirements

What specification covers dimensional requirements for roll threaded hex bolts and square head bolts?

ANSI/ASME B18.2.1 is the dimensional specification that covers hex bolts and square head bolts. Note 14 of the specification addresses reduced body material that is used in the roll threading process. “14. Reduced Diameter Body. Bolts may be obtained in “reduced diameter body.” Where “reduced diameter body” is specified, the body diameter may be reduced... Read more

Custom F436 Washers

My plans are calling for a 1" thick, 5" outside diameter ASTM F436 plate washer. My local supplier is telling me that F436 washers only come in standard sizes that are much smaller. Are these larger F436 plate washers available?

Yes. Custom F436 washers can be manufactured to larger sizes per your job’s requirements. Portland Bolt has been involved in many projects where custom F436 washers were specifically called for on a job.  However, ASTM F436 does not technically allow for custom sizes and only allows for very specific types and styles that conform to... Read more

F1554 Grade 55 vs A307 Grade C

My plans call for an A307 grade C anchor bolt and my supplier is offering F1554 grade 55 anchor bolts as a substitution. Is this acceptable?

Theoretically, this substitution makes sense. However, one should always check with the project engineer before making any alterations to the grade or configuration of product that has been specified for the structure. Please note that for liability reasons, Portland Bolt is not recommending that this substitution be made without appropriate approval. The A307 grade A... Read more

Structural Bolt Connection Types

My company is looking to purchase A325SC, A325N, and A325X heavy hex structural bolts. What is the difference between these three?

There is no difference between these bolts. The "X", "SC", and "N" simply identify the type of connection the bolts are used in. "X" and "N" are bearing type connections, where the bolts are being used in shear. “X” means these particular A325 heavy hex structural bolts will be used in a bearing type connection... Read more

Substituting High Strength Nuts

Can an A194 grade 2H nut be substituted for an A563 grade DH nut? If so, does it work the other way around... Can an A563 grade DH nut be substituted for an A194 grade 2H nut?

Both ASTM A194 Grade 2H nuts and ASTM A563 grade DH nuts are high strength nuts that undergo a heat treating process required to develop their strength characteristics. However, they are not necessarily interchangeable. An A194 Grade 2H nut can always be substituted for an A563 Grade DH nut. In fact, the ASTM A563 nut... Read more