Newest FAQs
Galvanized Bolts with Plain Hardware
Should nuts and washers be galvanized when used with galvanized bolts?The short answer is yes. Here is why: When bolts go through the hot-dip galvanizing process the zinc leaves an extra layer coating the bolt. This extra layer of zinc adds 0.002” – 0.006” of thickness to the bolt. When galvanized nuts are manufactured their threads are tapped oversize to accommodate for the thicker material. ... Read more
Fully Threaded Bolts & Unthreaded Shanks
When a fully threaded bolt is specified, how much of an unthreaded shank is allowed?Fully threaded bolts are often referred to as “tap bolts”. The unthreaded portion of a bolt is often referred to as the “grip”. ASME B18.2.1 is the dimensional standard that covers hex, heavy hex, and square head bolts as well as lag screws. This specification states for fully threaded bolts and lag screws that are... Read more
Tie Rod Measurement
How is a Tie Rod Assembly Measured?The length of a tie rod assembly is typically measured from pin to pin, which is the centerline of the pin of one clevis to the centerline of the pin of the opposing clevis. However, when you are looking to order a tie rod assembly you will need to know additional dimensions. What information is... Read more
Portland Bolt vs. the other guys
What Separates Portland Bolt from Other Suppliers?With Portland Bolt and Manufacturing Company located in the Northwestern part of the United States, you may ask yourself why Portland Bolt would be the best source for your fastener requirement versus a multitude of companies that deal in the fastener industry. Although geographic location is a factor when choosing a fastener supplier, Portland Bolt... Read more
Your Best Lag Screw Order
What should you know about Lag Screws before ordering?Lag screws are used in wood and are installed by rotating the head to screw the lag screw into the wood. Since lag screws are designed to drive into the wood instead of being secured with a nut they have deeper and sharper threads than your average hex-headed bolt which typically uses UNC (national course)... Read more
Type 304 vs. Type 316 Stainless Steel
What is the Difference Between 304 and 316 Stainless Steel?When stainless steel fasteners are specified in the construction industry, 304 and 316 stainless steel are by far the most common. Although 304 and 316 are simply the type of stainless raw materials used to produce a finished fastener to an ASTM specification, it is also common for the finished fastener to be specified as... Read more
Galvanized Anchor Bolt Applications
Do Anchor Bolts Need to be Galvanized?The short answer is no, they don’t need to be galvanized but they can be. In some cases, they should be. You’ll want to consider galvanized anchor bolts if they are going to be in a corrosive environment or exposed to the weather. Galvanizing anchor bolts provide corrosion resistance to the bolt. Instances where it... Read more
Anchor Rods & Bolts
How are Threaded Anchor Rods Used in Concrete?There are a variety of configurations of anchor bolts and anchor rods, such as headed anchor bolts, bent anchor bolts, thread each-end rods, and fully threaded rods. When an anchor rod is specified, it is most likely a rod with threads on each end or a fully threaded rod. If the rod has threads on... Read more
Type 1 vs. Type 3 Structural Bolts
What is the Difference Between Type 1 and Type 3 Structural Bolts?The ASTM F3125 specification covers heavy hex structural bolts including Grades A325 and A490. Both grades include Type 1 and Type 3 options. Tension control bolts in Grades F1852 and F2280 are also available in both Type 1 and Type 3. What is the difference? Type 3 bolts are made from weathering steel designed to eliminate... Read more
Light Pole Anchor Bolts
What Sized Anchor Bolts are Used for Light Poles?Anchor bolts for light poles are configured in several ways. Ordering them can often be confusing and this FAQ will attempt to simplify that process. Light poles each have specific designs and the anchor bolts are designed to the exact specifications of each light pole to match the strength properties and pullout resistance needed to... Read more