Technical Reference Guide

Table of Contents
Subject
Fastener Material Selection
Mechanical Properties
Materials
Galling
Heat Treatment
Screw Thread Fundamentals
Strength of Threads
Platings and Coatings
Corrosion
Hydrogen Embrittlement
High Temperature Effects
Joint Design
Tension Control in a Bolted Joint
Torque Control
Torque and Turn Control
Stretch Control
Direct Tension Control
Reuse of Fasteners
Structural Bolts
Standards
Metric System
Common Specifications for Use with Fasteners
Appendix

Page #
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7
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28
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34

Disclaimer: The following information contains extracts, data, application examples, assembly and installation applications obtained
from industry standards/specifications that were represented as accurate at time of their publication. These standards/specifications are
constantly being updated and so the technical details are subject to revision. Fastenal strives to present the information in an accurate
manner, but we do not guarantee its completeness or validity. This information is subject to change at any time, without notice. The
Fastenal Engineering Department welcomes questions regarding fastener specifications or specific customer applications, but any
information provided will be subject to this Disclaimer.
The material provided in this guide is advisory only and use is completely voluntary. Fastenal makes no representations or warranties,
express or implied, in connection with the information. Any use or application of this information will be at the users sole risk and
responsibility. Fastenal will not be responsible for any loss, claims or damages arising out of the use or application of this
information, regardless of whether the same may be known or foreseeable.
Any questions, comments or concerns may be directed to the Fastenal Company Engineering Department at (507) 454-5374, or e-mail
us at [email protected]

S7028
Rev. 9
Printed 9/13/2005

Fastener Material Selection

There is no one fastener material that is right for every environment. Selecting the right fastener material
from the vast array of materials available can appear to be a daunting task. Careful consideration may need
to be given to strength, temperature, corrosion, vibration, fatigue and many other variables. However, with
some basic knowledge and understanding, a well thought out evaluation can be made.
Mechanical Properties
Most fastener applications are designed to support or transmit some form of externally applied load. If the
strength of the fastener is the only concern, there is usually no need to look beyond carbon steel. Over
90% of all fasteners are made of carbon steel. In general, considering the cost of raw materials, nonferrous should be considered only when a special application is required.
Tensile Strength
The most widely associated mechanical property associated with standard threaded fasteners is tensile
strength. Tensile strength is the maximum tension-applied load the fastener can support prior to or
coinciding with its fracture (see figure 1).
Tensile load a fastener can withstand is determined by the formula
Example (see appendix for St and As values)
P = St x As
where
3/4-10 x 7 SAE J429 Grade 5 HCS
P = tensile load (lb., N)
St = 120,000 psi
As = 0.3340 sq. in
St = tensile strength (psi, MPa)
P = 120,000 psi x 0.3340 sq. in
As = tensile stress area (sq. in, sq. mm)
P = 40,080 lb.
For this relationship, a significant consideration must be given to the definition of the tensile stress area,
As. When a standard threaded fastener fails in pure tension, it typically fractures through the threaded
portion (this is characteristically its smallest area). For this reason, the tensile stress area is calculated
through an empirical formula involving the nominal diameter of the fastener and the thread pitch. Tables
stating this area are provided for you in the appendix.

Figure 1 Tensile Stress-Strain Diagram

Proof Load
The proof load represents the usable strength range for certain standard fasteners. By definition, the proof
load is an applied tensile load that the fastener must support without permanent deformation. In other
words, the bolt returns to its original shape once the load is removed.
Figure 1 illustrates a typical stress-strain relationship of a bolt as a tension load is applied. The steel
possesses a certain amount of elasticity as it is stretched. If the load is removed and the fastener is still
within the elastic range, the fastener will always return to its original shape. If, however, the load applied
causes the fastener to be brought past its yield point, it now enters the plastic range. Here, the steel is no
longer able to return to its original shape if the load is removed. The yield strength is the point at which
permanent elongation occurs. If we would continue to apply a load, we would reach a point of maximum
stress known as the ultimate tensile strength. Past this point, the fastener continues to neck and elongate

further with a reduction in stress. Additional stretching will ultimately cause the fastener to break at the
tensile point.
Shear Strength
Shear strength is defined as the maximum load that can be supported prior to fracture, when applied at a
right angle to the fasteners axis. A load occurring in one transverse plane is known as single shear.
Double shear is a load applied in two planes where the fastener could be cut into three pieces. Figure 2 is
an example of double shear.
For most standard threaded fasteners, shear strength is not a specification even though the fastener may be
commonly used in shear applications. While shear testing of blind rivets is a well-standardized procedure
which calls for a single shear test fixture, the testing technique of threaded fasteners is not as well
designed. Most procedures use a double shear fixture, but variations in the test fixture designs cause a
wide scatter in measured shear strengths.
To determine the shear strength of the material, the total cross-sectional area of the shear plane is
important. For shear planes through the threads, we could use the equivalent tensile stress area (As).
Figure 2 illustrates two possibilities for the applied shear load. One has the shear plane corresponding with
the threaded portion of the bolt. Since shear strength is directly related to the net sectional area, a smaller
area will result in lower bolt shear strength. To take full advantage of strength properties, the preferred
design would be to position the full shank body in the shear planes as illustrated with the joint on the right.

Figure 2 Shear Planes in a Bolted Joint

When no shear strength is given for common carbon steels with hardness up to 40 HRC, 60 % of their
ultimate tensile strength is often used once given a suitable safety factor. This should only be used as an
estimation.
Fatigue Strength
A fastener subjected to repeated cyclic loads can suddenly and unexpectedly break, even if the loads are
well below the strength of the material. The fastener fails in fatigue. The fatigue strength is the maximum
stress a fastener can withstand for a specified number of repeated cycles prior to its failure.
Torsional Strength
Torsional strength is a load usually expressed in terms of torque, at which the fastener fails by being
twisted off about its axis. Tapping screws and socket set screws require a torsional test.
Other Mechanical Properties
Hardness
Hardness is a measure of a materials ability to resist abrasion and indentation. For carbon steels, Brinell
and Rockwell hardness testing can be used to estimate tensile strength properties of the fastener.
Ductility

Ductility is a measure of the degree of plastic deformation that has been sustained at fracture. In other
words, it is the ability of a material to deform before it fractures. A material that experiences very little or
no plastic deformation upon fracture is considered brittle. A reasonable indication of a fasteners ductility
is the ratio of its specified minimum yield strength to the minimum tensile strength. The lower this ratio
the more ductile the fastener will be.
Toughness
Toughness is defined as a materials ability to absorb impact or shock loading. Impact strength toughness
is rarely a specification requirement. Besides various aerospace industry fasteners, ASTM A320
Specification for Alloy Steel Bolting Materials for Low-Temperature Service is one of the few
specifications that require impact testing on certain grades.
Materials
Carbon Steel
Over 90% of fasteners manufactured use carbon steel. Steel has excellent workability, offers a broad range
of attainable combinations of strength properties, and in comparison with other commonly used fastener
materials, is less expensive.
The mechanical properties are sensitive to the carbon content, which is normally less than 1.0%. For
fasteners, the more common steels are generally classified into three groups: low carbon, medium carbon
and alloy steel.
Low Carbon Steels
Low carbon steels generally contain less than 0.25% carbon and cannot be strengthened by heat-treating;
strengthening may only be accomplished through cold working. The low carbon material is relatively soft
and weak, but has outstanding ductility and toughness; in addition, it is machinable, weldable and is
relatively inexpensive to produce. Typically, low carbon material has a yield strength of 40,000 psi, tensile
strengths between 60,000 and 80,000 psi and a ductility of 25% EL. The most commonly used chemical
analyses include AISI 1006, 1008, 1016, 1018, 1021, and 1022.
SAE J429 Grade 1, ASTM A307 Grade A are low carbon steel strength grades with essentially the same
properties. ASTM A307 Grade B is a special low carbon steel grade of bolt used in piping and flange
work. Its properties are very similar to Grade A except that it has added the requirement of a specified
maximum tensile strength. The reason for this is that to make sure that if a bolt is inadvertently
overtightened during installation, it will fracture prior to breaking the cast iron flange, valve, pump, or
expensive length of pipe. SAE J429 Grade 2 is a low carbon steel strength grade that has improved
strength characteristics due to cold working.
Medium Carbon Steels
Medium carbon steels have carbon concentrations between about 0.25 and 0.60 wt. These steels may be
heat treated by austenizing, quenching and then tempering to improve their mechanical properties. The
plain medium carbon steels have low hardenabilities and can be successfully heat-treated only in thin
sections and with rapid quenching rates. This means that the end properties of the fastener are subject to
size effect. Notice on the SAE J429 Grade 5, ASTM A325 and ASTM A449 specifications that their
strength properties step down as the diameters increase.
On a strength-to-cost basis, the heat-treated medium carbon steels provide tremendous load carrying
ability. They also possess an extremely low yield to tensile strength ratio; making them very ductile. The
popular chemical analyses include AISI 1030, 1035, 1038, and 1541.
Alloy Steels
Carbon steel can be classified as an alloy steel when the manganese content exceeds 1.65%, when silicon
or copper exceeds 0.60% or when chromium is less then 4%. Carbon steel can also be classified as an
alloy if a specified minimum content of aluminum, titanium, vanadium, nickel or any other element has
been added to achieve specific results. Additions of chromium, nickel and molybdenum improve the
capacity of the alloys to be heat treated, giving rise to a wide variety of strength to ductility combinations.

SAE J429 Grade 8, ASTM A354 Grade BD, ASTM A490, ASTM A193 B7 are all common examples of
alloy steel fasteners.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is a family of iron-based alloys that must contain at least 10.5% chromium. The presence of
chromium creates an invisible surface film that resists oxidation and makes the material passive or
corrosion resistant. Other elements, such as nickel or molybdenum are added to increase corrosion
resistance, strength or heat resistance.
Stainless steels can be simply and logically divided into three classes on the basis of their microstructure;
austenitic, martensitic or ferritic. Each of these classes has specific properties and basic grade or type.
Also, further alloy modifications can be made to alter the chemical composition to meet the needs of
different corrosion conditions, temperature ranges, strength requirements, or to improve weldability,
machinability, work hardening and formability.
Austenitic stainless steels contain higher amounts of chromium and nickel than the other types. They are
not hardenable by heat treatment and offer a high degree of corrosion resistance. Primarily, they are nonmagnetic; however, some parts may become slightly magnetic after cold working. The tensile strength of
austenitic stainless steel varies from 75,000 to 105,000 psi.
18-8 Stainless steel is a type of austenitic stainless steel that contains approximately 18% chromium and
8% nickel. Grades of stainless steel in the 18-8 series include, but not limited to; 302, 303, 304 and XM7.
Common austenitic stainless steel grades:
302: General purpose stainless retains untarnished surface finish under most atmospheric conditions
and offers high strength at reasonably elevated temperatures. Commonly used for wire products such
as springs, screens, cables; common material for flat washers.
302HQ: Extra copper reduces work hardening during cold forming. Commonly used for machine
screws, metal screws and small nuts
303: Contains small amounts of sulfur for improved machinability and is often used for custom-made
nuts and bolts.
304: Is a low carbon-higher chromium stainless steel with improved corrosion resistance when
compared to 302. 304 is the most popular stainless for hex head cap screws. It is used for cold
heading and often for hot heading of large diameter or long bolts.
304L: Is a lower carbon content version of 304, and therefore contains slightly lower strength
characteristics. The low carbon content also increases the 304L corrosion resistance and welding
capacity.
309 & 310: Are higher in both nickel and chromium content than the lower alloys, and are
recommended for use in high temperature applications. The 310 contains extra corrosion resistance to
salt and other aggressive environments.
316 & 317: Have significantly improved corrosion resistance especially when exposed to seawater and
many types of chemicals. They contain molybdenum, which gives the steel better resistance to surface
pitting. These steels have higher tensile and creep strengths at elevated temperatures than other
austenitic alloys.
Austenitic stainless steel limitations:
They are suitable only for low concentrations of reducing acids.
In crevices and shielded areas, there might not be enough oxygen to maintain the passive oxide film
and crevice corrosion might occur.
Very high levels of halide ions, especially the chloride ion can also break down the passive surface
film.
Martensitic stainless steels are capable of being heat treated in such a way that the martensite is the prime
microconstituent. This class of stainless contains 12 to 18% chromium. They can be hardened by heat
treatment, have poor welding characteristics and are considered magnetic. The tensile strength of

martensitic stainless steel is approximately 70,000 to 145,000 psi. This type of stainless steel should only
be used in mild corrosive environments.
Common martensitic stainless steel grades:
410: A straight chromium alloy containing no nickel. General-purpose corrosion and heat resisting,
hardenable chromium steel. It can be easily headed and has fair machining properties. Due to their
increased hardness, are commonly used for self-drilling and tapping screws. These are considered
very inferior in corrosion resistance when compared with some of the 300.
416: Similar to 410 but has slightly more chromium, which helps machinability, but lowers corrosion
resistance.
Ferritic stainless steels contain 12 to 18% chromium but have less than 0.2% carbon. This type of steel is
magnetic, non-hardenable by heat treatment and has very poor weld characteristics. They should not be
used in situations of high corrosion resistance requirements.
Common ferritic stainless steel grades:
430: Has a slightly higher corrosion resistance than Type 410 stainless steel.
Precipitation Hardening Stainless Steel
Precipitation hardening stainless steels are hardenable by a combination of low-temperature aging
treatment and cold working. Type 630, also known commercially as 17-4 PH, is one of the most widely
used precipitated hardened steels for fasteners. They have relatively high tensile strengths and good
ductility. The relative service performance in both low and high temperatures is reasonably good.
The following diagram illustrates the compositional and property connection for stainless steel.
Ni-Cr-Fe
alloys
303, 303 Se

Superferritic
stainless steels

Add Ni for corrosion

resistance in high-temperature
environments
Add Cr, Mo

309, 310,
314, 330

430

347
Add Nb + Ta
to reduce
sensitization

321

No Ni,
ferritic

Add Ti to
reduce sensitization

Add Cr and Ni
for strength and
oxidation
resistance

Increase Cr,
lower Ni for
higher strength

304 ("18-8")
Fe-18 to 20 Cr -8 to 10 Ni

Add Cu, Ti, Al,

lower Ni for
precipitation
hardening

Add Mo for
pitting resistance

304L

Lower C
to reduce sensitization

316L

Duplex
stainless steels

Add S or Se for
machinability

316

Precipitationhardened stainless
steels

Add Mn and N, lower Ni

for higher strength
No Ni addition,
lower Cr,
martensitic
201, 202

Add more Mo for

pitting resistance

317L

Superaustenitic
stainless
steels

Add Ni, Mo, N

for corrosion
resistance

403, 410,
420
317

Nickel and High Nickel Alloys

The family of nickel alloys offer some remarkable combinations of performance capabilities.
Mechanically they have good strength properties, exceptional toughness and ductility, and are generally
immune to stress corrosion. Their corrosion resistance properties and performance characteristics in both
elevated and subzero temperatures is superior. Unfortunately, nickel based alloys are relatively expensive.
The two most popular nickel alloys used in fastening are the nickel-copper and nickel-copper-aluminum
types. Nickel-Copper alloy, known commercially as by such trade names as Monel. Monel 400 is the
most commonly used nickel-copper alloy for cold forming; contains excellent corrosion in heat and salt

water. Nickel-Copper-Aluminum alloy, commercially tradenamed K-Monel, is an extension of a nickelcopper alloy. The aluminum and titanium elements improve the response heat treatment and significantly
enhance the mechanical strength.
Inconel & Hastelloy: These are considered outstanding materials for applications where fastenings must
contain high strength and resistance to oxidation in extreme environments such as elevated temperatures
and various acidic environments. There are several grades of Inconel and Hastelloy, most are proprietary,
and practically all are trade named, each with their own strength and corrosion characteristics.
Aluminum
Aluminum is synonymous with lightweight. Once thought as only a single costly metal, aluminum now
constitutes an entire family of alloys. Aluminum can be alloyed with other metals to produce suitable
alloys with variety of industrial and consumer goods. Aluminum fasteners weigh about 1/3 those of steel.
Pure aluminum has a tensile strength of about 13,000-PSI. The strength properties of the more commonly
used alloys are quite high and can actually approach that of mild steel. Thus, the strength-to-weight ratio
of aluminum fasteners is generally better than any other commercially available fastener material.
Aluminum is non-magnetic. Its electrical and thermal conductivity are good. Aluminum is machinable
and it cold forms and hot forges easily.
Silicon Bronze
Silicon bronze is the generic term for various types of copper-silicon alloys. Most are basically the same
with high percentages of copper and a small amount of silicon. Manganese or aluminum is added for
strength. Lead is also added for free machining qualities where required. Silicon bronze possesses high
tensile strength (superior to mild steel). With its high corrosive resistance and non-magnetic properties,
this alloy is ideally suited for naval construction; particularly mine sweepers.
Naval Bronze
Sometimes called Naval Brass, Naval Bronze is similar to brass but has additional qualities of resistance to
saline elements. This is accomplished by changing the proportions of copper, zinc and a little tin. This
alloy derived its name from its ability to survive the corroding action of salt water.
Copper
Copper has some very interesting performance features. Its electrical and thermal conductivity are the best
of any of non-precious metals and has decent corrosion resistance in most environments. Copper, and its
alloys, are non-magnetic.
Brasses
Brass is composed of copper and zinc and is the most common copper-based alloy. They retain most of the
favorable characteristics of pure copper, with some new ones, and generally cost less. The amount of
copper content is important. Brass alloys with less copper are generally stronger and harder, but less
ductile.
Galling
Thread galling is a common, yet seldom-understood problem with threaded fasteners. Galling is often
referred to as a cold-welding process, which can occur when the surfaces of male and female threads come
in contact with heavy pressure. The truly annoying aspect of fastener galling is that these same nuts and
bolts are found to meet all required inspections (threads, material, mechanical, etc.), but yet they are still
not functioning together.
Stainless steel fasteners are particularly susceptible to thread galling, although it also occurs in other alloys
which self-generate an oxide surface film for corrosion purposes, such as aluminum and titanium. During
the tightening of the fastener, a pressure builds between the contacting thread surfaces and breaks down the
protective oxides. With the absence of the oxide coating, the metal high points can shear and lock
together.
Minor galling may cause only slight damage to the thread surface and the fastener may still be removed.
However, in severe cases, galling can completely weld the nut and bolt together and prevent removal of the
fastener. Often times, once galling begins, if the tightening process is continued, the fastener may be
twisted off or its threads stripped out.

Unfortunately, even with an understanding of the mechanism of galling, little is known on how to
successfully control it. However, the probability of galling occurring can be minimized with the following
measures:
Thread lubrication is one of the most effective measures to lessen the potential for galling. The
lubricant reduces friction, which is a key element in thread galling. Certain material environments,
such as stainless steel fasteners used in food processing equipment, preclude the use of some
lubricants. Also, attention must be given to the torque-tension relationship, which will be altered with
the use of lubrication.
Use coarse threads with a 2A-2B fit instead of fine threads. Coarse threads have a larger thread
allowance and are more tolerant to abuse during handling.
Heat contributes significantly to thread galling. Installing a fastener generates heat and high-speed
installation generates significantly more heat. Lowering the wrench speed during installation and
removal can be helpful.
Avoid prevailing torque locknuts. The function of a prevailing torque locknut is to add resistance to
the threads. This resistance also creates friction and heat. If a prevailing torque locknut must be used,
ensure a minimal amount of threads are protruding beyond the nut.
Mating parts of the same alloy have a greater tendency to gall than parts of dissimilar alloys having
different degrees of hardness. Most stainless steels are more susceptible to galling than carbon and
alloy steels. However, not all combinations of stainless steels act the same. For instance, a 400 series
stainless steel nut can work well on 316 series bolts, but with a reduction in corrosion resistance.
A smoother surface texture will lead to less frictional resistance. Rolled threads usually offer
smoother surfaces than cut threads. As previously mentioned, friction increases the possibility of
galling.
Proper installation torque. If the fastener is over tightened, the threads can begin to yield which will
induce friction between the mating surfaces.
Heat Treatment
Heat-treating is performed to change certain characteristics of metals and alloys in order to make them
more suitable for a particular kind of application. In general, heat treatment is the term for any process
employed, by either heating or cooling, to change the physical properties of a metal. The goal of heat
treatment is to change the structure of the material to a form, which is known to have the desired
properties. The treatments induce phase transformations that greatly influence mechanical properties such
as strength, hardness, ductility, toughness, and wear resistance of the alloys. The large number of service
requirements and amount of alloys available make for a considerable amount of heat-treating operations.
Heat Treatment of Carbon Steels and Carbon Alloy Steels
Carbon steels and carbon alloy steels can be heat treated for the purpose of improving properties such as
hardness, tensile and yield strength. The desired results are accomplished by heating in temperature ranges
where a phase or combinations of phases are stable, and/or heating or cooling between temperature ranges
in which different phases are stable.
The structure of steel is composed of two variables:
1. Grain Structure - The arrangement of atoms in a metal.
2. Grain Size - The size of the individual crystals of metal. Large grain size is generally associated with
low strength, hardness, and ductility.
After being formed, the material is usually quenched and tempered to produce a martensitic structure that
produces the most sought after mechanical properties in steel fasteners. Martensite is formed by rapid
cooling or quenching from austenizing temperatures using a quenching medium, such as oil, water or air,
that will transfer heat away from the hot parts at a sufficient rate. The quenched martensitic structure,
which is hard but brittle, is then tempered in order to increase the ductility and decrease the hardness to
specified levels. During the quenching treatment, it is impossible to cool the specimen at a uniform rate
throughout. The surface of the specimen will always cool more rapidly than the interior regions.

