Newest FAQs
According to the American Galvanizers Association (AGA) the weight of an item on average will increase about 3.5% from the zinc added during the galvanizing process. However, the AGA goes on to say, “…that figure can vary greatly based on numerous factors. The fabrication’s shape, size, and steel chemistry all play a major role, and... Read more
Due to hydrogen embrittlement concerns ASTM recommends against hot-dip galvanizing , mechanical deposition, or electroplating with zinc or other metallic coatings on high strength bolts ultimate tensile strengths that exceed 150 ksi. So what are the alternatives to provide corrosion resistance for A490 structural bolts? Protective Coatings ASTM states that if a protective coating is... Read more
There are two specifying bodies when it comes to fasteners. ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) covers primarily bolts and fasteners for construction applications. SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) covers fasteners for automotive, machinery, and OEM applications. ASTM A307 grade B is made from a low carbon steel and is a relatively low strength... Read more
Depending on the type of bolt you are using the thread length can vary greatly. There is not an inclusive thread length standard that covers all fasteners. Depending on the applications, manufacturer, and a number of other factors the amount thread may change. It is important to clearly communicate at time of purchase your desired... Read more
Portland Bolt can manufacture custom u-bolts that are made from 1/2” diameter and larger steel. So as long as the u-bolts you need are 1/2” in diameter or larger, we can most likely manufacture them, within the capabilities of our bending equipment and the limitations of the steel itself. To better understand what can be... Read more
Tie rods, clevises, and turnbuckles are an important part of many architectural designs. Canopy supports, structural steel bracing, and walkway hangers are a few of the applications that use these assemblies. The unique configuration allows for field adjustments in both length and tension. Adjustment Adjustments are possible by threading opposing ends of the rod right hand... Read more
These bolts are identical with regard to strength and chemistry. There are very minor differences in the hardness requirements, but the proof load, tensile, and yield strength requirements are the same. From a manufacturing standpoint, we make these bolts using the same raw material and the same heat treating and production methods. Our strength by... Read more
Torque is a difficult value to calculate accurately, especially for construction fasteners and should be used cautiously. The primary challenge is accounting for environmental factors, coatings, and a number of other variables including surface texture, material hardness, and thread series. In most situations, it is challenging to give reliable allowable torque values for bolted assemblies.... Read more
These terms are often incorrectly used interchangeably. The most basic difference between a cap screw and a bolt is the way in which these fasteners are installed. Technically, a bolt is installed by turning a nut to tighten the fastener, while a cap screw in installed by turning the head of the bolt to assemble... Read more
Unfortunately, we have no specific data to answer this question. First, “standard” lag bolts that are readily available in the marketplace are ungraded, meaning they are not manufactured to any ASTM specification and have no verifiable mechanical requirements. Therefore, it is impossible to determine the strength characteristics of a lag screw unless they are custom... Read more