Portland Bolt Survivor League

Newest FAQs

How do tie rods attach to a structure?

Tie rods are attached by sliding a gusset plate or knife plate, which is fastened to a structure, in between the ears of a clevis. A clevis pin or A325 structural bolt, is then assembled through the pin holes on the clevis and through the hole in the plate. Gusset plates are attached to the... Read more

Are ASTM A307 bolts and rods always weldable?

A307 bolts, rods, and studs are not always weldable.  For this grade to be weldable it must meet the supplementary requirement S1 of the ASTM A307 specification.  This supplement provides assurances of weldability by additional chemical composition restrictions and by a carbon equivalent formula.  In addition, “Because of the embrittling effects of welding temperatures on... Read more

What are the grade marking requirements for SAE rods or studs?

Answer: SAE J429 is a Society of Automotive Engineers specification for bolts covering “the mechanical and material requirements for inch-series steel bolts, screws, studs, sems1, and U-bolts used in automotive and related industries in sizes to 1-1/2 in inclusive.” From SAE J429 regarding studs: “The term ‘stud’ as referred to herein applied to a cylindrical... Read more

What is the all thread rod equivalent for A325 and A490?

In 2015, ASTM created a new, all-inclusive specification F3125 to cover A325 and A490 bolts under the same specification.  There were many changes made to the specification, but it is still not acceptable to manufacture fully threaded rods in the A325 or A490 specifications.  The new F3125 specification states in section 4.1.3: Bolts with thread... Read more

Are there restrictions on using extra washers to accomodate tightening a nut onto a bolt that may be a bit too long and the nut is running out of thread?

Per the RCSC section 16.2-12, multiple washers are permitted under the nut in order to resolve this problem.

What is the proof load rating for a large diameter (2-1/2”+) nut?

Nuts that are over 2-1/2” diameter do not require a proof load test because most testing equipment in the industry is not large enough to test them effectively. In these cases, a hardness test is an acceptable alternative, unless a proof load test is specifically required by the buyer. Nuts this large would require in... Read more

What is the proper tension for an anchor bolt, headed bolt, stainless steel bolt or bent bolt?

Only structural steel bolts have an associated tension recommendation. The desired tension on a structural bolt is achieved by using a calibrated torque wrench and a Skidmore-Wilhelm load indicating device to tighten the nut with torque indicated by a verified bolt torque chart. ASTM does not have any recommendations in place for the proper tension... Read more

What is the load rating for a coupling nut or sleeve nut?

There are no documented standards for load ratings of coupling nuts or sleeve nuts. These types of connections are not specified for any uses for which load rating would be required. If a connection is used to suspend or tension a load, which is achieved with products like tie-rod assemblies, then the connection products have... Read more

Hex Coupling Nut
Can I use a mechanically galvanized nut with a hot-dip or electroplate galvanized bolt (or vice versa)?

No, mixing and matching different types of galvanized products is not advised. From ASTM A563/A307/A354 and F1554: “4.7.4 When no preference is specified, the supplier may furnish either a hot-dip zinc coating in accordance with Specification F2329, or a mechanically deposited zinc coating in accordance with Specification B695, Class 55. Threaded components (bolts and nuts)... Read more

How is G90 galvanized steel different from F2329 (or A153) hot dip galvanized steel?

Both are produced via the hot dip process, but with slightly different processing steps. G90 is a coating grade within the steel sheet specification ASTM A653, and is produced by uncoiling steel coils and running it at high speed through the pickling process and molten zinc before it passes through an air curtain, which creates... Read more

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