Therefore, the austenite will transform over a range of temperatures, yielding a possible variation of
microstructure and properties with position within the material.
The successful heat treatment of steels to produce a predominantly martensitic microstructure throughout
the cross section depends mainly on three factors:
1. the composition of the alloy
2. the type and character of the quenching medium
3. the size and shape of the specimen
Hardenability
The influence of alloy composition on the ability of a steel alloy to transform to martensite for a particular
quenching treatment is related to a parameter called hardenability. For every different steel alloy there is a
specific relationship between their mechanical properties and their cooling rate. Hardenability is not
hardness which is a resistance to indentation; rather, hardness measurements are utilized to determine the
extent of a martensitic transformation in the interior of the material. A steel alloy that has a high
hardenability is one that hardens, or forms martensite, not only at the surface but also to a large degree
throughout the entire interior. In other words, hardenability is a measure of the depth to which a specific
alloy may be hardened.
The following elements have known effects on the properties of steel:
Carbon ( C ): Primary alloying element: Principle hardening element: Essential for the formation of
martensite during hardening
Manganese ( Mn ): Increases strength and hardness: Increases hardenability
Considered an impurity, can cause brittleness at low temperatures
Phosphorus ( P ):
Sulfur ( S ): Considered an impurity, can lower tensile strength at high temperatures: Improves
machinability in free machining steels
Silicon ( Si ): Deoxidizer
Nickel ( Ni ): Improves toughness: Simplifies heat-treating: Increases hardenability: Decreases distortion:
Improves corrosion resistance
Chromium ( Cr ): Improves hardenability: Provides wear and abrasion resistance: Improves corrosion
resistance
Molybdenum ( Mo ): Improves hardenability: Non-oxidizing
Boron ( B ): Trace amounts increase hardenability: Promotes formability
Aluminum ( Al ): Controls grain size: Deoxidizer
Tempering
In the as-quenched state, martensite, in addition to being very hard, is extremely brittle and cannot be used
for most applications. Also, any internal stresses that may have been introduced during quenching have a
weakening effect.
If the steel has been fully hardened by being quenched from above its critical temperature, tempering can
be used to enhance the ductility and toughness of martensite and relieve the internal stresses. In tempering,
the steel is reheated to a specific temperature below its critical temperature for a certain period of time and
then cooled at a prescribed rate.
The following example will demonstrate the effectiveness of tempering:
ASTM A193 Grade B7, SAE J429 Grade 8 and ASTM A574 Socket Head Cap Screws are all made from
alloy steels. In fact some alloy steel grades can be used to manufacture any of the three final products:
such as 4140 and 4142 alloy steel. The final mechanical properties are the following:
ASTM A193 B7
Tensile Strength: 125,000 PSI minimum (2-1/2-inch and under)
Yield Strength: 105,000 PSI minimum (2-1/2-inch and under)
Hardness: HRC 35 Maximum
SAE J429 Grade 8
Tensile Strength: 150,000 PSI minimum

 Proof Strength: 120,000 PSI

Yield Strength: 130,000 PSI minimum
Hardness: HRC 33-39
ASTM A574 Socket Head Cap Screw

Tensile Strength: 180,000 PSI minimum (through ), 170,000 PSI minimum (above )
Proof Strength: 140,000 PSI (through ), 135,000 PSI (above )
Yield Strength: 153,000 PSI minimum
Hardness: HRC 39-45 (through ), HRC 37-45 (above )
The initial heat-treating process is relatively the same for all three products. The parts are heat treated until
fully austenitized. The parts are then quenched and tempered in a liquid (oil). This final tempering
temperature is what will dictate our final product. The following are the minimum tempering temperatures
for each specification:
ASTM A193 B7: 1150F
SAE J429 Grade 8: 800F
ASTM A574: 650F
As can be seen by the results, a lower tempering temperature will produce a harder and higher tensile
strength part for these alloy steels. However, the lower tempering temperatures will also mean lower
service conditions, ductility, impact strength and possible fatigue life. For example a B7 has a hightemperature limitation of approximately 750-800F. The socket head cap screws and grade 8s have a
limitation of approximately 400-500F.
Annealing
Annealing is used to soften previously cold-worked metal by allowing it to re-crystallize. The term
annealing refers to a heat treatment in which a material is exposed to an elevated temperature for an
extended time period and then slowly cooled. Ordinarily, annealing is carried out to (1) relieve stresses;
(2) increase softness, ductility and toughness; and/or (3) produce a microstructure. A variety of annealing
heat treatments are possible.
Any annealing process consists of three stages:
1. heating to the desired temperature
2. holding or soaking at that temperature
3. slowly cooling, usually to room temperature
Time is the important parameter in these procedures
Process Annealing
Process annealing is a heat treatment that is used to negate the effects of cold work that is to soften and
increase the ductility of a previously strain-hardened metal.
Stress Relieving
Internal residual stresses may develop in metal pieces in response to such things as cold working.
Distortion and warpage may result if these residual stresses are not removed. They may be eliminated by a
stress relief annealing heat treatment in which the piece is heated to the recommended temperature, held
there long enough to attain a uniform temperature, and finally cooled to a room temperature in air. Stress
relieving can eliminate some internal stresses without significantly altering the structure of the material.
Normalizing
Steels that have been plastically deformed by, for example, a rolling operation, consists of grains of
pearlite, which are irregularly shaped and relatively large, but vary substantially in size. Normalizing is an
annealing heat treatment use to refine the grains and produce a more uniform and desirable size
distribution.
Normalizing is accomplished by heating the material to a temperature above its upper critical temperature.
After sufficient time has been allowed for the alloy to completely transform to austenite, a procedure
termed austenitizing, the metal is allowed to cool in the air.
Full Anneal

A heat treatment known as full annealing is often utilized in low- and medium-carbon steels that will be
machined or will experience extensive plastic deformation during a forming operation. The full anneal
cooling procedure is time consuming,
Spheroidizing
Medium- and high-carbon steels having a microstructure containing coarse pearlite may still be too hard to
conveniently machine or plastically deform. These steels, and in fact, any steel, may be heat treated or
annealed to develop the spheroidite structure. Spheroidized steels have a maximum softness and ductility
and are easily machined or deformed.
Screw Thread Fundamentals
The screw thread, which has often been described as an inclined plane wrapped around a cylinder, is
fundamental to the threaded fastener. There are well over 125 separate geometrical features and
dimensional characteristics with the design and construction of screw threads. The following definitions,
along with the figure, should help with some of the basic screw thread features.
A screw thread is considered to be a ridge of uniform section in the form of a helix on either the external or
internal surface of a cylinder. Internal threads are threads on nuts and tapped holes. External threads are
those on bolts, studs or screws.
The configuration of the thread in an axial plane is the thread form, or profile, and the three parts making
the form are the crest, root and flanks. At the top of the threads are the crests, at the bottom the roots, and
joining them is the flanks. The triangle formed when the thread profile is extended to a point at both crests
and roots, is the fundamental triangle. The height of the fundamental triangle is the distance, radially
measured, between sharp crest and sharp root diameters.
The distance-measured parallel to the thread axis, between corresponding points on adjacent threads, is the
thread pitch. Unified screw threads are designated in threads per inch. This is the number of complete
threads occurring in one inch of threaded length. Metric thread pitch is designated as the distance between
threads (pitch) in millimeters:
On an internal thread, the diameter at the crests is the minor diameter and at the roots the major diameter.
On an external thread (as illustrated on the following diagram), the diameter at the thread crests is the
major diameter, and at its thread root is the minor diameter.

The flank angle is the angle between a flank and a perpendicular to the thread axis. When flanks have the
same angle, the thread is a symmetrical thread and the flank angle is termed half-angle of thread. Unified
screw threads have a 30-degree flank angle and are symmetrical. This is why they are commonly referred
to as 60-degree threads.
Pitch diameter is the diameter of a theoretical cylinder that passes through the threads in such a position
that the widths of the thread ridges and thread grooves are equal. These widths, in a perfect world, would
each equal one-half of the thread pitch.
An intentional clearance is created between mating threads known as the allowance. This ensures that
when both the internal and external threads are manufactured there will be a positive space between them.
For fasteners, the allowance is generally applied to the external thread. Tolerances are specified amounts

10

by which dimensions are permitted to vary for convenience of manufacturing. The tolerance is the
difference between the maximum and minimum permitted limits.
Thread Fit
Thread fit is the combination of allowances and tolerances and is a measure of tightness or looseness
between them. A clearance fit is one that provides a free running assembly and an interference fit is one
having specified limits of thread size that always result in a positive interference between the threads when
assembled.
For Unified inch screw threads there are six classes of fit: 1B, 2B and 3B for internal threads; and 1A, 2A
and 3A for external threads. All are considered clearance fits. This means they assemble without
interference. The higher the class number, the tighter the fit. The A designates an external thread, and
B designates an internal thread.
Classes 1A and 1B are considered an extremely loose tolerance thread fit. This class is suited for
quick and easy assembly and disassembly. For mechanical fasteners, this thread fit is rarely
specified.
Classes 2A and 2B offer optimum thread fit that balances fastener performance, manufacturing
economy and convenience. Nearly 90 % of all commercial and industrial fasteners produced in
North America have this class of thread fit.
Classes 3A and 3B are suited for close tolerance fasteners. These fasteners are intended for
service where safety is a critical design consideration. This class of fit has restrictive tolerances
and no allowance. Socket products generally have a 3A thread fit
The following illustration demonstrates the pitch diameter allowances on a -10 bolt and nut.

The axial distance through which the fully formed threads of both the internal and external threads are in
contact is known as the length of thread engagement. The depth of thread engagement is the distance the
threads overlap in a radial direction. The length of thread engagement is one of the key strength aspects,
which the designer may be able to control.
Thread Series
Three standard thread series in the Unified screw thread system are highly important for fasteners: UNC
(coarse), UNF (fine), and 8-UN (8 thread). A chart listing the standards sizes and thread pitches with their
respective thread stress areas is located in the appendix.
Below are some of the aspects of fine and coarse threads.
Fine Thread
1. Since they have larger stress areas they are stronger in tension
2. Their larger minor diameters develop higher torsional and transverse shear strengths
3. They can tap better in thin-walled members
4. With their smaller helix angle, they permit closer adjustment accuracy
Coarse Thread
1. Stripping strengths are greater for the same length of engagement

11

2. Exhibit a better fatigue resistance behavior

3. Less tendency to cross thread
4. Assemble and disassemble more quickly and easily
5. Tap better into brittle materials.
6. Larger thread allowances allow for thicker coatings and platings
Numerous arguments have been made for using both the fine and coarse thread series; however, with the
increase in automated assembly processes, bias towards the coarse thread series has developed.
UNR Threads
The UNR thread is modified version of a standard UN thread. The single difference is a mandatory root
radius with limits of 0.108 to 0.144 times the thread pitch. When first introduced, it was necessary to
specify UNR (rounded root) threads. Today, all fasteners that are roll threaded should have a UNR thread.
This is because the thread rolling dies with the rounded crests are now the standard.
UNJ Thread
The UNJ thread is a thread form having root radius limits of 0.150 to 0.180 times the thread pitch. With
these enlarged radii, minor diameters of external thread increase and intrude beyond the basic profile of the
UN and UNR thread forms. Consequently, to offset the possibility of interference between mating threads,
the minor diameters of the UNJ internal threads had to be increased. 3A/3B thread tolerances are the
standard for UNJ threads. UNJ threads are now the standard for aerospace fasteners and have some usage
in highly specialized industrial applications
Strength of Threads
Two fundamentals must be considered when designing a threaded connection.
1. Ensure that these threaded fasteners were manufactured to some current ASTM, ANSI, U.S.
Government or other trusted standard.
2. Design bolts to break in tension prior to the female and/or male threads stripping. A broken bolt is an
obvious failure. Its loose. However, when the threads strip prior to the bolt breaking, we may not
notice the failure until after the fastener is put into service.
As was shown on page 1, the strength of bolts loaded in tension can be easily determined by the ultimate
tensile strength. To determine the amount of force required to break a bolt, we multiply its ultimate tensile
strength by its tensile stress area, As. Determining the strength of the threads is more complicated. Since
the male threads pull past the female threads, or vice-versa, the threads fail in shear and not in tension.
Therefore, the stripping strength depends on the shear strength of the nut and bolt materials.
To determine the force required to strip the threads we must multiply the shear strength by the cross
sectional area, which must be sheared. Determining the cross sectional area in which the shear occurs is a
problem. Here are three possible alternatives for the failure.
1. The nut material is stronger than the bolt material. In this example, the nut threads will wipe out the
bolt threads. The failure will occur at the root of the bolt threads.
2. The bolt material is stronger than the nut material. With this example, the bolt threads will tear out the
nut threads. The failure will occur at the root of the nut threads.
3. The nut and bolt are the same material. With this example, both threads will strip simultaneously.
This failure will occur at the pitch line.
The tensile strength of most fasteners is a common specification whereas shear strength is not. In order to
avoid shearing in the threads, we must insure that the length of engagement between the bolt and nut, or
tapped hole, is long enough to provide adequate cross-sectional thread area. The typical failure for both
alternative #1 and #2 would be a tensile failure of the bolt provided proper engagement.
With conventional steel nut and bolt materials, a length of engagement of about one nominal diameter of
the bolt is typical. A longer thread length engagement will be needed when dealing with tapped holes in
soft material.

12

One point must be emphasized: the nut or tapped hole should support more load than the bolt. When using
nuts this is simple to follow. First you want to pick a nut specification that is recognized by the bolt
specification (ASTM A193-ASTM A194, SAE J429-SAE J995, etc.). Second, you want to pick a nut
whose proof load is greater than or equal to the tensile strength of the bolt. A nut compatibility table is
provided in the appendix.
Thread Production
There are basically two methods of producing threads: cut and rolled. The shank on a blank that is to be
cut thread will be full-size from the fillet under the head to the end of the bolt. Cut threading involves
removing the material from a bolt blank to produce the thread with a cutting die or lathe. By doing this, the
grain flow of the material is interrupted.
Rolled threads are formed by rolling a reduced diameter (approximately equal to the pitch diameter)
portion of the shank between dies. On external threads, the dies apply pressure compressing the material
forming the minor diameter and allowing the material to expand to form the major diameter (imagine
squeezing a balloon with your hand: you compress with the fingers to form the valley, while allowing part
of the balloon to expand between your fingers). Rolling of the thread has several advantages: more
accurate and uniform thread dimension, smoother thread surface, and generally greater thread strength
(particularly fatigue and shear strength).

Platings and Coatings

Most of the threaded fasteners used today are coated with some kind of material as a final step in the
manufacturing process. Many are electroplated, others are hot-dipped or mechanical galvanized, painted or
furnished with some other type of supplementary finish. Fasteners are coated for four primary reasons:
1. for appearance
2. fight corrosion
3. reduce friction
4. reduce scatter in the amount of preload achieved for a given torque.
There are three basic ways in which coatings can fight corrosion.
1. They can provide a barrier protection. This simply means that they erect a barrier, which isolates the
bolt from the corrosive environment, thereby breaking the metallic circuit, which connects the anode
to the cathode.
2. They can provide a galvanic or sacrificial protection. To cause problems, a metallic connection
must be made between the anode and the cathode and an electrolyte. In this type of reaction it is
always the anode, which will get attacked, so if we make the fastener the cathode, we can protect it.
3. They can fight corrosion by passivation or inhibition, which slows down the corrosion and makes
the battery connection less effective. This is common with the use of nickel in stainless steel bolts,
which are said to be passivated. A thin oxide layer is formed on the surface of the bolt. The oxide
film, according to theory, makes it more difficult for the metal to give off electrons.
There are several means of applying coatings onto fasteners.
Electroplating
Electroplating is the most common way to apply an inorganic coating. Many different metals, or
combination of metals, can be plated onto fasteners by using a chemical reaction. Electroplating is carried
out in a fluid bath, which contains a chemical compound of the metal to be deposited. The parts to be

13

plated are immersed in the bath and an electrical current is produced causing the plating material to
precipitate out and deposit onto the fastener.
Cadmium and zinc are the two most popular electro-deposited coatings. To a lesser degree, aluminum,
copper, tin, nickel, chromium, lead and silver are also used. Zinc, cadmium and aluminum are preferred
due to their relationship with carbon steel, stainless steel, and most other nonferrous metals used in fastener
applications in the Galvanic Series. The plating material is less noble than the fastener. In an
electrochemical reaction, the plating material will corrode, and the fastener material will remain protected.
Zinc is a relatively inexpensive fastener coating and can be applied in a broad range of thicknesses. Zinc
fasteners, however, are less lubricious than cadmium, and require more tightening torque to develop a
given preload. Zinc also tends to increase the scatter in the torque-tension relationship.
Another disadvantage is that the zinc coating will develop a dull white corrosion known as white rust
unless a supplemental clear or colored chromate is added. This added coating seals the surface from early
tarnishing and reinforces the fasteners resistance to a corrosive attack. The chromate film is offered in a
wide variety of colors: clear and yellow are typical. Often you will zinc coating referred to as a zinc dichromate finish.
Cadmium has long been the most popular plating material. The cadmium plating provides excellent
corrosion protection against salt water and other kinds of salts. This type of plating was seemingly
inexpensive and provides a reasonably low and fairly consistent coefficient of friction. The cadmium
plating does not tarnish or fade.
One main problem with cadmium is that a cyanide rinse is used during the plating process. This rinse is
dangerous and can create environmental problems. Most industrialized countries have completely banned
the use of cadmium plating. Like most other countries, the United States originally banned the use of
cadmium plating. However, the U.S. recently removed this ban. Instead, strict governmental regulations
have been implemented that define the disposal of the rinse. These regulations add an extreme cost to the
plating process and have discouraged many from choosing cadmium plating.
Hot-Dip Coatings
Fasteners can be coated by dipping them in baths of molten metal. Fasteners hot-dipped in aluminum are
said to have been aluminized and zinc-coated fasteners to have been galvanized. Hot dipping is an
inexpensive means of protecting fasteners and is widely used. Hot dipping provides a thicker coating than
does electroplating and, as a result, can give the fastener more protection against corrosion. A problem
associated with the hot-dipping process is the difficulty in controlling the coating thickness throughout the
fastener. ASTM A153 is a common specification for hot-dipped coatings on fasteners.
Mechanical Plating
Small particles of cadmium, zinc or other metals can be cold-welded onto the fastener surface by
mechanical energy. Glass beads are air blasted to slam the particles against the base metal. The coating
thickness produced with mechanical galvanizing are much more uniform than hot-dip galvanizing.
The major advantage of the mechanical plating process is not exposing the fastener to hydrogen
embrittlement. Another advantage is that a wide variety of metals can be applied by using a mixture of
particles. A mixture of aluminum and zinc may be used to provide the durability of the aluminum plus the
galvanic protection of zinc. A phosphate coating can be added to the aluminum zinc to improve lubricity.
Dimensional Effects of Plating
On cylindrical surfaces, the effect of plating (or coating) is to change the diameter by twice the coating
thickness (one coating thickness on each side of the cylinder). Due to the fact the coating thickness is
measured perpendicular to the coated surface, while the pitch thread axis is measured perpendicular to the
thread axis, the effect on the pitch diameter of a 60 standard thread is a change of four times the coating
thickness on the flank. The following illustration demonstrates this.

14

Take for example the illustration from page 11 with the -10 2A-thread fit. The maximum pitch diameter
was 0.6832-inch before coating. By applying a coating with a thickness of 0.0003, we increase our pitch
diameter by 4 times 0.0003 or 0.0012-inch. Our maximum pitch diameter could now be 0.6844-inch.
Corrosion
Table 1 Galvanic Series of Metals and Alloys
For many applications, the problems of corrosion pose an extreme
+ Corroded End (anodic or increasingly active)
concern in design. One of the first questions a designer must
Magnesium and magnesium alloys
address when analyzing a fastener application is what is the service
Zinc
Aluminum 1100
environment; is there a possibility the fastener will be subject to a
Cadmium
corrosive attack? It is important to understand that there are
Aluminum 2024-T4
several different types of corrosion including galvanic corrosion,
Iron and steel
concentration-cell corrosion, stress corrosion, fretting corrosion,
304 Stainless steel (active)
pitting and oxidation. Probably the most common form of
316 Stainless steel (active)
corrosion is rust associated with steel structures and fasteners,
Lead
Tin
although the effects of corrosive attack can be seen in many other
Nickel (active)
structural materials.
Inconel nickel-chromium alloy (active)
Hastelloy Alloy C (active)
Brasses (Cu-Zn alloys)
Copper
Bronzes (Cu-Sn alloys)
Copper-nickel alloys
Monel (70Ni-30Cu)
Nickel (passive)
Inconel (80Ni-13Cr-7Fe) (passive)
304 Stainless steel (passive)
316 Stainless steel (passive)
Hastelloy Alloy C (passive)
Silver
Titanium
Graphite
Gold
Platinum
- Protected End (cathodic or increasingly inert)

Corrosion can be thought of as an electro-chemical action in which

one metal is changed into a chemical, or simply, eaten away.
When two metals are in contact with each other in the presence of
some electrolyte such as hydrochloric acid, the less active metal, as
seen in the Galvanic Series, will act as the cathode and attract
electrons from the anode. The anode is the material, which is
corroded.
A simple means of visualizing what is occurring is to consider the
action of a battery. If two metals are immersed in an acid, a saline
or an alkaline solution, a battery is formed. This battery produces a
flow of electrons between the two metals. This flow of electrons
continues as long as the metals exist, the solution remains acidic,
saline or alkaline, and as long as a conductive path connects the
two metals.

In the case of galvanic corrosion, the combination of two dissimilar metals with an electrolyte is all that is
needed to form a reaction. The use of dissimilar metals in structural design is not rare, especially where

15

fasteners are a different material from the structure being joined. The necessary ingredient to induce
corrosion, the electrolyte, may be present in the form of rain, dew, snow, high humidity, ocean salt spray,
or even air pollution.
All metals have some kind of electrical potential. The Galvanic Series of Metals and Alloys provide a
realistic and practical ranking. Table 1 represents the relative reactivities of a number of metals and
commercial alloys in seawater. The alloys near the bottom are cathodic and unreactive, whereas those at
the top are most anodic. The various metals within grouped together are reasonably compatible when used
together; those in different groups may cause a corrosion problem. Some metals, especially those with
significant contents of nickel and chromium, are included in the table in both their active and passive
conditions. Passivation, surface cleaning and sealing, lowers the metals electrical potential and improves
its corrosion behavior. As the series suggests, steel and aluminum are relatively compatible, but if brass
and steel contact, the steel, as the anode, will corrode. A chart is provided in the appendix that may be
used to aid with fastener selection based on galvanic reaction.
The following figure illustrates the effects of the galvanic series. A brass plate is connected to an
aluminum plate using a 304 passivated stainless steel fastener. If no protection is used over the contacting
surface, galvanic corrosion will occur. The brass and aluminum plates will both corrode where they touch
the fastener. The aluminum plate will corrode more heavily due it being more anodic than the brass. The
aluminum plate will corrode where its exposed surface is in contact with the brass plate.

