Newest FAQs
Coupling Nut Thread Engagement
How much coupling nut thread engagement is required to achieve the strength of the rod?Unfortunately there appears to be no documented information on how much rod engagement into a coupling nut is required to achieve the strength of the rod or bolt being used with it. Coupling nuts are manufactured to the same ASTM specifications as regular hex nuts, and ASME B18.2.2 provides dimensional specifications for coupling nuts. Standard coupling... Read more
Anchor Bolts Too Low or High
What do I do if I poured my anchor bolts too low or too high?The answer can be found in AISC Design Guide 1,Section 2.11.3: “Anchor rod projections that are too short or too long must be investigated to determine if the correct anchor rods were installed. If the anchor rod is too short, the anchor rod may be projecting below the foundation. If the rod projection is too long,... Read more
Between Anchor Bolt Sleeves
What size anchor bolt sleeve do I use to fit a 1-1/8” diameter anchor bolt?This question is often brought to Portland Bolt’s attention by customers wondering how to install an anchor bolt sleeve with a 1-1/8” diameter rod. This issue arises due to the fact that anchor bolt sleeves are not manufactured in 1-1/8” diameter. We knew of two different solutions, but were left wondering which was the preferred... Read more
F1554 Anchor Bolt Tolerances
What are the tolerances for F1554 anchor bolts?In our Live Chat, numerous customers have asked us about tolerances under the F1554 specification relating to things like diameter, length, straightness, and many other parameters. While a customer always has the option of specifying a particular set of tolerances they may require for any bolt, what are the default tolerances for anchor bolts under... Read more
Stainless Steel F1554 Anchor Bolts
Do F1554 anchor bolts come in stainless steel?The answer to this question is no. As stated in Section 1.1, the F1554 specification covers various configurations of, “…carbon, carbon boron, alloy, or high-strength alloy steel anchor bolts.” In general terms, for a steel to be considered “stainless” it must contain at least 10.5% chromium as part of its chemical composition and will often... Read more
End Types for Bolts and Rods
What end types are available for bolts and rods?You can watch a video covering four of these point types: the chamfer, semi-cone, chisel, and 45-degree angle cut. Saw cut end When a large diameter or small quantity of bolts is required, Portland Bolt will saw cut the steel round bar to create the cut lengths for the finished fastener. A saw cut end... Read more
Mechanically Galvanizing Long Fasteners
Can I mechanically galvanize fasteners that are very long in length?Mechanical galvanizing (ASTM B695) is a process in which fasteners are tumbled in a barrel with a mixture of water, zinc powder, other chemicals, and glass impact beads. As the parts are tumbled in the slurry, the zinc is “cold welded” to the fasteners. While some mechanical galvanizers can process parts that over a foot... Read more
Galvanizing 8 Pitch Threads
Why won’t Portland Bolt manufacture galvanized bolts above 1-1/2” diameter with 8 TPI thread?Our two main concerns with providing galvanized bolts larger than 1-1/2” diameter with 8 threads per inch is the lack of overtap allowance standards for the mating nut and the potential for premature thread stripping due to the nut oversizing. Overtap Allowances All inch series hot dip galvanized hex nuts, regardless of grade, are tapped... Read more
Die Seams on Headed Bolts
Are die seams allowed on headed bolts?There are several differences between bolts intended for use in construction and more precision fasteners, such those used in an OEM application. One difference for headed bolts is the process in which the head is formed on the bolt and the resulting appearance of the bolts. Larger, construction headed bolts are typically made by hot-forging... Read more
Correcting Anchor Bolt Damage
If my already installed anchor bolts got bent by accident, is it OK to bend them back?The anchor rods in this photo were damaged because they were covered with snow and the equipment operator did not see them. Every situation is different, and we try to not make recommendations where bent anchors are concerned as we feel it is a question better answered by the project engineer, as he/she will be... Read more