Newest FAQs
ASTM A193 is a specification for alloy and stainless steel fasteners for high temperature service, high pressure service, or both. Within the A193 specification there are multiple grades of bolts made from either alloy or stainless steel. The stainless steel grades, such as B8 and B8M, can be ordered as either Class 1 (carbide solution... Read more
The answer to this question can be found in the appendix of the ASTM A194 specification, which deals with nuts for high temperature or high pressure service. Specifically, section X2.1 – Coatings and Application Limits. In this section it states that coated fasteners should not be used at temperatures above one half of the coating’s... Read more
The answer is yes, however, there are several issues to consider to avoid liability. For this discussion, we will assume a requirement for threaded rebar as follows: #8 x 48″ long A615 grade 60 rebar with 8″ thread one end. What is rebar? Rebar is short for “reinforcing bar” and often used in concrete foundations... Read more
Socket sizes and wrench openings for tightening nuts and bolts are determined by the dimension across the flats of either the nut or bolt head. According to the Machinery’s Handbook, 26th edition, “Wrenches are marked with the ‘nominal size of wrench’ which is equal to the basic or maximum width across flats of the corresponding... Read more
A common question that we encounter has to do with what type of coupling nut should be used in conjunction with a particular grade of bolt or rod. Typically, a coupling nut would be specified as a grade of nut, as opposed to a grade of bolt. The ASTM grade of hex nut that is... Read more
There are several different thread series available for construction fasteners. Below are the three of the most common thread series utilized in the fastener industry. Coarse Thread Series Unified National Coarse (UNC) – Coarse threads have fewer threads per axial distance than fine threads and a larger thread form relative to the diameter. Coarse thread... Read more
Yes. At Portland Bolt we are frequently asked this question. In order to better understand the answer, some background information on these two specifications is necessary. Both the A325 and the A490 specifications cover high strength, heavy hex, structural bolts from ½” diameter through 1½” in diameter. Both ASTM A325 and A490 specify shorter thread... Read more
Truly an asset you may not always like paying for but one you surely cannot live without. All manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, in fact all those involved in the “stream of commerce” should have adequate product liability insurance. Product liability insurance is an insurance policy that would provide protection against liabilities, within the policy limits, for... Read more
Since the new chemicals (alkaline copper quat [ACQ], copper azole [CBA-A and CA-B], and sodium borates [SBX]) now being used in pressure treated wood have been shown to be up to two or three times more corrosive than the previously used chromate copper arsenate (CCA), the recommended galvanizing thickness for materials being used with the... Read more
No. The products manufactured by Portland Bolt do not fall under the umbrella of products that would require a UL listing or ICC-ES report. There are three main governing bodies that cover specifications for fasteners. ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) covers primarily bolts and fasteners for construction applications. SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers)... Read more