Galvanic Corrosion Effects

Concentration-cell corrosion and pitting are similar types of corrosion in that only one metal and an
electrolyte are sufficient to set up an attack system. As corrosion progresses, a differential in concentration
of oxygen at the metal surface and in the electrolyte produces a highly effective localized battery with
resultant corrosion and metal attack.
Other corrosion systems can be equally severe. Common to all systems is that the corrosion is encountered
normally after the structure is put into service. Corrosion protection at design inception should be a key
objective of the joint design.
One of the first steps is to design or identify the specific anticipated corrosion exposure in order to control
or minimize its consequences in service. An attempt should be made to select fastener materials, which are
compatible with the structure being joined. One possible consideration is a protective coating or finish for
the fastener to provide protection. Supplemental coatings or finishes may provide additional protection for
the entire joint.
Hydrogen embrittlement is generally associated with high-strength fasteners made of carbon and alloy
steels. Although, even precipitated hardened stainless steels, titanium and aluminum alloys can be
16

vulnerable. The fasteners or parts under stress can fail suddenly without any warning. There are many
different theories on the exact cause. The following is our comprehension on the subject:
Hydrogen is the most common element in the world. Many acidic and oxidation reactions with steel will
liberate hydrogen with the quantity released depending on the specific chemical reaction.
Hydrogen is released by the reaction of any active metal with an acid. Typical examples of this are HCl
(hydrochloric acid) or H2SO4 (sulfuric acid) with steel.
Fe +2H+ + 2Cl ---- Fe2+ + 2Cl + H2
Fe + 2H+ + SO2- ---- Fe2+ + SO42- + H2
Even high-pressure steam can liberate hydrogen when in contact when steel.
3Fe +4H2O ---- Fe3O4 + 4H2
Internal hydrogen embrittlement (the more common form of hydrogen embrittlement) can occur any time
atomic hydrogen is absorbed into the fastener from any chemical process before exposure to an externally
applied stress.
One of the most common means of introducing hydrogen is during various electroplating operations.
Typically the hydrogen is absorbed during acid cleaning or descaling process and then is trapped by the
plating. If the fasteners are not baked in a subsequent operation, hydrogen will remain trapped by the
plating. When tension is applied to the fastener, the hydrogen will tend to migrate to points of stress
concentration (under the head of the fastener, first engaged thread, etc.) The pressure created by the
hydrogen creates and/or extends a crack. The crack grows under subsequent stress cycles until the bolt
breaks.
Unfortunately this is only one of several models of hydrogen embrittlement. As mentioned previously, any
chemical process that introduces hydrogen into the material can lead to embrittlement. Other sources of
hydrogen causing embrittlement have been encountered in the melting of steel, processing parts or even
welding. The main point about internal hydrogen embrittlement is that the absorption of hydrogen by the
base metal prior to the applied stress.
Another hydrogen embrittlement concern is environmental hydrogen embrittlement. Environmental
hydrogen embrittlement is generally caused by hydrogen introduced into the steel from the environment
after exposure to the externally applied stress. The hydrogen can come from a number of external sources
including a by-product of general corrosion, or as demonstrated earlier, a bi-product of a common reaction.
Stress corrosion (also referred to as environmental hydrogen embrittlement) represents a particular
condition where cracks are induced and propagated under combined effects of stress and corrosion
environments. It is said to be the least understood corrosion related phenomenon, but by far the most
dangerous. Structures or components with high stress concentrations, such as threaded fasteners, are
susceptible to this type of attack when under load. The initial corrosion may occur at a point of high stress
contributing to crack initiation, which can be either, intergranular or transgranular. Continued exposure to
the corrosion environment will propagate the crack, resulting in serious, and possibly catastrophic failure.
Stress corrosion, along with other material failure modes such as stress embrittlement, environmental
hydrogen embrittlement and hydrogen assisted stress corrosion, differ from internal hydrogen
embrittlement because they are all related to the service environment. These failures occur after
installation due to hydrogen being introduced by a chemical reaction induced by the service environment.
There are three main ways in which hydrogen embrittlement can be fought.
Hardness: Harder, stronger materials are more susceptible to failure than weaker, softer ones. In
general, if the hardness of the fastener is less than 35 HRC, youll probably encounter little difficulty.
If, however, the fastener has hardness above 40 HRC, problems are more likely to occur.

17

Coating: Use a coating process that does not introduce hydrogen into the material (particularly those
free from acids used for cleaning). If electroplating is still desired, ensure to use the proper plating
procedures and baking the fasteners correctly based on the hardness of the fastener.
Environment: Your application environment should play a crucial role in the fastener material
selection. The potential for hydrogen embrittlement cracking for even fasteners below HRC 35 is
accelerated if the fastener is acting as the cathode in a galvanic couple. Caustic or sour environments
may require much lower hardness levels to lower the susceptibility to hydrogen embrittlement.

High Temperature Effects

Most fastener materials are temperature sensitive. This means that their properties are influenced by a
change in temperature. A metallic fasteners strength properties decline with an elevation in temperature.
Once the temperature increases significantly, other problems also begin to occur. Some of these problems
include, but are not limited to, a breakdown in the coatings, high temperature corrosion, differential
thermal expansion coefficients between the fastener and the joint and creep and stress relaxation.
The strength of most fasteners will decrease as temperatures rise. Any type of plating, or coating will also
alter the results; for example, zinc plated fasteners are usually not recommended to be used above a
temperature of 250F.
One of the most celebrated examples of temperature effects on bolts is with Grade 8.2 bolts. At room
temperatures, Grade 8.2 and SAE J429 Grade 8 bolts have similar properties. But, Grade 8.2 bolts are
made of low carbon boron steel. The Grade 8 fastener is a medium carbon alloy steel. The boron steel has
a lower tempering temperature (minimum 650F compared to the 800F for the Grade 8) and is not
intended for use in higher temperatures.
Every bolting material has a temperature above which it would be unsafe to use. Often times this is
referred to as the fasteners high temperature service limit. Although we saw that the fastener loses strength
as the temperature increases, the service limit is usually determined by an occurrence known as stress
relaxation.
A fastener is tightened in the joint. This action places the bolt under significant stress. The length of the
bolt does not increase. The joint and the nut will determine the length. Once exposed to a higher
temperature, the bolt begins to relieve itself of a significant amount of the stress. Since the stress and the
preload are related, this implies that the clamping force with which the bolt holds the joint together will be
significantly reduced.
One of the most problematic temperature effects that must be taken into account when designing a joint is
differential thermal expansion between the bolt and joint members. As the temperature rises, all bolt and
joint materials expand, but not all at the same rate.
As an example, aluminum will expand about twice as much as some carbon steel fasteners. If using a SAE
J429 Grade 8 fastener to clamp an aluminum joint, we would expect to see a significant increase in the
tension of the bolts, which would increase the clamping force as the temperature increases. This reaction
could damage the joint or gasket material or even break the bolt. If we were using bolts that would expand
more than the joint, we could loose our preload and clamping force.
It should be recognized that differential expansion problems could occur even if the fastener and the joint
are made of the same material. If the bolt and the joint heat up at different rates, the corresponding thermal
expansion will also cause the bolt and the joint to expand differently.
There are various other temperature-related effects, which must be considered when designing a bolted
joint. Two of the more common occurrences that are very closely related are creep and stress relaxation.
If a constant load is applied to a fastener and we raise the service temperature and the temperature places
the bolt in its creep range, the bolt will begin to stretch even if the load is well within the fasteners

18

mechanical limits. Eventually, the bolt may stretch to a point where it may not be able to support the load
and will fail. Creep is defined as the slow increase in length of a material under a constant, heavy load.
Stress relaxation is very similar. However, we are now dealing with the steady loss of stress in a loaded
part with fixed dimensions. We place a significant amount of stress on a bolt when we tighten it in the
joint. If exposed to a high temperature, the bolt begins to relieve itself of some of the stress and we can
lose our preload.
The behavior of the bolted joint will depend, to a large extent, on the clamping force on the joint in service.
This may be significantly different than the clamping force created during assembly. Thermal effects can
change the initial clamping force significantly. Therefore, these effects should be a real consideration
when originally designing the joint.
Usually we would like to employ the highest clamping force the parts can withstand. This may compensate
for some of the anticipated losses. There are, however, several limitations to the assembly preload. Too
much force on the joint may damage joint members and gaskets or encourage stress cracking.
If more preload is not a possibility, other considerations may be made. You can alter the stiffness ratios
between the bolt and the joint. You may also look at using similar materials for bolt and joint members.
Joint Design
Loads on bolted joints come in an array of types, which significantly vary their effects, on the joint, not
only in the way they are loaded, but also on how the joint responds to the load. Some of the loads include
tensile, shear and bending. The bolted joint takes its name from the external load as illustrated in the
following figures.
Tensile Loads
A tension joint, as illustrated below, sees loads that try to pull the joint apart. The forces on the joint and
the bolts are approximately parallel to the axes of the bolts. All tensile forces try to stretch and/or separate
the joint. The tension load, no matter how small, will add to the stress in the bolt and/or partially relieve
the joint.

Tension Joint
The bolts in a tension joint must act like clamps. The assembling and tightening of the bolt and nut
produces a tensile prestress in the fastener, which is approximately equal to the compressive stress
introduced in the joint material. The behavior and life of the joint depends on how tightly the bolts clamp
the joint and how long they can maintain their preload.
With a tension joint, the proper amount of tension in the bolts is vital. With too little clamping force, the
joint may loosen. Bolt fatigue may also be a problem associated with too little clamping force in a tension
joint. Too much clamping force can also cause severe problems. By over-tightening the bolt, we may
exceed the proofload of the bolt. Even if the bolt does not fail during assembly, it may later break under
the external tensile load. Over-tightening of the bolt can also encourage the advancement of hydrogen
embrittlement or stress corrosion cracking. The joint members can also be damaged or warp from too
much clamp force.

19

The clamping force created in the joint when the bolt is tightened stretches the bolt similar to a spring. A
similar analysis can be made for the joint, except it is compressed like a spring during assembly. These
springs act as energy storage devices. The clamping force will only remain as long as the bolts are
stretched. Any applied service load or condition, which relaxes the bolt or reduces the clamping force, will
release some of the springs energy. This will increase the chances that the joint may loosen or that the
bolts may fail.
A joint diagram may help illustrate what happens as we apply our preload and the effects of external loads.
As the bolt is tightened, the bolt elongates (B). Due to the internal forces resisting the elongation, a
tension force or preload is produced (Fp). Notice the constant slope or straight-line relationship between
the force and elongation. Remember from page 1 that our stress-strain curve (which is basically applied
force-elongation) will be constant, or straight until we begin to yield our fastener.
The reaction force is the clamp load of the joint being compressed. J represents the amount that the joint
has compressed. As is illustrated, J is smaller than B. These values represent the stiffness of each
component. Often you will see the stiffness of a bolt of only 1/3 to 1/5 to that of the joint. Well elaborate
more on this once we apply an external load. For now our bolt tension is equivalent to the preload, which
is equivalent to the joint compression. As for now the tension force on the bolt (Fb) is equal to the
compression force on the joint (Fj), which is equivalent to the preload (Fp).

If we were to apply an external tensile force (F) to our fastened joint it will reduce some of the clamp force
(Fj) caused by the bolts preload and apply an additional force onto the bolt (Fb). This is shown in the
following diagram. Since the bolt and joint have different a stiffness, Fb will not be the same as Fj. As
is also demonstrated, the bolt will further elongate (New B), and well have a reduction in the
compression of the joint (New J). The increase in length is equal to the increase in thickness of the joint.

20

If the applied load (F) is allowed to increase, the clamp force acting on the joint will continue to decrease
until a point where the joint would be fully unloaded (J = 0). Any further increase in the applied force
will result in a gap forming between the plates comprising the joint and the bolt sustaining all of the
additional force. This is illustrated in the joint diagram below. In this case, the bolt or bolts are almost
always subjected to non-linear loadings from bending and shear forces acting. This usually quickly leads
to bolt failure.

The following diagrams illustrate the importance of the stiffness ratio of the bolt and joint in determining
how much of the applied external load is seen by the fastener. Figure A shows a bolt with nearly the same
stiffness as the joint. As can be seen the fastener is nearly absorbing an equal amount of the applied load.
Figure B shows a softer (or a more springy) fastener with a stiff joint. For this example, the joint is
absorbing more of the load.

In the following illustration a percentage of the applied load (F) and the preload has resulted in the bolt
yielding. We are now in the plastic range of the fastener material, and our curve is now nonlinear. Failure
is very likely. Even if failure does not immediately occur if the applied load was removed the preload will
decease.

These are only a few of the possibilities to demonstrate with joint diagrams. There are a number of other
real-life factors, which may be impossible to predict, that allow the spring energy to be lost in the
assembled joint. These factors include, but are not limited to different points of loading, creep, external
loads, stress relaxation (in some instances a relaxation of 10% to 20% can be common), temperature,
differential thermal expansion, and vibration.

21

The overriding concern with the tension joint is that it specifically relies on the unreliable bolt tension or
preload. If the clamping force is not correct, the joint can, and often does, fail in several ways; either by
bolt fatigue, vibration loosening, stress corrosion cracking or hydrogen embrittlement.
Shear Loads
A shear joint is one in which the applied loading is at right angles to the fastener axis or across the bolt
shank. Joint failure occurs when the joint members are slipped sideways past each other, and eventually
cut the fastener. The following figure shows a simple single shear joint.

Shear Joint
With some shear joints; the ultimate joint strength depends only upon the shear strength of the bolts or the
joint member. This type of joint is referred to as a bearing type joint. The amount of tension created in
the bolts during assembly is relatively unimportant as long as the fastener is retained in the assembly. The
joint member is allowed to slip until the fasteners come into bearing and prevents further slip. The
fastener in this assembly is basically used as a pin.
Other types of shear joints depend on their initial clamp load as a resistance to slip. This type of joint
requires that a frictional force be created between the joint members when the bolts are tightened. The
shear forces have to overcome the friction developed by the clamp load, which in most cases will be far
more than the actual shear strength of the fastener itself. This type of joint is common in the structural
steel construction industry and may be referred to as a friction-type or slip-critical joint.
Bending Loads
Unfortunately, not all joints are always loaded in pure shear or pure tension. Some applications subject the
joint to a bending force, which results in a combined tension, and shear load acting simultaneously on the
fastener. With the use of a shear-tension load interaction curve, design limits can be established for
fasteners with known ultimate tensile and shear strengths. However, even with a valid interaction curve for
design support, extreme caution must be taken when working with a joint subjected to bending.
Tension Control in Bolted Joints
Threaded fasteners can do a good job of holding things together only when they are properly tightened.
The fastener to ensure the proper performance of the joint must produce an appropriate tension. To this
day a simple, inexpensive, and effective way to determine if a fastener is properly tightened has not been
found. Through the years, satisfactory ways have been discovered, but they are neither simple nor
inexpensive. In most situations we rely on less-than-perfect, but adequate traditional methods.
Were most joints not massively over-designed to accommodate inaccurate tightening, simple tightening
procedures could prove catastrophic. Designers will specify more or larger bolts than needed in order to
ensure that the joints are clamped together with the amount of force required. Fewer or smaller fasteners
can be used when accurate control of bolt tension or preload is assured during assembly. For most
applications the over-design of the joint has been far cheaper than controlling the assembly process.
Current trends for most applications, however, no longer favor the use of over-design. Increasing demands
on cost, strength-to-weight ratios, product safety, product performance, and environmental concerns have

22

put pressure on designers, manufacturers and assemblers to do a better job with fewer, lighter parts. This
trend has lead to the discovery of more options in controlling design preload.
Whenever we tighten a bolt, a sequence of events takes place. By applying torque to the head, or the nut,
we turn the fastener being torqued. This action stretches the bolt (similar to a spring) and creates a tension
in the bolt. In most cases it is this tension or preload that we need to make a fastening. By controlling
torque, turn, or stretch, we can control the buildup of tension. The closer we approach direct control of
tension, the more accurate and expensive the method will be.
Some options for tension controls during assembly are: Torque Control, Torque and Turn Control, Stretch
Control, and Direct Tension Control. These methods vary substantially in cost and accuracy.
Torque Control
One of the most common terms involving fastener installation is torque. Often a torque value is
specified for a given application, and with the use of a calibrated torque wrench, this torque value can be
obtained. What must be realized, however, is that this reading does not indicate the bolt tension directly.
Rather the torque reading is only an indirect indication of our desired tension.
A major question today is how much torque should be used to properly tighten a fastener. As simple as
this question may seem, the answer depends on a variety of factors. It is estimated that roughly 90% of the
input energy is lost in overcoming the mating friction under the head and between the thread or nut and its
mating threads. Consequently only the remaining 10% of input energy is turned into bolt stretch. Bear in
mind that this is an oversimplification of what may actually happen, since no consideration is given to the
various forms of heat and strain energy introduced into the system.
In most situations theres a relatively simple relationship between the torque applied to the bolt or nut and
the tension created in it. Usually this relationship is linear. For such cases, the following equation is
applicable:
Torque = K x d x F
where
K = Nut Factor (dimensionless)
d = Nominal Bolt Diameter (in., mm, etc.)
F = Bolt Tension (lbs., N)
F = 75% of bolt material proofload for standard bolts
F= 90% of bolt material proofload for special applications; such as structural bolts
Depending on inputs, the output torque will be given in inch-pounds, foot-pounds, or Newton-meters.
This equation implies a linear elastic zone of the torque verses angle-tightening curve. For most of our
common fastening material we know the engineering values of the first two variables. The problem with
this equation is with K.
The K, or nut factor, not to be confused with the frictional coefficient, can be thought of as a combination
of three factors: K1, a geometric factor, K2, a thread friction related factor, and K3, an underhead friction
related factor. While there are published tables for K, these will usually vary from publication to
publication. For a more detailed analysis it is desirable and often necessary to determine this value
experimentally by using a specially designed torque-tension load cell.
No two bolts respond exactly the same to a given torque. There are numerous real world complications.
Things such things as dirt in a tapped hole, damaged threads, hole misalignment, and numerous other
factors can absorb a large amount of the input torque and will result in a substantial loss in the preload
which was determined. Some of the other common variables affecting the K factor may include, but not
limited to:
Hardness of all parts
Types of materials
Class of fit
Plating, thickness and type

23

Surface finishes on all parts

Manufacturing processes, such as cut or rolled thread
Washers, present or not
Type of tool used for tightening
Speed of tightening
Which is torqued, the nut or the bolt
The number of times the fastener was used
The type, amount, condition, method of application, contamination, and temperature of any lubricant
used

This is by no means a definitive list, and although the amount of and extent to which these factors are
controlled is proportionate to the cost incurred, complete control would never be possible.
As you can see, each fastener, even from identical lots having relatively the same mechanical properties,
will give you different torque values for the same preload. The K value can be thought of as
summarization of anything and everything that affects the relationship between torque and preload. The
following is a brief list of some estimated K factors that we have found in our laboratory. The list is
intended to be used only as a suggestion and will actually vary per application.
K Factors
Bolt Condition
Non-plated, black finish
Zinc-plated
Lubricated
Cadmium-plated

K
0.20 - 0.30
0.17 - 0.22
0.12 - 0.16
0.11 - 0.15

The torque wrench is a relatively inexpensive means of giving a rough estimate of the bolts preload. For
most practical applications, the torque wrench will provide the degree of accuracy desired. However, even
perfect input torque can give a variation of preload by as much as 25 - 30 %. The following example will
demonstrate some complications that can be involved in calculating torque.
Example
Hex Cap Screw 1/2 - 13 zinc plated grade 5
Using Torque = K x d x F
K = .20
d = 0.50 in.
F = (75% of the proof load) = 0.75 x 85,000 psi x 0.1419 sq.in = 9045 lbs.
T = (0.20) (0.5 in.) (9045 lbs.)
T= 905 in.-lbs. = 75 ft.-lbs.
In the previous example, we considered K = 0.20. This is a common K factor for zinc-plated fasteners.
We must now wonder what may have happened if the person installing the fastener would have excessively
lubricated the bolt and installed it with the same torque. In such conditions, K may drop to a value of 0.10.
If T = K x d x F, then we can also determine the preload, F, in the same way.
F = T / (K x d)
F = 905 in.-lbs. / (0.10 x 0.50 in.) = 18,100 lbs.
The value obtained for our preload, 18,100 lbs., would exceed the tensile strength of a 1/2 - 13 grade 5
bolt. More than likely the bolt in question would have failed. The exact opposite may have also happened
resulting in a lower clamp load than may be required resulting in a field failure.
As a group of fasteners are tightened, those, which were tightened first, will tend to relax slightly. This is
due to the creep and flow of heavily loaded thread and joint contact surfaces. Still more relaxation results

24

from the elastic interactions between a group of bolts as they are tightened one-by-one. The first bolts
tightened partially pull the joint together. As we tighten the rest of the bolts the joint is further
compressed, and the previously tightened bolts tend to relax and lose some of their preload. In some cases,
this can virtually eliminate our bolt tension.
The main concern is to what extent must the fasteners preload be known. Numerous methods are
available to the public, which, directly or indirectly, measure preload. If bolt tension is desired with a high
degree of accuracy, the torque wrench is not the answer. The following, which will be discussed later, are
highly accurate and expensive answers:
measuring the actual elongation of the bolt
hydraulic tensioners
strain gages
ultrasonics
Torque and Turn Control
This method involves tightening the fastener to a low initial snug tight condition followed by a
prescribed amount of nut turning to develop the required preload. The actual preload will depend not only
on how far we turn the nut, but also on how much preload was established on the initial run-down, or
snug tightness of the fastener.
The most general model of torque-turn analysis of a fastener consists of four distinct zones. The first, the
run-down prevailing torque zone, is before the fastener head or nut contacts the bearing surface. The
second, the alignment or snugging zone, is the area in which the fastener and the joint mating surfaces are
drawn into alignment or a snug condition. The third is the elastic clamping range zone. Through this
region the slope of the torque-angle curve is constant. The fourth, the post-yield zone, is where an
inflection point begins.
The amount of turn required for run-down, the amount of preload created during snugging, and the bolt-tojoint stiffness ratios are all extremely difficult to predict or control. As a result, pure turn control is nearly
useless. But the fact remains that the increase in a previously snugged bolt is directly proportional to the
turn of the nut or head and is not affected by variations in friction. The combination of torque and turn is
more accurate than either system alone.
Torque is used to determine roughly the amount of preload developed in a fastener during the snugging
operation. The turn on the nut method is a more reliable measure of the further increase of tension of a
previously snugged bolt. Experiments must first be done on a sample joint to determine the effect of turn
on the joint and the fastener.
The torque and turn control method is more accurate than the torque alone method. The method, however,
can only be used on joints whose response during assembly has previously been determined. The method
is therefore more expensive. The method is also similar to the torque method in that it is also blind to
things like creep relaxation and interactions between bolts if not tightened simultaneously. Accuracy is
still affected by variables such as friction and stiffness ratios.
Stretch Control
As we demonstrated earlier with the joint diagrams, when we apply torque to a bolt or nut, it turns, which
stretches the bolt and creates a preload or tension in our fastener. This tension creates the clamping force,
which holds our joint together. If the joint is considered to be critical, we will want to ensure that the
proper amount of tension has been created in our joint upon tightening of the bolt, and that the tension
remains in our fastener even after tightening of neighboring bolts and the relaxation of the fastener has
occurred.
We can consider the bolt to be a stiff spring. As with a spring, an equation can be used to determine the
change in length. The exact specifics of this analysis are far too extensive to be covered now. One of the
major advantages to this method is that the bolt lubricity or bolt-to-joint stiffness ratios have no effect on

25

our calculations. Also, we can use the stretch control method to measure the bolt tension well after the
tightening process is complete.
There are several factors, which complicate this method:
When we think of the bolt as a complex spring, the unthreaded body of the bolt is a relatively stiff spring
and the threaded portion of the bolt can be considered to be a less stiff spring. When we load a bolt, the
threaded portion of the bolt will tend to stretch more than the unthreaded shank of the bolt. Threads within
the nut, or within a tapped hole, will also stretch less. The amount of engaged and unengaged thread
stretch is directly affected by the fastener diameter. Calculations must be made using exact lengths of both
the unthreaded portion of the bolt and the remaining length of the unengaged threaded portion of the bolt
and also the diameter of the bolt.
To further complicate the idea, most authorities say that the head of a bolt also stretches slightly as we
tighten a bolt. The head is considered to stretch about half as much as the same amount of body would
stretch.
In order to use stretch control to estimate the tension in a bolt you must initially determine the amount of
stretch each separate portion of the bolt contributes to the total stretch. You must also take into account the
fact that the tension and stretch in the bolt head and the nut are not uniform throughout, but rather fall off
from a maximum value at the joint surface to zero (no tension) at the outer ends of the fastener.
Other factors affect the relationship between stretch and tension in any given bolt. The basic elasticity of
the bolt material may even vary from lot to lot of bolts. There are also variations in grip lengths and
dimensional tolerances, which must be closely observed. The temperature of the bolt must be measured for
precise tension determination.
A micrometer is the simplest tool used to measure bolt stretch. This tool can be used only if there is access
to both ends of the bolt before and after installation. Also, since both ends will probably not be parallel,
several measurements, at different points around the circumference, must be made and the average taken
for the final measurement.
The point to remember with the use of the stretch control method is that it is a very precise tool available
for evaluating bolt tension. We are trying to measure a change in the length of the bolt of only a few
thousandths of an inch. Tremendous skill will be required to determine the exact length dimensions.
Direct Tension Control
The previously mentioned methods tried to control the tightening process through torque, turn, and stretch.
With each method, errors and uncertainties were discovered. Although some methods have proven to be
more precise than others, none of them are able to control the tension developed in the fastener directly.
However, the following methods will give us the tension developed directly in our fastener.
Washer Control
The least expensive and simplest tension control systems use direct tension indicating (DTI) washers.
Several different types of DTI washers are available. The most common type of washer involves the use of
bumps on one side of the washer. These bumps are flattened plastically as the fastener is tightened. A
feeler gage is used to measure the gap developed by bumps. When the fastener has developed the
appropriate tension, the feeler gage will no longer fit in the gap. Some of the newer types employ the use
of silicone embedded under the bumps. The silicone squirts out once the bumps are compressed to
indicate proper tension. The DTI washer has been used in the structural bolting industry for years and is
now starting to carry over into other fields as well.
One thing to remember when using the DTI, or similar washers, is that they only can indicate the minimum
tension required to close the gap. Added tension may be created in the bolts, but the washer would not be
able to tell us how much. It should be also noted that this type of system cannot monitor or show us the

26

amount of bolt relaxation. Since the bumps on the washer deform plastically, they will not return to their
original dimensions after relaxation.
A different kind of washer, the Belleville, involves a spring-like action. A stack of these washers are
placed under the head or the nut. As the fastener is tightened, the height of the Belleville is reduced. The
washers deform elastically, so they will continue to push upwards on the head or nut. Unless the washers
are completely flattened, the clamping force developed in the joint can be determined.
Alternative Design Bolts
The alternative design bolts incorporate a design feature, which is intended to indirectly indicate tension.
The most common type of this bolt is the twist-off bolt (tension control bolts). An assembly tool holds
this bolt from the nut end. An inner spindle on the tool grips a spline section connected to the main portion
of the bolt. An outer spindle on the tool turns the nut and tightens the fastener. When the design torque
has been reached, the reaction forces on the spline snap it off.
This type of torque control system allows for a quick reference for inspecting if the fastener had been
installed with a minimum amount of torque. The amount of tension actually developed in each fastener is
not directly determined. There are other types of fasteners, some of highly elaborate designs, which work
in a similar fashion.
Hydraulic Tensioners
A hydraulic tensioner is sometimes used to tighten large diameter bolts. An upper collar is threaded down
onto the exposed section of thread above the nut. Hydraulic pressure is then used to pull upward on the
bolt. The nut is then run down, freely, against the upper surface of the joint. When the hydraulic pressure
is relieved, the nut continues to hold the majority of the tension developed.
Ultrasonics
An ultrasonic instrument can be used to measure bolt preload or tension. This instrument sends a brief
burst of ultrasound through a bolt and measures the response time required for the sound to echo off the
end and return to the transducer. As mentioned previously, the bolt will stretch as it is tightened. This
increases the time required for the signal. Elaborate computer equipment, grip length, bolt material, and
thread run-out lengths are needed to measure the change in transmittal time to determine bolt tension. This
equipment has been available for many years, but due to the cost and quantity of components needed, is
used in only a few applications.
The Reuse of Fasteners
In a previous section, we discussed the proof load and yield point of the fasteners. It was stated that the
proof load represents the usable strength range of the fastener. By definition, the proof load is an applied
tensile load the fastener can support without permanent deformation. The bolt will return to its original
shape once the load is removed. The bolt may be reused provided you are absolutely certain the bolt never
exceeded this point and began to yield: a simple enough definition, but one that requires an extensive
explanation.
As the fastened joint is put into use, it will encounter all types of various loads, including tension loads,
shear loads, cyclic loads, prying loads and loads which may be a combination of these and other
possibilities. Things like pressure changes in a pipeline, vibration from an engine or an impact of a
hydraulic ram, may produce these loads. These external loads add to or subtract from the initial load of the
fastener and in extreme cases may yield the fastener (refer back to the joint diagrams).
Heat will lower the yield value of the fastener. The yield strengths are determined at room temperature.
ASTM A193 B7 has a yield strength of 75-105 ksi (75 ksi for sizes over 4 inches in diameter and 105 ksi
for material in diameters up to 2-1/2 inches) at 70 degrees, and drops to approximately 53-74 ksi at
approximately 800 degrees. So, if we install a B7 fastener at room temperature expecting each fastener to
support a tensile load of 85 ksi, which would not yield the fastener of diameters 2-1/2 inches and smaller.

27

Now, if we were to introduce heat into our fastener application, the fastener would begin to yield at much
lower load.
Was the fastener installed properly? This is one of the most difficult questions to answer (please refer to
the section titled Tension Control in a Bolted Joint). This section discussed the difficulty of analyzing
proper installation procedures. Extreme caution should always be used when relying on torque from a
formula to indicate the tension induced. Torque is only an indirect indication of tension. Improper
installation may yield the fastener.
One important factor to remember; typically you will not know whether or not the fastener has been
yielded. Especially in critical situations, you should never reuse a fastener unless you are certain the
fastener has never been yielded.
Re-use of Fasteners and Torque
The basic function of the nut is to produce and maintain the clamp load on the assembly. As the fastener
elongates, it starts to apply a compressive load to the nut. The first engaged thread of the bolt experiences
an enormous amount of tension from the entire body. Some of this load is transferred to the nut causing
less tension in the bolt at the second engaged thread. Then, this thread transfers part of this load to the
third thread, and so on. The threads of the bolt will stretch. At the same time, the compressive forces
acting on the bearing surface of the nut squeeze the bottom threads of the nut together. Due to this
deformation causing an uneven load distribution, the first few threads may plastically deform (yield).
The first few threads of the nut will support the majority of the load. Research has shown in some cases
involving UNC threaded nuts, the first thread will have to support nearly 35% of the load. The second
thread will support about 25% of the load, and the third thread about 18%.
To best allow the load to distribute to the mating threads, the nut is slightly softer that the bolt to allow its
threads to distort a small amount to match the expanding contours of the bolt threads. If a nut were reused,
there would no longer be a perfect thread match. This will create more friction between the threads
during installation, which will significantly alter the installation torque.
On a recent demonstration with a -13 zinc plated SAE J429 Grade 5 hex cap screw and zinc plated SAE
J995 Grade 5 hex nut we used an installation torque of 70 ft-lbs to obtain a clamp load of 9000 lbs (without
any added lubrication). On the second installation, this torque had increased to 95 ft-lbs to obtain 9000 lbs.
By the fourth installation, we required 145 ft-lbs to reach a clamp load of 9000 lbs.
Structural Bolts
ASTM A325 & ASTM A490 are the two U.S. standard structural bolts.
If you look at the mechanical requirements listed in the appendix, you may notice that an ASTM A325 and
SAE J429 Grade 5 appear identical. This also appears to be true for the ASTM A490 and the SAE J429
Grade 8.
So, can a SAE J429 Grade 5 be used when an ASTM A325 is specified? The answer is definitely not; this
is also the case for substituting a Grade 8 when A490 is specified, and here are some reasons why:
1.

A325 and A490 bolts are produced with a heavy hex head configuration; Grade 5 and 8 bolts are
produced to standard hex cap screw configuration. This provides a wider bearing surface to distribute
the load over a wider bearing surface.

2.

The grip length (non-threaded portion of the body) on the A325 and A490 bolts is designed to be more
(shorter thread lengths) than your standard hex bolt or hex cap screw. Remember that the weakest
section of standard carbon steel fasteners is through the threaded region. Little design changes can be
made to create a stronger tensile connection by changing the thread length, but how about shear. The
following two diagrams demonstrate this difference:

28

If both bolts are -10 x 4, Bolt X has the shear plane acting through the body of the bolt (the intersection
of your two sliding plate). Bolt N has its shear plane acting through the threaded portion. Lets say that
we can estimate both fasteners to have an ultimate shear capacity of 72,000 PSI, just how many pounds
would this be for each fastener? To determine this load in pounds, you must first calculate the area of
material for each example.
Bolt X is just the cross sectional area of the body diameter: in the worst case scenario, the
minimum body diameter is 0.729 inches: now by doing a little eighth grade geometry we can
calculate the area of a circle with this diameter. Bolt A has a material cross sectional area of 0.417
square inches. Take 0.417 sq-in. and multiply by 72,000 PSI and youre left with nearly 30,000
pounds.
Bolt N you need to calculate the threaded shear area, which is 0.302 sq-in. Now take this and
multiply by the same 72,000 PSI and youre left with approximately 21,740 pounds.
The above example demonstrated an improvement of 8260 pounds by using the same strength fastener by
just ensuring the shear load was applied to the body of the bolt. Oftentimes, drawings and blueprints
indicate the structural bolt with an X or an N designation. The X indicates that the threads are excluded
from the shear plane. The N indicates that the threads may be included in the shear plane.
A recent test was designed to determine the affect on the bolted connection when varying the levels of
pretension. The test included A325, A490, Grade 5 and Grade 8 fasteners. Strain gauges were mounted to
the test apparatus that monitored the bolt forces during various types of applied loads. The bolts were
fully tightened, snug tightened or finger tightened.
The experiment found that when using grade 5 and grade 8 bolts in place of A325 and A490 respectively,
lead to larger deformations at failure. The grade 5 and grade 8s have longer thread length than their
respective A325 and A490 bolts. The plastic behavior is distributed over more the fastener, making them
more ductile.
ASTM A325 bolts are available in diameters from to 1-1/2 inch diameters (for diameters greater than 11/2, ASTM A449 specifications should be examined) with a minimum tensile strength of 120,000 PSI for
diameters one inch and less and 105,000 PSI for sizes over one inch to 1-1/2, and in two types. Type 1 is a
medium carbon steel and can be galvanized Type 3 is a weathering steel that offers atmospheric corrosion
resistance similar to that of ASTM A242 or A588 steels.
ASTM A490 bolts are available in diameters from to 1-1/2 inch diameters with a minimum tensile
strength of 150,000 psi for all diameters, and in two types. Type 1 is alloy steel. Type 3 is weathering
steel that offers atmospheric corrosion resistance similar to that of ASTM A242 or A588 steels. ASTM
A490 bolts should not be galvanized.
Structural bolts are specifically designed for the use with nuts in the connection of structural members.
The nuts for structural connections shall conform to ASTM A563 or ASTM A194. A chart is provided in
the appendix to select the proper grade nut that must be used. The washers used for structural

29

connections shall meet ASTM F436 specifications. This specification covers both flat circular and beveled
washers.
According to the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC), for structural applications, there are
generally three types of connections that the bolt is used; snug tightened bearing, fully tensioned bearing
and slip critical connections. In accordance with the AISC, bolts used in fully tensioned bearing or slipcritical connections are required to be installed to within 70% of the minimum tensile strength of the bolt.
There are four methods of installation procedures recognized by the AISC to achieve the tension required
for the fully tensioned bearing or the slip critical connection; (1) turn-of-nut method (2) alternative design
bolt method (tension control bolts) (3) direct tension indicating method (DTI) (4) calibrated wrench
method. It is not valid to use published values based on a torque tension relationship. In other words, YOU
CAN NOT USE TORQUE FROM A FORMULA. The calibrated wrench method is only valid if
installation procedures are calibrated on a daily basis by tightening three representative fastener assemblies
for each lot diameter, length and grade with nuts from each lot, diameter and grade and with a hardened
washer from the washers being used placed under the element being turned in tightening in a device
(Skidmore-Wilhelm) capable of measuring actual bolt tension.
Standards
The expansion of global trade and the increasing rapid development of technology in many sectors have
and will continue to present major underlying hazards in todays market. Now more than ever, there is a
need for standards and standardization. By definition, standards are documented agreements containing
technical specifications or other precise criteria to be used consistently as rules, guidelines or definitions of
characteristics to ensure that material, products, processes and services are fit for their purpose. There are
several distinct international and regional standard organizations. The following will give a brief
description of some the larger organizations:
ANSI (American National Standard Institute)
Founded in 1918, ANSI has served in its capacity as administrator and coordinator of the United States
private sector voluntary standardization system. ANSI promotes the use of U.S. standards internationally,
advocates U.S. policy and technical positions in international and regional standards organizations and
encourages the adoption of internal standards as national standards where these meet the needs of the user
community. ANSI does not itself develop American National Standards; rather it facilitates development
by establishing consensus among the ANSI member associations such as ASTM, SAE, ASME, etc.
ASTM (The American Society for Testing and Materials)
ASTM is a scientific and technical organization formed for the development of standards on
characteristics and performance of materials, products, systems, and services; and the promotion of related
knowledge. Through technical committees, ASTM publishes standard test methods, specifications,
practices, guides, classifications and terminology. ASTM standards cover metals, paints, plastics, textiles,
petroleum, construction, the environment, medical services, electronics, fasteners and many other areas.
ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers)
Founded in 1880, ASME is an organization working to develop codes and standards for the engineering
profession, the public, industry and government. Currently, there are more than 600 standards published
by ASME on topics such as screw threads, valves, flow measurement and much more.
SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers)
Since its founding in 1905, SAE has been developing and implementing standards and safety specifically
used in designing, building, maintaining and operating self-propelled vehicles.

30

ISO (The International Organization for Standardization)

ISO is a specialized multinational and multicultural international organization with some 120-member
countries governed by consensus and spanning the breadth of global technology. The object of ISO is to
promote the development of standardization and related activities throughout the world. ISO brings
together the interests of users (including consumers), producers, governments and the scientific community
in the formation of international standards covering everything from screw threads to surgical implants.
ISO publishes standards through members from some 120 countries and more than 800 standards
developing committees and subcommittees supported by another 2000 or so working groups. Under the
overall coordination of the Technical Management Board, management responsibility for development and
maintenance of each ISO standard is first delegated to the main technical committee level and then further
to the subcommittees and the working groups.
DIN (German Engineering Society or Deutsches Institut fur Normung)
DIN is a registered association with its main office in Berlin. It is not a government agency. DIN serves as
the round table around which gather representatives for the manufacturing industries, consumer industries,
consumer organizations, commerce, service industries, science or anyone with an interest in
standardization in order to determine the state of the art and to record it in the form of German standards.
DIN standards are technical rules that promote rationalization, quality assurance, safety and environmental
protection as well as improving communication between industry, technology, science, government and the
public. In DIN, some 40,500 external experts serving as voluntary delegates in some 4400 committees
carry out standards work. Published standards are reviewed for continuing relevance at least every five
years.
Traditionally, DIN has been the strongest standard for metric products throughout the world. Countries
without their own metric standards base have usually referred to DIN in technical documentation and most
European countries have also used DIN as the base for their own national standards.
JIS (Japanese Industrial Institute)
JIS plays an important role in terms of metric hardware standards. Many JIS standards are based on the
DIN standards; however, some of them may be modified to meet the needs they have in Japan. (Typically
used for electronic equipment in the US)
The Metric System
Throughout history, people have been trying to limit the number of measurement systems. Today, only
two systems, inch-pound and metric, are used predominately in most industrial nations. With the exception
of the United States and a couple of other nations, all countries in the world are using metric for all their
national standards. As with any system, the metric system has also been changing and several
modifications have been devised to match the progress of technology.
Today, all nations, including the U.S., have been unifying on one version of metric, known as the
International System of Units, or SI. Currently, the U.S. is using both SI and inch-pound standards. Most
countries, previously on the inch-pound system, are using SI in new standards and are limiting the use of
inch-pound products to maintenance parts for older machinery and equipment. Many U.S. industries, such
as the automotive and agricultural industries, have implemented the metric system into their operations.
Another problem has been standardizing within the metric system. Although the intent was to fully convert
most metric specifications to an ISO standard, most industries have been slow to convert from the DIN or
metric ANSI.
For example, metric hex cap screws are generally manufactured to one of the three standards:
DIN 931 (DIN 933 fully-threaded)
ISO 4014 (ISO 4017 fully-threaded)
ANSI/ASME B18.2.3.1M

31

Products made to these three standards are interchangeable with each other. Hex cap screws manufactured
to the dimensional requirements of any one of the listed standards are usable on nuts manufactured to the
tolerances of any of the respective organizations. The main difference between the standards is the width
across the flats dimensions for the M10, M12 and M14. For reference, we list the dimensions on page A20 of the Appendix.
Fastener Property Classes
The metric system relies on a property class for their strength requirements. The numbering system is very
simple; the number prior to the decimal indicates, if multiplied by 100, approximately the minimum tensile
strength in Mega Pascals (MPa); the number following the decimal indicates yield as a percentage of the
tensile strength.
Example; Property Class 10.9
First number 10 indicates a tensile strength of approximately 1000 MPa
The .9 indicates that 90% of tensile strength is approximately the yield strength, or approximately
940 MPa.
Most ASTM specification allows for both metric series and inch series fasteners to be made. For example;
ASTM A490 & ASTM A490M. The ASTM A490M is the metric A490 structural bolt (not to be confused
with the DIN 6914: 10.9 structural bolt)
Thread
The metric screw thread is identified by the capital letter M, followed by the nominal diameter. The
distance between threads (pitch) in millimeters measures threads on metric threaded fasteners. Threads on
a standard (inch based) fastener are measured by counting the number per inch.
Thread Tolerance
The tolerance system for threads is composed of a number followed by a letter. Numbers indicate the
range of tolerance. Capital letters indicate internal (nut) thread tolerance. Small case letters indicate
external (bolt) thread tolerance. The 6g-thread tolerance is comparable to a 2A Unified thread tolerance.
The 6g tolerance allows room for plating. The 6h tolerance is comparable with the 3A Unified thread
tolerance. The 6H tolerance is comparable to a 2B Unified thread tolerance.
Other available thread tolerances:
6e:
Used for parts requiring more room for plating.
8g:
Used for semi-finished bolts.
5g6g: Used for class 12.9 socket head cap screws (class 8.8 and stainless steel socket head cap screws
have 6g tolerance).
4g6g: Used for all socket products regardless of strength class and material. ANSI has specified this
tolerance for all socket products.
Example of Metric Description
Hex Cap Screw Din 931 M16 x 140 Property Class 8.8
Din 931; indicates partially threaded hex head cap screw
M16; diameter in mm (16 mm)
In the metric system, all fasteners are assumed coarse thread unless another thread pitch is stated.
Length listed in mm (140 mm)
Property Class must be stated
Charts providing some of the common metric fastener specifications are provided in the appendix.

32

Common Specifications for Use with Fasteners

ASTM Specifications
A36
A153
A193
A194
A307
A320
A325
A354
A370
A394
A449
A489
A490
A563
A574
B633

Specification for Carbon Structural Steel

Specification for Zinc Coating (Hot-Dip) on
Iron and Steel Hardware
Specification for Alloy-Steel and Stainless Steel
Bolting Materials for High-Temperature Service
Specification for Carbon and Alloy Steel Nuts
for Bolts for High-Pressure and HighTemperature Service
Specification for Steel Bolts and Studs, 60,000
PSI Tensile Strength
Specification for Alloy Steel Bolting Materials
for Low-Temperature Service
Specification for Structural Bolts, Steel, Heat
Treated, 120/105 KSI Minimum Tensile
Strength
Specification for Quenched and Tempered Alloy
Steel Bolts, Studs and Other Externally
Threaded Fasteners
Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical
Testing of Steel Products
Specification for Steel Transmission Tower
Bolts, Zinc-Coated and Bare
Specification for Quenched and Tempered Steel
Bolts and Studs
Specification for Carbon Steel Lifting Eyes
Specification for Heat-Treated Structural Bolts,
150 KSI Tensile Strength
Specification for Carbon and Alloy Steel Nuts
Specification for Alloy Steel Socket Head Cap
Screw
Specification for Electrodeposited Coatings of
Zinc on Iron and Steel

B695
F436
F467
F468
F593
F594
F606
F835
F837
F844
F879
F880
F912
F959
F1554
F1852
F1941

Specification for Coatings of Zinc Mechanically Deposited

on Iron and Steel
Specification for Hardened Steel Washers
Specification for Nonferrous Nuts for General Use
Specification for Nonferrous Bolts, Hex Cap Screws, and
Studs for General Use
Specification for Stainless Steel Bolts, Hex Cap Screws, and
Studs
Specification for Stainless Steel Nuts
Test Methods for Determining Mechanical Properties of
Externally and Internally Threaded Fasteners, Washers, and
Rivets
Specification for Alloy Steel Socket Button and Flat
Countersunk Head Cap Screws
Specification for Stainless Steel Socket Head Cap Screws
Specification for Washers, Steel, Plain (Flat), Unhardened
for General Use
Specification for Stainless Steel Socket Button and Flat
Countersunk Head Cap Screws
Specification for Stainless Steel Socket-Set Screws
Specification for Alloy Steel Socket Set Screws
Specification for Compressible-Washer-Type Direct Tension
Indicators for Use with Structural Fasteners
Specification for Anchor Bolts, Steel, 36, 55 and 105-ksi
Yield Strength
Specification for Twist Off Type Tension Control
Structural Bolt/Nut/Washer Assemblies, Steel, Heat Treated,
120/105 ksi Minimum Tensile Strength
Electrodeposited Coatings on Thread Fasteners [Unified Inch
Screw Threads (UN/UNR)]

SAE Standards
J58
J78
J81
J429

Flanged 12 Point Screws

Steel Self-Drilling Tapping Screws
Thread Rolling Screws
Mechanical and Material Requirements for
Externally Threaded Fasteners

J487
J493
J933
J995

Cotter Pins
Rod Ends and Clevis Pins
Mechanical and Quality Requirements for Tapping Screws
Mechanical and Material for Steel Nuts

ANSI (and/or) ASME Standards (inch series)

B1.1
B1.12
B1.15
B18.1.1
B18.1.2
B18.2.1
B18.2.2
B18.2.6
B18.3
B18.5
B18.6.1
B18.6.2
B18.6.3

Unified Inch Screw Threads (UN and UNR

Thread Form
Class 5 Interference-Fit Thread
Unified Inch Screw Threads (UNJ Thread
Form
Small Solid Rivets
Large Rivets
Square and Hex Bolts and Screws
Square and Hex Nuts
Fasteners for Use in Structural Applications
Socket Cap, Shoulder and Set Screws
Round Head Bolts
Wood Screws
Slotted Head Cap Screws, Square Head Set
Screws, and Slotted Headless Set Screws
Machine Screws and Machine Screw Nuts

B18.6.4
B18.7
B18.8.1
B18.8.2
B18.9
B18.10
B18.11
B18.13
B18.15
B18.17
B18.21.1
B18.22.1
B18.23.1

33

Thread Forming and Thread Cutting Tapping Screws and

Metallic Drive Screws
General Purpose Semi-Tubular Rivets, Full Tubular
Rivets, Split Rivets and Rivet Caps
Clevis Pins and Cotter Pins
Taper Pins, Dowel Pins, Straight Pins, Grooved Pins and
Spring Pins
Plow Bolts
Track Bolts and Nuts
Miniature Screws
Screw and Washer Assemblies (Sems)
Forged Eyebolts
Wing Nuts, Thumb Screws and Wing Screws
Lock Washers
Plain Washers
Beveled Washers

Mechanical Specifications for Externally Threaded Fasteners with Grade Markings

Specification

Material

Size
Range
(in.)

Min. Proof
Strength
(psi)

Min. Tensile
Strength
(psi)

SAE J429-Grade 1

Low or medium
carbon
steel

1/4 - 1 1/2

33,000

60,000

B70

B100

36,000

1/4 - 3/4
7/8 - 1 1/2
1/4 - 4

55,000
33,000

74,000
60,000
60,000

B80
B70
B69

B100
B100
B100

57,000
36,000

60,000(min)
100,000(max)

B69

B95

SAE J429-Grade 2

ASTM A307-Grade A Low or medium

carbon
steel
ASTM A307-Grade B Low or medium
carbon
steel

1/4 - 4

Core Hardness Min. Yield

Rockwell
Strength
(psi)
Min.
Max.

SAE J429-Grade 5
ASTM A449-Type1

Medium carbon
steel: quenched
& tempered
ASTM A449-Type 1

1/4 - 1
1 1/8 - 1 1/2
1 3/4 - 3

85,000
74,000
55,000

120,000
105,000
90,000

C25
C19

C34
C30

92,000
81,000
58,000

ASTM A325-Type 1 Medium carbon

steel: quenched
& tempered

1/2 - 1
1 1/8 - 1 1/2

85,000
74,000

120,000
105,000

C25
C19

C34
C30

92,000
81,000

ASTM A354
Grade BC

Medium carbon
1/4 - 2 1/2
alloy steel:
Over 2 1/2 - 4
quenched &
tempered

105,000
95,000

125,000
115,000

C26
C22

C36
C33

109,000
99,000

ASTM A354
Grade BD

Medium carbon
1/4 - 2 1/2
alloy steel:
Over 2 1/2 - 4
quenched &
tempered

120,000
105,000

150,000
140,000

C33
C31

C39
C39

130,000
115,000
See Note 1

SAE J429-Grade 8

Medium carbon
alloy steel:
quenched &
tempered

1/4 - 1 1/2

120,000

150,000

C33

C39

130,000

SAE J429-Grade 8.2

Low carbon
boron steel:
quenched &
tempered

1/4 - 1

120,000

150,000

C33

C39

130,000

1/2 - 1 1/2

120,000

150,000(min)
173,000(max)

C33

C39

130,000

#0 - 1/2
over 1/2 - 2

140,000
135,000

180,000
170,000

C39
C37

C45
C45

153,000

145,000
135,000

C39
C37

C44
C44

ASTM A490-Type 1 Medium carbon

alloy steel:
quenched &
tempered
ASTM A574
Alloy Steel
Socket Head
Cap Screw

Medium carbon
alloy steel:
quenched &
tempered

ASTM F835 Alloy Medium carbon

Steel Socket Button
alloy steel:
& Flat Countersunk
quenched &
Head Cap Screw
tempered

Grade
Identification
Marking

#0 1/2
Over 1/2

Note 1: ASTM A354-Grade BD shall be marked BD, and in addition to BD, the product may be marked six radial lines 60 apart.

Material Specification
Specification
Material
ASTM A36
Carbon Structural Steel

Tensile Strength (psi)

58,000 (min.) - 80,000 (max.)

A-1

Min. Yield Strength (psi)

36,000

Grade Identification Markings for Nuts

Specification

Material

Nominal
Size(in.)

Hardness
Rockwell
Min. Max.

1/4 - 1 1/2

Proof Load Stress

(psi)
Plain
Zinc
Coated (1)
69,000*
52,000*

ASTM A563-Grade 0

Carbon Steel

B55

C32

ASTM A563-Grade A

Carbon Steel

1/4 - 1 1/2

90,000*

68,000*

B68

C32

ASTM A563-Grade A
Heavy Hex
ASTM A563-Grade C
Heavy Hex

Carbon Steel

1/4 - 4

75,000*
68,000**

B68

C32

Carbon Steel,
may be
quenched and
tempered

1/4 - 4

100,000*
90,000**
144,000

B78

C38

ASTM A563-Grade DH
Heavy Hex

Carbon Steel,
quenched and
tempered

1/4 - 4

175,000

150,000

C24

C38

ASTM A194-Grade 2H
Heavy Hex

Medium
Carbon Steel

1/4 1 1/2

175,000

150,000**
*

C24

C35

Over 1 1/2
ASTM A194-Grade 8
Heavy Hex

AISI 304

1/4 1 1/2

SAE J995 Grade Identification for Nuts

Grade
Material
Nominal Size(in.)
5

Carbon steel

1/4 - 1
Over 1 1 1/2

Medium carbon
or alloy steel,
quenched &
tempered

1/4 5/8

Grade
Identification
Marking

C35
80,000

Proof Load
Stress (psi)
120,000*
109,000**
105,000*
94,000**
150,000

B60

Rockwell
Hardness
Min. Max.
C32

B105

Grade Identification Markings

Previous ****

Revised****

C32
C24

C32

Over 5/8 1

C26

C34

Over 1 1 1/2

C26

C36

(1): Zinc coating refers to nuts that have been plated with a plating or coating of sufficient thickness to
require overtapping of the nut to provide assembly: for example hot-dip or mechanical galvanizing.
* UNC and 8 UN
** UNF, 12 UN & finer
***When a zinc coated A194 2H nut is supplied, the zinc coating, overtapping, lubrication and rotational
capacity testing shall be in accordance with ASTM A563 and the proof stress reduced accordingly. Nuts
coated with zinc shall have an asterisk * marked after the grade symbol. Nuts coated with cadmium shall
have a plus sign + marked after the grade symbol.
****These graded identification markings show the latest revision. Both markings will be acceptable for a
transition period.

A-2

Typically, the bolt specification dictates which nuts are compatible for use.
However, when in doubt, the #1 Rule for Nut Selection: Always select a nut
whose minimum proof strength is greater than or equal to the bolts minimum
ultimate tensile capacity. The following charts are some examples of compatible nut and

bolt combinations.

SAE J429 Bolt and Nut Compatibility

Bolt Grade

Recommended Nut Grade (1)

Suitable Substitution (2)

SAE J-429 Grade 2

Low Carbon Regular or Heavy Hex Nut

SAE J995 Grade 5 or Grade 8 Hex Nut

SAE J-429 Grade 5

SAE J995 Grade 5 Hex Nut

SAE J995 Grade 8 Hex Nut

SAE J-429 Grade 8

SAE J995 Grade 8 Hex Nut

(1)
(2)

Recommended denotes a commercially available nut having the most suitable mechanical properties that will make it possible
to obtain the desired bolt load.
Suitable denotes SAE J995 nuts having mechanical properties that will also make it possible to obtain the desired bolt load.

ASTM Bolt and ASTM A563 Nut Compatibility

(ASTM A194 Compatibility shown for A325, A490 & A193 Bolts)
Grade
of
Bolt ( A )

Surface
Finish ( B )

Nominal
Size
(in.)

ASTM A307
Grade A

Plain &
Zinc Coated

1/4 to 1-1/2
over 1-1/2 to 2
Over 2 to 4

Grade A Heavy Hex Nut

C,DH

ASTM A307

Plain &

1/4 to 1-1/2

Grade A Heavy Hex Nut

C,DH

Grade B

Zinc Coated

over 1-1/2 to 2

Grade A Heavy Hex Nut

C,DH

Over 2 to 4

Grade A Heavy Hex Nut

C,DH

1/4 to 1-1/2

Grade B Hex Nut

C,DH

Over 1-1/2 to 3

Grade A Heavy Hex Nut

C,DH

1/4 to 1-1/2

Grade DH Heavy Hex Nut

Over 1-1/2 to 3

Grade DH Heavy Hex Nut

ASTM A449

Plain

Types 1 & 2
Zinc Coated
ASTM A325
ASTM A354

A,C,DH
C,DH

1/2 to 1-1/2

Grade C Heavy Hex Nut

DH, ASTM A194 2H

Zinc Coated

1/2 to 1-1/2

Grade DH Heavy Hex Nut

ASTM A194 2H

Plain

1/4 to 1-1/2

Grade C Heavy Hex Nut

DH

Over 1-1/2 to 4

Grade C Heavy Hex Nut

DH

1/4 to 1-1/2

Grade DH Heavy Hex Nut

Zinc Coated
Plain

Grade BD
ASTM A490

Grade A Hex Nut

Grade A Heavy Hex Nut

Plain

Grade BC

ASTM A354

ASTM A563 Grade and ANSI Style Nut ( C )

Recommended ( D )
Suitable Substitution ( E )
Heavy Hex

Plain

Over 1-1/2 to 4

Grade DH Heavy Hex Nut

1/4 to 1-1/2

Grade DH Heavy Hex Nut

Over 1-1/2 to 3

Grade DH Heavy Hex Nut

1/2 to 1-1/2

DH

Grade DH Heavy Hex Nut

ASTM A194 2H

ASTM A193 Grade B7

ASTM A194 2H Heavy Hex Nut

ASTM A194 7

ASTM A193 Grade B8

ASTM A194 Grade 8

ASTM A193 Grade B8M

ASTM A194 Grade 8M

Note: the above chart should not be considered all inclusive for all fasteners listed. The nuts listed are those that may be readily
available.
(A) Bolt includes all externally threaded types of fasteners.
(B) Zinc coated nuts are nuts intended for use with externally threaded fasteners which are hot-dip zinc-coated, mechanically zinccoated or have a plating or coating of sufficient thickness to require overtapping the nut to provide assembly. Non-zinc plated
nuts are nuts intended for use with externally threaded fasteners which have a plain finish or have a plating or coating of
insufficient thickness to require overtapping the nut thread to provide assembly.
(C) The availability of DH nuts in nominal sizes and larger is limited. In most instances ASTM A194 Grade 2H nuts may be
considered.
(D) Recommended denotes a commercially available nut having the most suitable mechanical properties and dimensional
configuration, or style, which will make it possible to obtain the desired bolt load.
(E) Suitable denotes nuts having mechanical properties that will make it possible to obtain the desired bolt load, but require
consideration of dimensional configuration, or style, suitability and availability.

A-3

Mechanical Properties of Common Stainless Steel Fasteners in Accordance with ASTM F593
Stainless
Condition
Alloy Group

Nominal
Dia.

Tensile
Strength

Core Hardness
Rockwell

Min. Yield
Strength

Grade
Identification
Marking

(in.)

(psi)

Min.

Max.

(psi)

1
(303, 304,
304L, 305,
384, XM1,

CW

1/4 - 5/8

100,000 150,000

B95

C32

65,000

18-9LW,
302HQ,
303Se)

CW

3/4 - 1 1/2

85,000 140,000

B80

C32

45,000

2
(316,
316L)

CW

1/4 - 5/8

100,000 150,000

B95

C32

65,000

CW

3/4 - 1 1/2

85,000 140,000

B80

C32

45,000

CW: headed and rolled from annealed or solution-annealed stock

ASTM A193: Alloy Steel and Stainless Steel Bolting Material For High-Temperature Service
Specification
& Grade

Size
Range

ASTM A193
B7

(in.)
2 1/2 &
under

ASTM A193
B7M

ASTM A193
B16

Min.
Tensile
Strength
(psi)
125,000

Min. Yield
Strength
(psi)
105,000

Core
Hardness
Rockwell
(max)
C35

Over
2 1/2 - 4
Over 4 7
4 & under

115,000

95,000

C35

100,000
100,000

75,000
80,000

C35
B99

Over 4 - 7

100,000

75,000

B99

2 1/2 &
under
Over
2 1/2 - 4
Over 4 - 8

125,000

105,000

C35

110,000

95,000

C35

Description

Chromium-Molybdenum alloy (4140,

4142, 4145, 4140H, 4142H, 4145H)
used for high-pressure, high-temperature
applications.
Similar to B7 except heat-treated to limit
the maximum hardness. Considered in
areas where stress embrittlement may be
a factor.
A chromium-Molybdenum-Vanadium
alloy used for high-pressure, hightemperature service applications. Offers
slightly higher temperature resistance
than B7.

100,000

85,000

C35

ASTM A193
B8 Class 1

1/4 &
larger

75,000

30,000

B96

A 304 Stainless Steel used for high

temperature applications. This material
has been carbide solution treated.

ASTM A193
B8M Class 1

1/4 &
larger

75,000

30,000

B96

A 316 Stainless Steel used for high

temperature applications. This material
has been carbide solution treated.

A-4

Grade
Identification
Marking

Caution: All material included in this chart is advisory only, and its use by anyone is voluntary. In developing this
information, Fastenal has made a determined effort to present its contents accurately. Extreme caution should be used
when using a formula for torque/tension relationships. Torque is only an indirect indication of tension. For assemblies
where loosening or bolt failures can result in personal injury or costly equipment failure, the torque-tension
relationship should be determined experimentally on the actual parts involved.

Torque-Tension Relationships for SAE J429 Grade Bolts

Nominal threads
SAE J429 Grade 2
SAE J429 Grade 5
Dia.
per
Clamp
Tightening Torque
Clamp
Tightening Torque
inch
Load K = 0.15 K = 0.18 K = 0.20
Load
K = 0.15 K = 0.18 K = 0.20
(in.)
(Lbs.)
(Lbs.)
Unified Coarse Thread Series
1/4
5/16
3/8
7/16
1/2
5/8
3/4
7/8
1

20
18
16
14
13
11
10
9
8

1/4
5/16
3/8
7/16
1/2
5/8
3/4
7/8
1

28
24
24
20
20
18
16
14

1313 49 in-lbs 59 in-lbs 66 in-lbs

2163
101
122
135
3196 15 ft-lbs 18 ft-lbs 20 ft-lbs
4385
24
29
32
5853
37
44
49
9323
73
87
97
13797
129
155
172
11428
125
150
167
14992
187
225
250

1500 56 in-lbs 68 in-lbs 75 in-lbs

2395
112
135
150
3623 17 ft-lbs 20 ft-lbs 23 ft-lbs
4897
27
32
36
6598
41
49
55
10558
82
99
110
15385
144
173
192
12609
138
165
184
14 (UNS) 16827
210
252
280

Clamp
Load
(Lbs.)

SAE J429 Grade 8

Tightening Torque
K = 0.15 K = 0.18 K = 0.20

2029
76 in-lbs 91 in-lbs 101 in-lbs
3342
157
188
209
4940
23 ft-lbs 28 ft-lbs 31 ft-lbs
6777
37
44
49
9046
57
68
75
14408
113
135
150
21322
200
240
267
29436
322
386
429
38616
483
579
644
Fine Thread Series

2864
4719
6974
9568
12771
20340
30101
41556
54517

143 in107 in-lbs 129 in-lbs

lbs
221
265
295
33 ft-lbs 39 ft-lbs 44 ft-lbs
52
63
70
80
96
106
159
191
212
282
339
376
455
545
606
681
818
909

2319
3702
5599
7568
10197
16317
23776
32479
43343

3274
5226
7905
10684
14396
23036
33566
45853
61190

164 in123 in-lbs 147 in-lbs

lbs
245
294
327
37 ft-lbs 44 ft-lbs 49 ft-lbs
58
70
78
90
108
120
180
216
240
315
378
420
502
602
669
765
918
1020

87 in-lbs 104 in-lbs 116 in-lbs

174
208
231
26 ft-lbs 31 ft-lbs 35 ft-lbs
41
50
55
64
76
85
127
153
170
223
267
297
355
426
474
542
650
722

Clamp load estimated as 75% of proof load for specified bolts.

Torque values for and 5/16-inch series are in inch-pounds. All other torque values are in foot-pounds.
Torque values calculated from formula T = KDF
where:
D is the nominal diameter, F is the clamp load and
K=0.15 for lubricated conditions
K=0.18 for zinc plated and dry conditions
K=0.20 for plain and dry conditions

The nut or tapped hole is as critical to torque as the bolt. WHEN USING GRADE C TOPLOCK NUTS
OR FLANGE LOCKNUTS, PLEASE REFER TO THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION.
Torque-Tension Relationships for Electrodeposited Zinc Clear Chromate, and Lubricated Prevailing
Torque Lock Nuts
Locknut
Size

1/4 - 20
5/16 - 18
3/8 - 16
7/16 - 14
1/2 - 13
9/16 - 12
5/8 - 11
3/4 - 10
7/8 - 9
1-8

Steel Hex Locknut

Steel Hex Flange Locknut
Grade C Locknut
Grade F Locknut
Grade G Locknut
Clamp
Tightening
Clamp
Tightening
Clamp
Tightening
Load
Torque (ft-lbs.)
Load
Torque (ft-lbs.)
Load
Torque (ft-lbs.)
(lbs)
Max.
Min.
(lbs)
Max.
Min.
(lbs)
Max.
Min.
Unified Coarse Thread Series
2850
14.7
10.0
2000
11.1
7.6
2850
17.6
11.7
4700
22.3
15.2
3350
21.1
14.1
4700
28.1
18.2
6950
39
28
4950
37
23
6950
45
30
9600
60
44
6800
59
39
9600
72
48
12,800
88
63
9050
80
53
12,800
120
77
16,400
134
98
11,600
120
77
16,400
169
113
20,300
172
127
14,500
158
106
20,300
201
134
30,100
295
218
21,300
274
190
30,100
338
225
41,600
440
317
54,600
651
506

Clamp loads for Grades C and G nuts equal 75% of the proof loads specified for SAE J429 Grade 8.
Clamp loads for Grade F nuts equal 75% of the proof load specified for SAE J429 Grade 5.
All torque values are in foot-pounds.

A-5

Caution: All material included in this chart is advisory only, and its use by anyone is voluntary. In developing this
information, Fastenal has made a determined effort to present its contents accurately. Extreme caution should be used
when using a formula for torque/tension relationships. Torque is only an indirect indication of tension. For assemblies
where loosening or bolt failures can result in personal injury or costly equipment failure, the torque-tension
relationship should be determined experimentally on the actual parts involved.

Torque-Tension Relationships for ASTM A574 Socket Head Cap Screws

Nominal
Dia.

(in.)
1/4
5/16
3/8
7/16
1/2
5/8
3/4
7/8
1

threads
per
inch
20
18
16
14
13
11
10
9
8

Unified Coarse Thread Series

Tensile Clamp
Tightening Torque
Stress
Load
K = 0.15
K = 0.20
Area
(sq. in.)
(lbs)
(ft-lbs)
(ft-lbs)
0.0318
3341
10
14
0.0524
5505
22
29
0.0775
8136
38
51
0.1063 11162
61
81
0.1419 14899
93
124
0.2260 22883
179
238
0.3345 33864
317
423
0.4617 46751
511
682
0.6057 61332
767
1022

threads
per
inch
28
24
24
20
20
18
16
14
14

Fine Thread Series

Tensile Clamp
Tightening Torque
Stress
Load
K = 0.15
K = 0.20
Area
(sq. in.)
(lbs)
(ft-lbs)
(ft-lbs)
0.0364
3819
12
16
0.0581
6097
24
32
0.0878
9222
43
58
0.1187 12465
68
91
0.1600 16795
105
140
0.2560 25916
202
270
0.3730 37762
354
472
0.5095 51584
564
752
0.6799 68839
860
1147

Clamp load estimated as 75% of proof load for socket head cap screws as specified in ASTM A574.
All torque values are in foot-pounds.
Torque values calculated from formula T = KDF
where: K=0.15 for lubricated conditions
K=0.20 for dry conditions

Torque Values for Stainless Steel and Nonferrous Fasteners (inch series)
The following torque values are suggested maximums based upon actual lab testing on clean and dry or
near dry fasteners. For other friction conditions, significant modifications may be required.
Values though 7/16-inch diameter are stated in inch-pounds: -inch and over are stated in foot-pounds.
Bolt
Size
4-40
4-48
5-40
5-44
6-32
6-40
8-32
8-36
10-24
10-32
1/4-20
1/4-28
5/16-18
5/16-24
3/8-16
3/8-24
7/16-14
7/16-20
1/2-13
1/2-20
9/16-12
9/16-18
5/8-11
5/8-18
3/4-10
3/4-16
7/8-9
7/8-14
1-8
1 - 14

18-8 Stainless
Steel Torque
5.2 in-lbs
6.6
7.7
9.4
9.6
12.1
19.8
22
22.8
31.7
75.2
94
132
142
236
259
376
400
43 ft-lbs
45
56
62
92
103
127
124
194
193
286
259

316 Stainless
Steel Torque
5.5 in-lbs
6.9
8.1
9.8
10.1
12.7
20.7
23
23.8
33.1
78.8
99
138
147
247
271
393
418
45 ft-lbs
47
59
65
96
108
131
129
202
201
299
270

Silicon
Bronze
4.8 in-lbs
6.1
7.1
8.7
8.9
11.2
18.4
20.4
21.2
29.3
68.8
87
123
131
219
240
349
371
40 ft-lbs
42
53
58
86
96
118
115
178
177
265
240

A-6

Monel

Brass

5.3 in-lbs
6.7
7.8
9.6
9.8
12.3
20.2
22.4
25.9
34.9
85.3
106
149
160
266
294
427
451
48.7 ft-lbs
51
65
71
111
123
153
149
231
230
344
311

4.3 in-lbs
5.4
6.3
7.7
7.9
9.9
16.2
18.0
18.6
25.9
61.5
77
107
116
192
212
317
327
35.2 ft-lbs
37
47
51
76
85
104
102
159
158
235
212

2024-T4
Aluminum
2.9 in-lbs
3.6
4.2
5.1
5.3
6.6
10.8
12.0
13.8
19.2
45.6
57
80
86
143
157
228
242
26 ft-lbs
27
34
38
60
67
82
80
124
124
184
166

Unified National Thread Tensile Stress Area (As)

Nominal
Size

0
1
2
3
4
5
6
8
10
12
1/4
5/16
3/8
7/16
1/2
9/16
5/8
3/4
7/8
1
1
1 1/8
1 1/4
1 3/8
1 1/2

Coarse Thread
Thread
Tensile
Pitch Stress Area
(tpi)
(sq in.)

0.060
0.073
0.086
0.099
0.112
0.125
0.138
0.164
0.190
0.216
0.250
0.313
0.375
0.438
0.500
0.563
0.625
0.750
0.875
1.000
1.000
1.125
1.250
1.375
1.500

8 Thread Series
Thread
Tensile
Pitch
Stress Area
(tpi)
(sq in.)

64
56
48
40
40
32
32
24
24
20
18
16
14
13
12
11
10
9
8

0.00262
0.00370
0.00487
0.00604
0.00796
0.00909
0.0140
0.0175
0.0242
0.0318
0.0525
0.0775
0.106
0.142
0.182
0.226
0.335
0.462
0.606

0.606

7
7
6
6

0.763
0.969
1.155
1.406

8
8
8
8

0.791
1.000
1.234
1.492

Fine Thread
Thread
Tensile
Pitch
Stress Area
(tpi)
(sq in)
80
0.00180
72
0.00278
64
0.00394
56
0.00523
48
0.00661
44
0.00831
40
0.01015
36
0.0147
32
0.0200
28
0.0258
28
0.0364
24
0.0581
24
0.0878
20
0.119
20
0.160
18
0.203
18
0.256
16
0.373
14
0.510
12 UNF
0.663
14 UNS
0.680
12
0.856
12
1.073
12
1.315
12
1.581

The tensile stress area is calculated as

follows:
As = 0.7854 [D - (0.9743/n)]2
where
As = stress area (in sq.)
D = nominal bolt size (in.)
n = threads per inch

Metric (SI) System Thread Tensile Stress Area (As)

Nom
Dia.
(mm)
3
3.5
4
5
6
7
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
22
24
27
30
33
36
39

Coarse Thread
Thread
Tensile
Pitch
Stress Area
(mm)
(mm sq.)
0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
1
1
1.25
1.5
1.75
2
2
2.5
2.5
2.5
3
3
3.5
3.5
4
4

5.03
6.78
8.78
14.2
20.1
28.9
36.6
58.0
84.3
115
157
192
245
303
353
459
561
694
817
976

Fine Thread
Thread
Tensile
Pitch
Stress Area
(mm)
(mm sq.)

The tensile stress area is calculated as

follows:
As = 0.7854 [D - (0.9743P)]2
where

1
1.25
1.25
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
2
2
2
2
3
3

As = stress area (mm sq.)

D = nominal bolt size (mm)
P = thread pitch (mm)

39.2
61.2
92.1
125
167
216
272
333
384
496
621
761
865
1030

U.S./Metric Conversion Equivalents

Quantity
Length
Area
Volume
Force
Pressure
Torque

To
Convert
inch (in.)
feet (ft)
square inch (sq.in)
gallon
cubic inch
cubic foot
pound (lb.)
pound/sq.in(psi)
inch pound(in-lb)
foot pound(ft-lb)

Into

Multiply
By
25.4
304.8
645.16

millimeter(mm)
millimeter(mm)
square millimeter
(sq. mm)
liter
3.785
cubic centimeter
16.3871
cubic meter
0.0283
Newton(N)
4.448
Pascal(Pa)
6895
Mega Pascal(MPa) 0.006895
Newton meter(N m)
0.113
Newton meter(N m)
1.356

To
Convert
mm
mm
sq. mm

Into
inch
feet
sq. in.

Multiply
By
0.03937
0.00328
0.00155

liter

gal

0.2642

N
MPa

lb.
psi

0.2248
145.1

Nm
Nm

in-lb
ft-lb

8.851
0.738

Other common conversions: 1N = 1 kg m/s2 : 1Pa = 1N/m2 : 1MPa = 1N/mm2

Example: to convert length to mm, multiply inches by 25.4

A-7

Caution: All material included in this chart is advisory only, and its use by anyone is voluntary. In developing this
information, Fastenal has made a determined effort to present its contents accurately. Extreme caution should be used
when using a formula for torque/tension relationships. Torque is only an indirect indication of tension. For assemblies
where loosening or bolt failures can result in personal injury or costly equipment failure, the torque-tension
relationship should be determined experimentally on the actual parts involved.

Torque-Tension Relationships For Metric Fasteners

Class 4.6
Nom. Pitch
Dia.
(mm)

Clamp
Load
(lbs)

Tightening Torque
K = 0.15 K = 0.18
(ft-lbs) (ft-lbs)

Class 10.9

Class 8.8

K = 0.20
(ft-lbs)

Clamp
Load
(lbs)

Tightening Torque
K = 0.15
(ft-lbs)

K = 0.18
(ft-lbs)

K = 0.20
(ft-lbs)

Class 12.9

Clamp

Tightening Torque

Clamp

Load
(lbs)

K = 0.15 K = 0.18 K = 0.20

(ft-lbs) (ft-lbs) (ft-lbs)

Load
(lbs)

K = 0.15
(ft-lbs)

Tightening Torque
K = 0.20
(ft-lbs)
1.6

0.5

823

1.2

3.5

0.6

1108

1.9

2.5

0.7

1436

2.8

3.8

0.8

538

1.3

1.6

1.8

1387

3.4

4.1

4.5

1985

4.9

5.9

6.5

2319

5.7

7.6

763

2.3

2.7

3.0

1968

5.8

7.0

7.7

2816

8.3

10.0

11.1

3291

9.7

13.0

1095

3.8

4.5

5.0

2822

9.7

11.7

13.0

4039

13.9

16.7

18.5

4720

16.3

21.7

1.25

1389

5.5

6.6

7.3

3580

14.1

16.9

18.8

5123

20.2

24.2

26.9

5987

23.6

31.4

10

1.5

2200

10.8

13.0

14.4

5671

27.9

33.5

37.2

8115

39.9

47.9

53.2

9484

46.7

62.2

12

1.75

3197

18.9

22.7

25.2

8240

48.7

58.4

64.9

11792

69.6

83.5

92.8

13781

81.4

108.5

14

4379

30.2

36.2

40.2

11289

77.8

93.3

103.7

16154

111.3

133.5

148.4

18879

130.0

173.4

16

5943

46.8

56.2

62.4

15320

120.6

144.7

160.8

21924

172.6

207.1

230.1

25622

201.7

268.9

18

2.5

7301

64.7

77.6

86.2

18822

166.7

200.0

222.2

26934

238.5

286.2

318.0

31477

278.8

371.7

20

2.5

9286

91.4

109.7

121.9

23938

235.5

282.7

314.1

34256

337.1

404.5

449.4

40034

393.9

525.2

22

2.5

11509

124.6

149.5

166.1

29669

321.1

385.4

428.2

42457

459.6

551.5

612.7

49619

537.1

716.1

24

13372

157.9

189.5

210.6

34471

407.0

488.4

542.7

49329

582.5

699.0

776.6

57649

680.7

907.6

27

17428

231.6

277.9

308.8

44924

596.8

716.1

795.7

64288

854.0

1024.8

1138.7

75132

998.1

1330.7

30

3.5

21266

314.0

376.8

418.6

54819

809.1

970.9

1078.8

78448

1157.9

1389.5

1543.8

91680

1353.2

1804.3

33

3.5

26310

427.3

512.7

569.7

67821

1101.1

1321.4

1468.2

97055

1575.8

1890.9

2101.0

113425

1841.6

2455.4

36

30982

548.9

658.7

731.9

79866

1414.6

1697.5

1886.1

114291

2024.3

2429.2

2699.1

133569

2365.8

3154.4

Clamp load estimated as 75% of proof load for specified bolts.

Torque values are listed in foot-pounds.
Torque values calculated from formula T = KDF
where:
D is the nominal diameter, F is the clamp load and
K=0.15 for lubricated conditions
K=0.18 for zinc plated and dry conditions
K=0.20 for plain and dry conditions

Metric Mechanical Specifications with Grade Markings per ISO 898-1

Metric
Property
Class

Material

Size
Range

Min. Proof
Strength
MPa

Min. Tensile
Strength
MPa

Core Hardness
Rockwell

Min. Yield
Strength
MPa

Min.

Max.

4.6

Low or medium M5 - M39

carbon steel

225

400

B67

B99.5

240

8.8

Medium carbon M5 - M16

steel:
M18 - M39
quenched
& tempered

580
600

800
830

C22
C23

C32
C34

640
660

10.9

Alloy steel:
quenched &
tempered

M5 - M39

830

1040

C32

C39

940

12.9

Alloy steel:
quenched &
tempered

M1.6 - M39

970

1220

C39

C44

1100

A-8

Grade
Identification
Marking

Mechanical Properties of Metric Nuts per ISO 898-2

Standard &
Class

Material

ISO 898/2 - Class 8

ISO 898/2 - Class 10

Nominal
Size
(mm)

Proof
Stress
2
N/mm

Medium carbon

up to 4

800

steel, quenched

over 4 to 7

855

& tempered

over 7 to 10

870

over 10 to 16

880

over 16 to 39

920

Low carbon

up to 10

1040

alloy steel,

over 10 to 16

1050

quenched

over 16 to 39

1060

Grade
Identification
Marking

& tempered
ISO 898/2 - Class 12

Alloy steel,

up to 10

1140

quenched &

over 7 to 10

1160

tempered

over 10 to 16

1170

over 16 to 39

1200

ISO 3506 Corrosion-Resistant Stainless Steel Fasteners

Example of Head Marking

Mechanical Properties of Metric Stainless Steel Fasteners
Group

Grade

Austenitic

A1, A2 & A4

Martensitic

C1
C3
C4

Ferritic

F1

Property
Class
50 (soft)
70 (cold-worked)
80 (high strength)
50 (soft)
70 (hardened & tempered)
80 (hardened &tempered)
50 (soft)
70 (hardened & tempered)
45 (soft)
60 (cold-worked)

Diameter
Range
<M39
<M20
<M20

<M24
<M24

A-9

Bolts, Screws & Studs

Tensile
Stress at 0.2%
Strength
Permanent
2
N/mm
Strain N/mm 2
500
210
700
450
800
600
500
250
700
410
800
640
500
250
700
410
450
250
600
410

Nuts
Proof Load
Stress
N/mm 2
500
700
800
500
700
800
500
700
450
600

The following chart is designed to aid with the selection of fasteners based on galvanic action.
For a detailed explanation see the corrosion section.
Fastener material selection based on the Galvanic Series of Metals
Fastener
Zinc &
Aluminum
Steel &
Brasses,
Martensitic
Metal Galvanized
&
Cast Iron
Copper,
Stainless Type
Steel
Aluminum
Bronzes &
410
Base
Alloys
Monel
Metal
Zinc &
1
2
2
3
3
Galvanized
Steel
Aluminum
1
1
2
3
Never
&
Recommended
Aluminum
Alloys
Steel &
1,4
1
1
3
3
Cast Iron
Terne
1,4,5
1,5
1,5
3
3
(lead-tin)
Plated Steel
Sheets
Brasses,
1,4,5
1,5
1,5
1
1
Copper,
Bronzes &
Monel
Ferritic
1,4,5
1,5
1,5
1
1
Stainless
Steel
(type 430)
austenitic
1,4,5
1,5
1,5
1,5
1
Stainless
Steel (type
302/304)
Key:

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

The corrosion of the base metal is not increased by the fastener.

The corrosion of the base metal is marginally increased by the fastener.
The corrosion of the base metal may be considerably increased by the fastener material.
The plating on the fastener is rapidly consumed, leaving the bare fastener metal.
The corrosion of the fastener is increased by the base metal.
NOTE: Surface treatment and environment can significantly alter activity.

A-10

Austenitic
Stainless
Type
302/304,
303, 305
3
2

2
2

Forged Eyebolts
0 deg.

45 deg.
Not
Recommended
over 45 deg.

Lifting Eye Capacities

Nominal Size
Working Load Limit (lbs)
(in.)
0 degrees
45 degrees
(shoulder pattern)

500
125
5/16
900
225
3/8
1300
325
7/16
1800
450

2400
600
9/16
3200
800
5/8
4000
1000

5000
1250
7/8
7000
1750
1
9000
2250
1-1/8
12,000
3000
1-1/4
15,000
3750
1-1/2
21,000
5250
2
38,000
9500

Capacities shown are for carbon steel ASTM A489 eyebolts, at temperatures between 30F and 275F.
Carbon steel is subject to shock loading at temperatures below 30 F and loses strength at temperatures
above 275F.
Shoulder lifting eyes must be properly seated against mating surface for full working capacity. A steel
washer or spacer may be required for proper seating.
The minimum thread engagement should be 1-1/2 times the thread diameter in steel.
Loads must always be applied in the plane of the eye, not at an angle to this plane (see diagram
below).

Load Application

Side Profile of Eye Bolt

A-11

For vertical lifts, plain pattern and shoulder

pattern eyebolts are theoretically equal.
However, a plain pattern eye bolt should
never be used for angular lifting.
Lifting eyes should never be used if there are
any visible signs of wear or damage.

Specifications
Hex Bolts

Nominal
Size
(inch)
1/4
5/16
3/8
7/16
1/2
5/8
3/4
7/8
1
1 1/8
1 1/4
1 3/8
1 1/2
1 3/4
2
2 1/4
2 1/2
2 3/4
3

E
Full Size
Body Dia.
Max.
Min.
0.260 0.237
0.324 0.298
0.388 0.360
0.452 0.421
0.515 0.482
0.642 0.605
0.768 0.729
0.895 0.852
1.022 0.976
1.149 1.098
1.277 1.223
1.404 1.345
1.531 1.470
1.785 1.716
2.039 1.964
2.305 2.214
2.559 2.461
2.827 2.711
3.081 2.961

F
Width Across Flats
Basic
7/16
1/2
9/16
5/8
3/4
15/16
1 1/8
1 5/16
1 1/2
1 11/16
1 7/8
2 1/16
2 1/4
2 5/8
3
3 3/8
3 3/4
4 1/8
4 1/2

Max.
0.438
0.500
0.563
0.625
0.750
0.938
1.125
1.313
1.500
1.688
1.875
2.063
2.250
2.625
3.000
3.375
3.750
4.125
4.500

Min.
0.425
0.484
0.544
0.603
0.725
0.906
1.088
1.269
1.450
1.631
1.812
1.994
2.175
2.538
2.900
3.262
3.625
3.988
4.350

G
Width Across
Corners
Max.
Min.
0.505 0.484
0.577 0.552
0.650 0.620
0.722 0.687
0.866 0.826
1.083 1.033
1.299 1.240
1.516 1.447
1.732 1.653
1.949 1.859
2.165 2.066
2.382 2.273
2.598 2.480
3.031 2.893
3.464 3.306
3.897 3.719
4.330 4.133
4.763 4.546
5.196 4.959

H
Head Height
Basic
11/64
7/32
1/4
19/64
11/32
27/64
1/2
37/64
43/64
3/4
27/32
29/32
1
1 5/32
1 11/32
1 1/2
1 21/32
1 13/16
2

Max.
0.188
0.235
0.268
0.316
0.364
0.444
0.524
0.604
0.700
0.780
0.876
0.940
1.036
1.196
1.388
1.548
1.708
1.869
2.060

Min.
0.150
0.195
0.226
0.272
0.302
0.378
0.455
0.531
0.591
0.658
0.749
0.810
0.902
1.054
1.175
1.327
1.479
1.632
1.815

Thread Length
For Bolt Lengths
6 in &
Over
Shorter
6 in
Nom.
Nom.
0.750
1.000
0.875
1.125
1.000
1.250
1.125
1.375
1.250
1.500
1.500
1.750
1.750
2.000
2.000
2.250
2.250
2.500
2.500
2.750
2.750
3.000
3.000
3.250
3.250
3.500
3.750
4.000
4.250
4.500
4.750
5.000
5.250
5.500
5.750
6.000
6.250
6.500

Source: ASME B18.2.1, 1996

Heavy Hex Bolts

Nominal
Size
(inch)
1/2
5/8
3/4
7/8
1
1 1/8
1 1/4
1 3/8
1 1/2
1 3/4
2

E
Full Size
Body Dia.
Max.
Min.
0.515
0.482
0.642
0.605
0.768
0.729
0.895
0.852
1.022
0.976
1.149
1.098
1.277
1.223
1.404
1.345
1.531
1.470
1.785
1.716
2.039
1.964

F
Width Across Flats
Basic
7/8
11/16
1 1/4
1 7/16
1 5/8
1 13/16
2
2 3/16
2 3/8
2 3/4
3 1/8

Max.
0.875
0.688
1.250
1.438
1.625
1.813
2.000
2.188
2.375
2.750
3.125

Min.
0.850
1.031
1.212
1.394
1.575
1.756
1.938
2.119
2.300
2.662
3.025

Source: ASME B18.2.1, 1996

A-12

G
Width Across
Corners
Max.
Min.
1.010
0.969
1.227
1.175
1.443
1.383
1.660
1.589
1.876
1.796
2.093
2.002
2.309
2.209
2.526
2.416
2.742
2.622
3.175
3.035
3.608
3.449

H
Head
Height
Basic
Max.
11/32
0.364
27/64
0.444
1/2
0.524
37/64
0.604
43/64
0.700
3/4
0.780
27/32
0.876
29/32
0.940
1
1.036
1 5/32 1.196
1 11/32 1.388

Min.
0.302
0.378
0.455
0.531
0.591
0.658
0.749
0.810
0.902
1.054
1.175

Thread Length For

Bolt Lengths
6 in &
Over
Shorter
6 in
Nom.
Nom.
1.250
1.500
1.500
1.750
1.750
2.000
2.000
2.250
2.250
2.500
2.500
2.750
2.750
3.000
3.000
3.250
3.250
3.500
3.750
4.000
4.250
4.500

Hex Cap Screws

Nominal
Size
(inch)
1/4
5/16
3/8
7/16
1/2
9/16
5/8
3/4
7/8
1
1 1/8
1 1/4
1 3/8
1 1/2
1 3/4
2

Full Size
Body Dia.
Max.
Min.
0.2500 0.2450
0.3125 0.3065
0.3750 0.3690
0.4375 0.4305
0.5000 0.4930
0.5625 0.5545
0.6250 0.6170
0.7500 0.7410
0.8750 0.8660
1.0000 0.9900
1.1250 1.1140
1.2500 1.2390
1.3750 1.3630
1.5000 1.4880
1.7500 1.7380
2.0000 1.9880

Width Across Flats

Width Across
Corners
Max.
Min.
0.505
0.488
0.577
0.557
0.650
0.628
0.722
0.698
0.866
0.840
0.938
0.910
1.083
1.051
1.299
1.254
1.516
1.465
1.732
1.675
1.949
1.859
2.165
2.066
2.382
2.273
2.598
2.480
3.031
2.893
3.464
3.306

Head Height

Basic
7/16
1/2
9/16
5/8
3/4
13/16
15/16
1 1/8
1 5/16
1 1/2
1 11/16
1 7/8
2 1/16
2 1/4
2 5/8
3

Max.
0.438
0.500
0.563
0.625
0.750
0.813
0.938
1.125
1.313
1.500
1.688
1.875
2.063
2.250
2.625
3.000

Min.
0.428
0.489
0.551
0.612
0.736
0.798
0.922
1.100
1.285
1.469
1.631
1.812
1.994
2.175
2.538
2.900

Basic
5/32
13/64
15/64
9/32
5/16
23/64
25/64
15/32
35/64
39/64
11/16
25/32
27/32
1 5/16
1 3/32
1 7/32

Max.
0.163
0.211
0.243
0.291
0.323
0.371
0.403
0.483
0.563
0.627
0.718
0.813
0.878
0.974
1.134
1.263

Thread Length
For Bolt Lengths
(see chart below)
6 in &
Over
Shorter
6 in
Nom.
Nom.
0.750
1.000
0.875
1.125
1.000
1.250
1.125
1.375
1.250
1.500
1.375
1.625
1.500
1.750
1.750
2.000
2.000
2.250
2.250
2.500
2.500
2.750
2.750
3.000
3.000
3.250
3.250
3.500
3.750
4.000
4.250
4.500

Min.
0.150
0.195
0.226
0.272
0.302
0.348
0.378
0.455
0.531
0.591
0.658
0.749
0.810
0.902
1.054
1.175

Source: ASME B18.2.1, 1996

The length of thread on bolts shall be controlled by the grip gauging length (LG max) and body length (LB min). The thread length Lois
calculated as LT = L nom. (nominal length) LG max. The minimum body length (LB min) is the distance measured from the
underhead bearing surface to the last scratch of thread or to the top of the extrusion angle. LB = LG max transition thread length Y.

Maximum Grip Gauging Lengths (LG) and Minimum Body Lengths (LB) for Hex Cap Screws
Nominal
Diamete
r
Nominal
Lengths
1 1/4
1 3/8
1 1/2
1 5/8
1 3/4
1 7/8
2
2 1/4
2 1/2
2 3/4
3
3 1/4
3 1/2
3 3/4
4
4 1/4
4 1/2
4 3/4
5
5 1/4
5 1/2
5 3/4
6
6 1/4
6 1/2
6 3/4
7

1/4

5/16

3/8

7/16

1/2

9/16

5/8

3/4

7/8

LG

LB

LG

LB

LG

LB

LG

LB

LG

LB

LG

LB

LG

LB

LG

LB

LG

LB

LG

LB

0.50
0.63
0.75
0.88
1.00
1.12
1.25
1.50
1.75
2.00
2.25
2.50
2.75
3.00
3.25
3.50
3.75
4.00
4.25
4.50
4.75
5.00
5.25
5.25
5.50
5.75
6.00

0.25
0.38
0.50
0.62
0.75
0.88
1.00
1.25
1.50
1.75
2.00
2.25
2.50
2.75
3.00
3.25
3.50
3.75
4.00
4.25
4.50
4.75
5.00
5.00
5.25
5.50
5.75

0.50
0.62
0.75
0.88
1.00
1.12
1.38
1.62
1.88
2.12
2.38
2.62
2.88
3.12
3.38
3.62
3.88
4.12
4.38
4.62
4.88
5.12
5.12
5.38
5.62
5.88

0.22
0.35
0.47
0.60
0.72
0.85
1.10
1.35
1.60
1.85
2.10
2.35
2.60
2.85
3.10
3.35
3.60
3.85
4.10
4.35
4.60
4.85
4.85
5.10
5.35
5.80

0.50
0.62
0.75
0.88
1.00
1.25
1.50
1.75
2.00
2.25
2.50
2.75
3.00
3.25
3.50
3.75
4.00
4.25
4.50
4.75
5.00
5.00
5.25
5.50
5.75

0.19
0.31
0.44
0.56
0.69
0.94
1.19
1.44
1.69
1.94
2.19
2.44
2.69
2.94
3.19
3.44
3.69
3.94
4.19
4.44
4.69
4.69
4.94
5.19
5.44

0.63
0.75
0.88
1.12
1.38
1.62
1.88
2.12
2.38
2.62
2.88
3.12
3.38
3.62
3.88
4.12
4.38
4.63
4.88
4.88
5.12
5.38
5.62

0.27
0.39
0.52
0.77
1.02
1.27
1.52
1.77
2.02
2.27
2.52
2.77
3.02
3.27
3.52
3.77
4.02
4.27
4.52
4.52
4.77
5.02
5.27

0.63
0.75
1.00
1.25
1.50
1.75
2.00
2.25
2.50
2.75
3.00
3.25
3.50
3.75
4.00
4.25
4.50
4.75
4.75
5.00
5.25
5.50

0.24
0.38
0.52
0.86
1.12
1.36
1.62
1.86
2.12
2.36
2.62
2.86
3.12
3.36
3.62
3.87
4.12
4.36
4.36
4.62
4.86
5.12

0.88
1.12
1.38
1.62
1.88
2.12
2.38
2.62
2.88
3.12
3.38
3.62
3.88
4.12
4.38
4.62
4.62
4.88
5.12
5.38

0.46
0.75
0.96
1.21
1.46
1.71
1.96
2.21
2.46
2.71
2.96
3.21
3.46
3.71
3.96
4.21
4.21
4.46
4.71
4.96

0.75
1.00
1.25
1.50
1.75
2.00
2.25
2.50
2.75
3.00
3.25
3.50
3.75
4.00
4.25
4.50
4.50
4.75
5.00
5.25

0.30
0.55
0.80
1.05
1.30
1.55
1.80
2.05
2.30
2.55
2.80
3.05
3.30
3.55
3.80
4.05
4.05
4.30
4.55
4.80

1.00
1.25
1.50
1.75
2.00
2.25
2.50
2.75
3.00
3.25
3.50
3.75
4.00
4.25
4.25
4.50
4.75
5.00

0.50
0.75
1.00
1.25
1.50
1.75
2.00
2.25
2.50
2.75
3.00
3.25
3.50
3.75
3.75
4.00
4.25
4.50

1.00
1.25
1.50
1.75
2.00
2.25
2.50
2.75
3.00
3.25
3.50
3.75
4.00
4.00
4.25
4.50
4.75

0.44
0.69
0.94
1.19
1.44
1.69
1.94
2.19
2.44
2.69
2.94
3.19
3.44
3.44
3.69
3.94
4.19

1.00
1.25
1.50
1.75
2.00
2.25
2.50
2.75
3.00
3.25
3.50
3.75
3.75
4.00
4.25
4.50

0.38
0.62
0.88
1.12
1.38
1.62
1.88
2.12
2.38
2.62
2.88
3.12
3.12
3.38
3.63
3.22

Note: screw lengths above black line are fully threaded.

A-13

Hex Nuts and Hex Jam Nuts

Nominal
Size or
Basic Major
Dia. of
Thread (in.)

H1

Width Across
Corners
(in.)
Max.
Min.
0.505
0.488
0.577
0.557
0.650
0.628
0.794
0.768
0.866
0.840
1.010
0.982
1.083
1.051
1.299
1.240
1.516
1.447
1.732
1.653
1.949
1.859
2.165
2.066
2.382
2.273
2.598
2.480

Thickness
Hex Nuts
(in.)
Max.
0.226
0.273
0.337
0.385
0.448
0.496
0.559
0.665
0.776
0.887
0.999
1.094
1.206
1.317

Thickness
Hex Jam Nuts
(in.)
Basic
Max.
Min.
5/32
0.163
0.150
3/16
0.195
0.180
7/32
0.227
0.210
1/4
0.260
0.240
5/16
0.323
0.302
5/16
0.324
0.301
3/8
0.387
0.363
27/64
0.446
0.398
31/64
0.510
0.458
35/64
0.575
0.519
39/64
0.639
0.579
23/32
0.751
0.687
25/32
0.815
0.747
27/32
0.880
0.808

Width Across
Flats
(in.)
Basic
Max.
Min.
1/4
7/16
0.438
0.428
5/16
1/2
0.500
0.489
3/8
9/16
0.562
0.551
7/16
11/16
0.688
0.675
1/2
3/4
0.750
0.736
9/16
7/8
0.875
0.861
5/8
15/16
0.938
0.922
3/4
1 1/8
1.125
1.088
7/8
1 5/16
1.312
1.269
1
1 1/2
1.500
1.450
1 1/8
1 11/16 1.688
1.631
1 1/4
1 7/8
1.875
1.812
1 3/8
2 1/16
2.062
1.994
1 1/2
2 1/4
2.250
2.175
Source: ANSI/ASME B18.2.2, 1986

Basic
7/32
17/64
21/64
3/8
7/16
31/64
35/64
41/64
3/4
55/64
31/32
1 1/16
1 11/64
1 9/32

Min.
0.212
0.258
0.320
0.365
0.427
0.473
0.535
0.617
0.724
0.831
0.939
1.030
1.138
1.245

Heavy Hex Nuts and Heavy Hex Jam Nuts

Nominal
Size or
Basic Major
Dia. of
Thread (in.)

Width Across
Flats
(in.)

Width Across
Corners
(in.)

Basic
Max.

1/2
0.500
5/16
9/16
0.562
3/8
11/16
0.688
7/16
3/4
0.750
1/2
7/8
0.875
9/16
15/16
0.938
5/8
1 1/16
1.062
3/4
1 1/4
1.250
7/8
1 7/16
1.438
1
1 5/8
1.625
1 1/8
1 13/16 1.812
1 1/4
2
2.000
1 3/8
2 3/16
2.188
1 1/2
2 3/8
2.375
1 5/8
2 9/16
2.562
1 3/4
2 3/4
2.750
1 7/8
2 15/16 2.938
2
3 1/8
3.125
Source ANSI/ASME B18.2.2, 1986

Min.
0.488
0.546
0.669
0.728
0.850
0.909
1.031
1.212
1.394
1.575
1.756
1.938
2.119
2.300
2.481
2.662
2.844
3.025

Max.
0.577
0.650
0.794
0.866
1.010
1.083
1.227
1.443
1.660
1.876
2.093
2.309
2.526
2.742
2.959
3.175
3.392
3.608

Min.
0.556
0.622
0.763
0.830
0.969
1.037
1.175
1.382
1.589
1.796
2.002
2.209
2.416
2.622
2.828
3.035
3.242
3.449

A-14

H1

Thickness

Thickness
Heavy Hex Jam Nuts
(in.)

Heavy Hex Nuts

(in.)
Basic
Max.
Min.
15/64
0.250
0.218
19/64
0.314
0.280
23/64
0.377
0.341
27/64
0.441
0.403
31/64
0.504
0.464
35/64
0.568
0.526
39/64
0.631
0.587
47/64
0.758
0.710
55/64
0.885
0.833
63/64
1.012
0.956
1 7/64
1.139
1.079
1 7/32
1.251
1.187
1 11/32
1.378
1.310
1 15/32
1.505
1.433
1 19/32
1.632
1.556
1 23/32
1.759
1.679
1 27/32
1.886
1.802
1 31/32
2.013
1.925

Basic
11/64
13/64
15/64
17/64
19/64
21/64
23/64
27/64
31/64
35/64
39/64
23/32
25/32
27/32
29/32
31/32
1 1/32
1 3/32

Max.
0.188
0.220
0.252
0.285
0.317
0.349
0.381
0.446
0.510
0.575
0.639
0.751
0.815
0.880
0.944
1.009
1.073
1.138

Min.
0.156
0.186
0.216
0.247
0.277
0.307
0.337
0.398
0.458
0.519
0.579
0.687
0.747
0.808
0.868
0.929
0.989
1.050

Plain Low Carbon Washer Dimensions

The thru-hardened SAE and USS flat washers will have the same basic dimensions with a tighter tolerance.
Nominal
Washer
Size
1/4
1/4
5/16
5/16
3/8
3/8
7/16
7/16
1/2
1/2
9/16
9/16
5/8
5/8
3/4
3/4
7/8
7/8
1
1
1 1/8
1 1/8
1 1/4
1 1/4
1 3/8
1 3/8
1 1/2
1 1/2

Style

SAE
USS
SAE
USS
SAE
USS
SAE
USS
SAE
USS
SAE
USS
SAE
USS
SAE
USS
SAE
USS
SAE
USS
SAE
USS
SAE
USS
SAE
USS
SAE
USS

( A ) Inside Diameter
Tolerance
Basic
Plus
0.281
0.015
0.321
0.015
0.344
0.015
0.375
0.015
0.406
0.015
0.438
0.015
0.469
0.015
0.500
0.015
0.531
0.015
0.562
0.015
0.594
0.015
0.625
0.015
0.656
0.030
0.688
0.030
0.812
0.030
0.812
0.030
0.938
0.030
0.938
0.030
1.062
0.030
1.062
0.030
1.250
0.030
1.250
0.030
1.375
0.030
1.375
0.030
1.500
0.030
1.500
0.045
1.625
0.030
1.625
0.045

Minus
0.005
0.005
0.005
0.005
0.005
0.005
0.005
0.005
0.005
0.005
0.005
0.005
0.007
0.007
0.007
0.007
0.007
0.007
0.007
0.007
0.007
0.007
0.007
0.007
0.007
0.010
0.007
0.010

( B ) Outside Diameter
Tolerance
Basic
Plus
Minus
0.625
0.015
0.005
0.734
0.015
0.007
0.688
0.015
0.007
0.875
0.030
0.007
0.812
0.015
0.007
1.000
0.030
0.007
0.922
0.015
0.007
1.250
0.030
0.007
1.062
0.030
0.007
1.375
0.030
0.007
1.156
0.030
0.007
1.469
0.030
0.007
1.312
0.030
0.007
1.750
0.030
0.007
1.469
0.030
0.007
2.000
0.030
0.007
1.750
0.030
0.007
2.250
0.030
0.007
2.000
0.030
0.007
2.500
0.030
0.007
2.250
0.030
0.007
2.750
0.030
0.007
2.500
0.030
0.007
3.000
0.030
0.007
2.750
0.030
0.007
3.250
0.045
0.010
3.000
0.030
0.007
3.500
0.045
0.010

( C ) Thickness
Basic
0.065
0.065
0.065
0.083
0.065
0.083
0.065
0.083
0.095
0.109
0.095
0.109
0.095
0.134
0.134
0.148
0.134
0.165
0.134
0.165
0.134
0.165
0.165
0.165
0.165
0.180
0.165
0.180

Max.
0.080
0.080
0.080
0.104
0.080
0.104
0.080
0.104
0.121
0.132
0.121
0.132
0.121
0.160
0.160
0.177
0.160
0.192
0.160
0.192
0.160
0.192
0.192
0.192
0.192
0.213
0.192
0.213

Source: ANSI/ASME B18.22.1, 1965 (R1981)

Round Head Square Neck Bolts (Carriage Bolt)

Nominal
Size
No. 10
1/4
5/16
3/8
7/16
1/2
5/8
3/4

0.1900
0.2500
0.3125
0.3750
0.4375
0.5000
0.6250
0.7500

E
Body Dia.
Max
Min
0.199
0.182
0.260
0.237
0.324
0.298
0.388
0.360
0.452
0.421
0.515
0.483
0.642
0.605
0.768
0.729

A
Head Dia.
Max
Min
0.469
0.438
0.594
0.563
0.719
0.688
0.844
0.782
0.969
0.907
1.094
1.032
1.344
1.219
1.594
1.469

H
Head Height
Max
Min
0.114
0.094
0.145
0.125
0.176
0.156
0.208
0.188
0.239
0.219
0.270
0.250
0.344
0.313
0.406
0.375

Source: ANSI/ASME B18.5, 1978

A-15

O
Square Width
Max
Min
0.199
0.185
0.260
0.245
0.324
0.307
0.388
0.368
0.452
0.431
0.515
0.492
0.642
0.616
0.768
0.741

P
Square Depth
Max
Min
0.125
0.094
0.156
0.125
0.187
0.156
0.219
0.188
0.250
0.219
0.281
0.250
0.344
0.313
0.406
0.375

Min.
0.051
0.051
0.051
0.064
0.051
0.064
0.051
0.064
0.074
0.086
0.074
0.086
0.074
0.108
0.108
0.122
0.108
0.136
0.108
0.136
0.108
0.136
0.136
0.136
0.136
0.153
0.136
0.153

Structural Bolting
Heavy Hex Structural Bolt

E
Nominal
Full Size
Size
Body Dia.
(inch)
Max.
Min.
1/2
0.515
0.482
5/8
0.642
0.605
3/4
0.768
0.729
7/8
0.895
0.852
1
1.022
0.976
1 1/8
1.149
1.098
1 1/4
1.277
1.223
1 3/8
1.404
1.345
1 1/2
1.531
1.470
Source: ASME B18.2.6, 1996

F
Width Across
Flats
Basic
Max.
7/8
0.875
1 1/16
1.063
1 1/4
1.250
1 7/16
1.438
1 5/8
1.625
1 13/16
1.813
2
2.000
2 3/16
2.188
2 3/8
2.375

Min.
0.850
1.031
1.212
1.394
1.575
1.756
1.938
2.119
2.300

G
Width Across
Corners
Max.
Min.
1.010
0.969
1.227
1.175
1.443
1.383
1.660
1.589
1.876
1.796
2.093
2.002
2.309
2.209
2.526
2.416
2.742
2.622

Basic
5/16
25/64
15/32
35/64
39/64
11/16
25/32
27/32
15/16

H
Head
Height
Max.
0.323
0.403
0.483
0.563
0.627
0.718
0.813
0.878
0.974

Min.
0.302
0.378
0.455
0.531
0.591
0.658
0.749
0.810
0.902

Washers for High Strength Structural Bolts

Bolt
Size

B
Nominal
Outside
Diameter
(in.)
1/4
5/8
5/16
11/16
3/8
13/16
7/16
59/64
1/2
1 1/16
5/8
1 5/16
3/4
1 15/32
7/8
1 3/4
1
2
1 1/8
2 1/4
1 1/4
2 1/2
1 3/8
2 3/4
1 1/2
3
Source: ASTM F436, 1993

Circular
A
Nominal
Inside
Diameter
(in.)
9/32
11/32
13/32
15/32
17/32
11/16
13/16
15/16
1 1/8
1 1/4
1 3/8
1 1/2
1 5/8

C
Thickness
Min.
(in.)
0.051
0.051
0.051
0.051
0.097
0.122
0.122
0.136
0.136
0.136
0.136
0.136
0.136

Max.
(in.)
0.080
0.080
0.080
0.080
0.177
0.177
0.177
0.177
0.177
0.177
0.177
0.177
0.177

A-16

A1
Minimum
Side
Dimension
(in.)

1
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2

3/4
3/4
3/4
3/4
3/4
1/4
1/4
1/4
1/4

Square Beveled
A
T
Nominal
Mean
Inside
Thickness
Diameter
Nominal
(in.)
(in.)

17/32
11/16
13/16
15/16
1 1/8
1 1/4
1 3/8
1 1/2
1 5/8

5/16
5/16
5/16
5/16
5/16
5/16
5/16
5/16
5/16

Thread
Length
Basic
1.00
1.25
1.38
1.50
1.75
2.00
2.00
2.25
2.25

Socket Head Cap Screws (1960 Series)

D
Body Dia.

Nominal Size
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
8
10
1/4
5/16
3/8
7/16
1/2
5/8
3/4
7/8
1
1 1/8
1 1/4
1 3/8
1 1/2
1 3/4
2

0.060
0.073
0.086
0.099
0.112
0.125
0.138
0.164
0.190
0.250
0.313
0.375
0.438
0.500
0.625
0.750
0.875
1.000
1.125
1.250
1.375
1.500
1.750
2.000

Max.
0.0600
0.0730
0.0860
0.0990
0.1120
0.1250
0.1380
0.1640
0.1900
0.2500
0.3125
0.3750
0.4375
0.5000
0.6250
0.7500
0.8750
1.0000
1.1250
1.2500
1.3750
1.5000
1.7500
2.0000

Min.
0.0568
0.0695
0.0822
0.0949
0.1075
0.1202
0.1329
0.1585
0.1840
0.2435
0.3053
0.3678
0.4294
0.4919
0.6163
0.7406
0.8647
0.9886
1.1086
1.2336
1.3568
1.4818
1.7295
1.9870

A
Head Dia.
Max.
Min.
0.096
0.091
0.118
0.112
0.140
0.134
0.161
0.154
0.183
0.176
0.205
0.198
0.226
0.218
0.270
0.262
0.312
0.303
0.375
0.365
0.469
0.457
0.562
0.550
0.656
0.642
0.750
0.735
0.938
0.921
1.125
1.107
1.312
1.293
1.500
1.479
1.688
1.665
1.875
1.852
2.062
2.038
2.250
2.224
2.625
2.597
3.000
2.970

H
Head Height
Max.
Min.
0.060
0.057
0.073
0.070
0.086
0.083
0.099
0.095
0.112
0.108
0.125
0.121
0.138
0.134
0.164
0.159
0.190
0.185
0.250
0.244
0.312
0.306
0.375
0.368
0.438
0.430
0.500
0.492
0.625
0.616
0.750
0.740
0.875
0.864
1.000
0.988
1.125
1.111
1.250
1.236
1.375
1.360
1.500
1.485
1.750
1.734
2.000
1.983

J
Hexagon Socket
Size Nom. (in.)
0.050
1/16
0.063
5/64
0.078
5/64
0.078
3/32
0.094
3/32
0.094
7/64
0.109
9/64
0.141
5/32
0.156
3/16
0.188
1/4
0.250
5/16
0.313
3/8
0.375
3/8
0.375
1/2
0.500
5/8
0.625
3/4
0.750
3/4
0.750
7/8
0.875
7/8
0.875
1
1.000
1
1.000
1 1/4
1.250
1 1/2
1.500

T
Key Engagement
Min.
0.025
0.031
0.038
0.044
0.051
0.057
0.064
0.077
0.090
0.120
0.151
0.182
0.213
0.245
0.307
0.370
0.432
0.495
0.557
0.620
0.682
0.745
0.870
0.995

Source ASME B18.3, 1998

Socket Button Head Cap Screw

Nominal Size
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
8
10
1/4
5/16
3/8
1/2
5/8

0.060
0.073
0.086
0.099
0.112
0.125
0.138
0.164
0.190
0.250
0.3125
0.375
0.500
0.625

A
Head Dia.
Max.
Min.
0.114
0.104
0.139
0.129
0.164
0.154
0.188
0.176
0.213
0.201
0.238
0.226
0.262
0.250
0.312
0.298
0.361
0.347
0.437
0.419
0.547
0.527
0.656
0.636
0.875
0.851
1.000
0.970

H
Head Height
Max.
Min.
0.032
0.026
0.039
0.033
0.046
0.038
0.052
0.044
0.059
0.051
0.066
0.058
0.073
0.063
0.087
0.077
0.101
0.091
0.132
0.122
0.166
0.152
0.199
0.185
0.265
0.245
0.331
0.311

Source: ASME B18.3, 1998

A-17

J
Hex Socket
Size Nom.
0.035
0.050
0.050
1/16
0.062
1/16
0.062
5/64
0.078
5/64
0.078
3/32
0.094
1/8
0.125
5/32
0.156
3/16
0.188
7/32
0.219
5/16
0.312
3/8
0.375

T
Key Engagement
Min.
0.020
0.028
0.028
0.035
0.035
0.044
0.044
0.052
0.070
0.087
0.105
0.122
0.175
0.210

L
Max. Standard
Length Nom.
0.50
0.50
0.50
0.50
0.50
0.50
0.63
0.75
1.00
1.00
1.00
1.25
2.00
2.00

Socket Flat Countersunk Head Cap Screw

D
Body Dia.
Nominal Size
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
8
10
1/4
5/16
3/8
7/16
1/2
5/8
3/4
7/8
1

0.060
0.073
0.086
0.099
0.112
0.125
0.138
0.164
0.190
0.250
0.313
0.375
0.438
0.500
0.625
0.750
0.875
1.000

Max.
0.0600
0.0730
0.0860
0.0990
0.1120
0.1250
0.1380
0.1640
0.1900
0.2500
0.3125
0.3750
0.4375
0.5000
0.6250
0.7500
0.8750
1.0000

Min.
0.0568
0.0695
0.0822
0.0949
0.1075
0.1202
0.1329
0.1585
0.1840
0.2435
0.3053
0.3678
0.4294
0.4919
0.6163
0.7406
0.8647
0.9886

A
Head Dia.
Theo. Sharp
Abs.
Max.
Min.
0.138
0.117
0.168
0.143
0.197
0.168
0.226
0.193
0.255
0.218
0.281
0.240
0.307
0.263
0.359
0.311
0.411
0.359
0.531
0.480
0.656
0.600
0.781
0.720
0.844
0.781
0.938
0.872
1.188
1.112
1.438
1.355
1.688
1.604
1.938
1.841

H
Head
Height
Ref.
0.044
0.054
0.064
0.073
0.083
0.090
0.097
0.112
0.127
0.161
0.198
0.234
0.234
0.251
0.324
0.396
0.468
0.540

J
Hexagon Socket
Size Nom. (in.)
0.035
0.050
0.050
1/16
0.062
1/16
0.062
5/64
0.078
5/64
0.078
3/32
0.094
1/8
0.125
5/32
0.156
3/16
0.188
7/32
0.219
1/4
0.250
5/16
0.312
3/8
0.375
1/2
0.500
9/16
0.562
5/8
0.625

T
Key
Engagement
Min.
0.025
0.031
0.038
0.044
0.055
0.061
0.066
0.076
0.087
0.111
0.135
0.159
0.159
0.172
0.220
0.220
0.248
0.297

Source: ASME B18.3, 1998

Socket Head Shoulder Screw

D
Nominal Size
or Basic
Shoulder
Diameter
1/4
0.250
5/16 0.312
3/8
0.375
1/2
0.500
5/8
0.625
3/4
0.750
1
1.000

Shoulder Dia
max
min
0.2480
0.2460
0.3105
0.3085
0.3730
0.3710
0.4980
0.4960
0.6230
0.6210
0.7480
0.7460
0.9980
0.9960

Head Dia
max
min
0.375
0.357
0.438
0.419
0.562
0.543
0.750
0.729
0.875
0.853
1.000
0.977
1.312
1.287

Head Height
max
min
0.188
0.177
0.219
0.209
0.250
0.240
0.312
0.302
0.375
0.365
0.500
0.490
0.625
0.610

K
D1
G
Nominal Size Shoulder Shoulder Nominal Thread
Thread Neck Thread
or Basic
Neck
Neck
Size or Basic Threads
Diameter
Neck
Shoulder
Diameter Width
Thread
per
Width
Diameter
min
max
Diameter
inch
max
min
max
1/4 0.250
0.227
0.093
10
0.1900
24
0.142 0.133 0.083
5/16 0.312
0.289
0.093
1/4 0.2500
20
0.193 0.182 0.100
3/8 0.375
0.352
0.093
5/16 0.3125
18
0.249 0.237 0.111
1/2 0.500
0.477
0.093
3/8 0.3750
16
0.304 0.291 0.125
5/8 0.625
0.602
0.093
1/2 0.5000
13
0.414 0.397 0.154
3/4 0.750
0.727
0.093
5/8 0.6250
11
0.521 0.502 0.182
1
1.000
0.977
0.125
3/4 0.7500
10
0.638 0.616 0.200
Source: ASME B18.3, 2002

A-18

J
Hexagon
Socket
Size
nom
1/8
5/32
3/16
1/4
5/16
3/8
1/2
E
Thread
Length
Basic
0.375
0.438
0.500
0.625
0.750
0.875
1.000

T
Key
Engagement
min
0.094
0.117
0.141
0.188
0.234
0.281
0.375

Hexagon Socket Set Screws

Nominal Size or Basic

Screw Diameter
0
0.060
1
0.073
2
0.086
3
0.099
4
0.112
5
0.125
6
0.138
8
0.164
10
0.190
1/4
0.250
5/16
0.313
3/8
0.375
7/16
0.438
1/2
0.500
5/8
0.625
3/4
0.750
7/8
0.875
1
1.000
1.125
1 1/8
1.250
1 1/4

Y
P
Q
Cone Point
Oval
Angle 90+/-2deg
Key
Point
for these nom
Half Dog Point
Hexagon Socket Engage- Cup and Flat Point Radius lengths or longer
Size
Diameters
ment
118+/-2deg for shorter Diameter
Length
nom. (in.)
min
max
min
Basic
nom lengths
max min max min
0.028
0.050
0.033
0.027
0.045
0.09
0.040 0.037 0.017 0.013
0.028
0.060
0.040
0.033
0.055
0.09
0.049 0.045 0.021 0.017
0.035
0.060
0.047
0.039
0.064
0.13
0.057 0.053 0.024 0.020
0.050
0.070
0.054
0.045
0.074
0.13
0.066 0.062 0.027 0.023
0.050
0.070
0.061
0.051
0.084
0.19
0.075 0.070 0.030 0.026
1/16
0.062
0.080
0.067
0.057
0.094
0.19
0.083 0.078 0.033 0.027
1/16
0.062
0.080
0.074
0.064
0.104
0.19
0.092 0.087 0.038 0.032
5/64
0.078
0.090
0.087
0.076
0.123
0.25
0.109 0.103 0.043 0.037
3/32
0.094
0.100
0.102
0.088
0.142
0.25
0.127 0.120 0.049 0.041
1/8
0.125
0.125
0.132
0.118
0.188
0.31
0.156 0.149 0.067 0.059
5/32
0.156
0.156
0.172
0.156
0.234
0.38
0.203 0.195 0.082 0.074
3/16
0.188
0.188
0.212
0.194
0.281
0.44
0.250 0.241 0.099 0.089
7/32
0.219
0.219
0.252
0.232
0.328
0.50
0.297 0.287 0.114 0.104
1/4
0.250
0.250
0.291
0.270
0.375
0.57
0.344 0.334 0.130 0.120
5/16
0.312
0.312
0.371
0.347
0.469
0.75
0.469 0.456 0.164 0.148
3/8
0.375
0.375
0.450
0.425
0.562
0.88
0.562 0.549 0.196 0.180
1/2
0.500
0.500
0.530
0.502
0.656
1.00
0.656 0.642 0.227 0.211
9/16
0.562
0.562
0.609
0.579
0.750
1.13
0.750 0.734 0.260 0.240
9/16
0.562
0.562
0.689
0.655
0.844
1.25
0.844 0.826 0.291 0.271
5/8
0.625
0.625
0.767
0.733
0.938
1.50
0.938 0.920 0.323 0.303

Shortest Nominal Length to

Which T Applies
Cup &
Cone &
Half
Flat
Oval
Dog
Points
Points
Point
0.13
0.13
0.13
0.13
0.19
0.13
0.13
0.19
0.19
0.19
0.19
0.19
0.19
0.19
0.19
0.19
0.19
0.19
0.19
0.25
0.19
0.19
0.25
0.25
0.19
0.25
0.25
0.25
0.31
0.31
0.31
0.44
0.38
0.38
0.44
0.44
0.44
0.63
0.50
0.50
0.63
0.63
0.63
0.88
0.88
0.75
1.00
1.00
0.88
1.00
1.00
1.00
1.25
1.25
1.25
1.50
1.25
1.25
1.50
1.50

Source ASME B18.3, 2002

Hex Lag Screw

Nominal Size

#10
1/4
5/16
3/8
7/16
1/2
5/8
3/4

0.1900
0.2500
0.3125
0.3750
0.4375
0.5000
0.6250
0.7500

Threads
per
Inch

11
10
9
7
7
6
5
4 1/2

E
Body or
Shoulder
Dia.
Max
Min
0.199
0.178
0.260
0.237
0.324
0.298
0.388
0.360
0.452
0.421
0.515
0.482
0.642
0.605
0.768
0.729

F
Width
Across Flats
Basic
9/32
7/16
1/2
9/16
5/8
3/4
15/16
1 1/8

Max
0.281
0.438
0.500
0.562
0.625
0.750
0.938
1.125

Source: ASME B18.2.1, 1996

A-19

Min
0.271
0.425
0.484
0.544
0.603
0.725
0.906
1.088

G
Width
Across
Corners
Max
Min
0.323 0.309
0.505 0.484
0.577 0.552
0.650 0.620
0.722 0.687
0.866 0.826
1.083 1.033
1.299 1.240

H
Head Height
Basic
1/8
11/64
7/32
1/4
19/64
11/32
27/64
1/2

Max
0.140
0.188
0.195
0.226
0.272
0.302
0.378
0.455

Min
0.110
0.150
0.195
0.226
0.272
0.302
0.378
0.455

S
Shoulder
Length
Min
0.094
0.094
0.125
0.125
0.156
0.156
0.312
0.375

Metric
Metric Hex Cap Screws

d1
Nominal
Body Dia
Size
Max.
Min.
(mm)
Grade A Grade B
3
3
2.86
4
4
3.82
5
5
4.82
6
6
5.82
7
7
6.78
8
8
7.78
10
10
9.78
12
12
11.73
14
14
13.73
16
16
15.73
15.57
18
18
17.73
17.57
20
20
19.67
19.48
22
22
21.67
21.48
24
24
23.67
23.48
27
27
26.48
30
30
29.48
33
33
32.38
36
36
35.38
39
39
38.38

S
Width Across Flats
Max.
Min.
nom.
Grade A Grade B
5.5
5.32
7
6.78
8
7.78
10
9.78
11
10.73
13
12.73
17 (16) 16.73 (15.73)
19 (18) 18.67 (17.73)
22 (21) 21.67 (21.73)
24
23.67
23.16
27
26.67
26.16
30
29.67
29.16
32 (34) 31.61 (33.38) 31 (33)
36
35.38
35
41
40
46
45
50
49
55
53.8
60
58.8

Nom.
2
2.8
3.5
4
4.8
5.3
6.4
7.5
8.8
10
11.5
12.5
14
15
17
18.7
21
22.5
25

k
Head Height
Grade A
Grade B
Min.
Max
Min.
Max
1.88
2.12
2.68
2.92
3.35
3.65
3.85
4.15
4.65
4.95
5.15
5.45
6.22
6.58
7.32
7.68
8.62
8.98
9.82
10.18
9.71
10.29
11.28
11.72
11.15
11.85
12.28
12.72
12.15
12.85
13.78
14.22
13.65
14.35
14.78
15.22
14.65
15.35
16.65
17.35
18.28
19.12
20.58
21.42
22.08
22.92
24.58
25.42

DIN 931 Thread Length For Bolt Lengths

125mm &
Over 125mm
Over
Shorter
& Less
200mm
Than 200mm
Nom.
Nom.
Nom.
12
14
16
22
18
24
20
26
22
28
26
32
45
30
36
49
34
40
53
38
44
57
42
48
61
46
52
65
50
56
69
54
60
73
60
66
79
66
72
85
72
78
91
78
84
97
84
90
103

Source: DIN 931: partially threaded, DIN 933: fully threaded

Grade A & Grade B: the specifications assign product grade A for thread sizes up to and including M24 and lengths smaller than 10d
or 150mm, and assign to product grade B.
Width across flats does differ between specifications on M10, M12, M14 and M22. DIN 931 and DIN 933 are listed with ISO 4014
and 4017 in brackets.

Metric Hex Nuts

Nominal
Size
(mm)
1.6
2
2.5
3
4
5
6
8
10
12
14
16
20
24
30
36
42
48
56
64

Thread
Pitch
0.35
0.4
0.45
0.5
0.7
0.8
1
1.25
1.5
1.75
2
2
2.5
3
3.5
4
4.5
5
5.5
6

F
Width Across
Flats
Max
Min
3.2
3.02
4
3.82
5
4.82
5.5
5.32
7
6.78
8
7.78
10
9.78
13
12.73
17 (16)
16.73 (15.73)
19 (18)
18.67 (17.73)
22 (21)
21.67 (20.67)
24
23.67
30
29.16
36
35
46
45
55
53.8
65
63.1
75
73.1
85
82.8
95
92.8

G
Width Across
Corners
Min
3.41
4.32
5.45
6.01
7.66
8.79
11.05
14.38
18.9 (17.77)
21.1 (20.03)
24.49 (23.35)
26.75
32.95
39.55
50.85
60.79
71.3
82.6
93.56
104.86

H
Thickness
Max
1.3
1.6
2
2.4
3.2
4 (4.7)
5 (5.2)
6.5 (6.4)
8 (8.4)
10 (10.8)
11 (12.8)
13 (14.8)
16 (18)
19 (21.5)
24 (25.6)
29 (31)
34
38
45
51

Min
1.05
1.35
1.75
2.15
2.9
3.7 (4.4)
4.7 (4.9)
6.14 (6.44)
7.64 (8.04)
9.64 (10.37)
10.3 (12.1)
12.3 (14.1)
14.9 (16.9)
17.7 (20.2)
22.7 (24.3)
27.4 (29.4)
32.4
36.4
43.4
49.1

Source: DIN 934

Dimensions differ between specifications on M10, M12, M14 between DIN 934 and ISO 4032. DIN 934 is listed with ISO 4032 in brackets.

A-20

Metric Socket Head Cap Screw

Nominal
Size
(mm)
1.6
2
2.5
3
4
5
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
22
24
27
30
33
36
42

d1

d2

Body Dia
Max.
Min.
1.60
1.46
2.00
1.86
2.50
2.36
3.00
2.86
4.00
3.82
5.00
4.82
6.00
5.82
8.00
7.78
10.00
9.78
12.00
11.73
14.00
13.73
16.00
15.73
18.00
17.73
20.00
19.67
22.00
21.67
24.00
23.67
27.00
26.67
30.00
29.67
33.00
32.61
36.00
35.61
42.00
41.61

Head Diameter
Max.
Min.
3.14
2.86
3.98
3.62
4.68
4.32
5.68
5.32
7.22
6.78
8.72
8.28
10.22
9.78
13.27
12.73
16.27
15.73
18.27
17.73
21.33
20.67
24.33
23.67
27.33
26.67
30.33
29.67
33.39
32.61
36.39
35.61
40.39
39.61
45.39
44.61
50.39
49.61
54.46
53.54
63.46
62.54

Head Height
Max.
Min.
1.60
1.46
2.00
1.86
2.50
2.36
3.00
2.86
4.00
3.82
5.00
4.82
6.00
5.70
8.00
7.64
10.00
9.64
12.00
11.57
14.00
13.57
16.00
15.57
18.00
17.57
20.00
19.48
22.00
21.48
24.00
23.48
27.00
26.48
30.00
29.48
33.00
32.38
36.00
35.38
42.00
41.38

Nom
1.5
1.5
2
2.5
3
4
5
6
8
10
12
14
14
17
17
19
19
22
24
27
32

Socket Size
Max
Min
1.56
1.52
1.56
1.52
2.06
2.02
2.58
2.52
3.08
3.02
4.095
4.02
5.14
5.02
6.14
6.02
8.175
8.025
10.175
10.025
12.212
12.032
14.212
14.032
14.212
14.032
17.23
17.05
17.23
17.05
19.275
19.065
19.275
19.065
22.275
22.065
24.275
24.065
27.275
27.065
32.33
32.08

t
Key
Engagement
Min
0.7
1
1.1
1.3
2
2.5
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13.5
15.5
18
19
24

Source: DIN 912

Metric Socket Button Head Cap Screw

Nominal
Size
(mm)
3
4
5
6
8
10
12

Head Dia.

Head Height

Hex Socket

Key Engagement

Max.

Min.

Max.

Min.

Size Nom.

Min.

5.7

5.4

1.65

1.4 (1.43)

1.04

7.60

7.24

2.20

1.95

2.5

1.3

9.50

9.14

2.75

2.50

1.56

10.50

10.07

3.3

3.0

2.08

14.00

13.57

4.4

4.1

2.6

17.50

17.07

5.5

5.2

3.12

21.00

20.48

6.60

6.24

4.16

16

28.00
27.48
8.80
8.44
10
5.2
Source: ISO 7380 (ANSI /ASME B18.3.4M)
The head height is identical between the ISO and ANSI specifications excluding M3 minimum. ISO is listed with ANSI in brackets.

A-21

b
Thread
Length
Ref
15
16
17
18
20
22
24
28
32
36
40
44
48
52
56
60
66
72
78
84
96

Metric Flat Washers

For Thread
Size
M
1.6
2
2.5
3
3.5
4
5
6
7
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
22
24
26
27
30
33
36
39
42
45
48
50
52
56
64

( A ) Inside Diameter
Min. =
nominal size
1.7
2.2
2.7
3.2
3.7
4.3
5.3
6.4
7.4
8.4
10.5
13
15
17
19
21
23
25
27
28
31
34
37
40
43
46
50
52
54
58
66

Max.
1.84
2.34
2.84
3.38
3.88
4.48
5.48
6.62
7.62
8.62
10.77
13.27
15.27
17.27
19.33
21.33
23.33
25.33
27.33
28.33
31.39
34.62
37.62
40.62
43.62
46.62
50.62
52.74
54.74
58.74
66.74

( B ) Outside Diameter
Max. =
nominal size
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
12
14
16
20
24
28
30
34
37
39
44
50
50
56
60
66
72
78
85
92
92
98
105
115

Min.
3.7
4.7
5.7
6.64
7.64
8.64
9.64
11.57
13.57
15.57
19.48
23.48
27.48
29.48
33.38
36.38
38.38
43.38
49.38
49.38
55.26
58.8
64.8
70.8
76.8
83.6
90.6
90.6
96.6
103.6
113.6

Source: DIN 125

Type A, without chamfer: Type B. with external chamfer

A-22

( C ) Thickness
Nominal
Size
0.3
0.3
0.5
0.5
0.5
0.8
1
1.6
1.6
1.6
2.0
2.5
2.5
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
5
5
6
7
7
8
8
8
9
9

Max.
0.35
0.35
0.55
0.55
0.55
0.9
1.1
1.8
1.8
1.8
2.2
2.7
2.7
3.3
3.3
3.3
3.3
4.3
4.3
4.3
4.3
5.6
5.6
6.6
8
8
9
9
9
10
10

Min.
0.25
0.25
0.45
0.45
0.45
0.7
0.9
1.4
1.4
1.4
1.8
2.3
2.3
2.7
2.7
2.7
2.7
3.7
3.7
3.7
3.7
4.4
4.4
5.4
6
6
7
7
7
8
8

Other Screws
Self-Drilling Screws
The point is designed to efficiently remove material and
precisely size the hole for the thread. The length of the drill
flute determines the metal thickness that can be drilled. The
flute provides a channel for chip removal during removal
during the drilling process. The point length, which is the
unthreaded portion from the point to the first thread, should
be long enough to assure the drilling action is complete
before the first thread begins tapping into the drilled metal.
Screw threads advance at a rate of up to ten times faster than
the drill flute can remove metal. All drilling should be
complete prior to forming the threads.

Point
Length

Drill
Flute
Length

Point

The following illustrates how to determine the thickness of the material to be drilled

Total thickness to be drilled

Top material to be drilled

Bottom material to be drilled

Total thickness to be drilled

Top material to be drilled

Insulation or gap
Bottom material to be drilled

Top material with hole previously drilled

Insulation or gap
Bottom material to be drilled

Total thickness to be drilled

Thread Length
Choose a fastener with sufficient threads to fully
engage in the base material. The head of the
fastener provides the holding power for the
material being fastened. It may be helpful, but not
critical, that the threads also engage in the material
being fastened. The threads provide the holding
power in the base material.

Material being fastened

Base material

Thread Pitch
The type of thread pitch to be used is determined by the thickness of the material to be fastened and
the diameter of the screw. In general, the thinner the fastened material, the more threads needed,
while the thicker the material, the fewer the number of threads needed. This is due to the fact that in
thin metal, the upper and lower threads provide the clamp force. Most thicker materials will require a
coarser thread. However, in thick metal (3/8 to thick), a fine thread may be required to tap into
the base material and provide the greatest holding power.

A-23

Types of Screw Points

General Thread
Appearance

Type

AB

BT 25

T 23

Description
A thread forming screw for use in thin metals 0.015 - 0.050 thick.
Used with drilled, punched or nested holes in sheet metal, resin impregnated
plywood, asbestos combinations, among others. Not recommended
for new design.
A thread forming screw for use with heavier metal 0.050 - 0.200 thick.
The finer thread pitch used with light and heavy sheet metal,
non-ferrous castings, plastics, plywood, asbestos combinations.
A thread forming screw with high Helix thread for driving or hammering into
sheet metal, castings, fiber or plastics for permanent, quick assemblies.

A thread cutting screw with machine screw thread having multi-cutting

edges and chip cavities. For use in heavy gauge sheet metal, aluminum,
zinc and lead die castings, cast iron, brass and plastic.
A thread cutting screw implementing a coarse Type B thread.
Used with plastics and other soft materials with large chip clearing and
cutting edges.
A thread cutting screw with a fine thread offering maximum thread cutting
area and excellent chip clearing with minimum tightening torque.

Thread Rolling Screw

General Thread
Appearance

Type

Tri-lobular

Description
This thread rolling screw uses a tri-lobular design to cause the grains of the
mating material to reform to the thread contour rather than be sheared
during tapping. This action causes a stronger fit.

A-24

85%*

Tri-Lobular Thread Forming Fasteners

Suggested Hole Sizes at Percentages of Thread Engagement

Inch Sizes

Pilot Hole Sizes

Nominal
Screw
Size

Percent Thread Engagement

100%

95%

90%*

85%*

80%

75%

70%

65%

60%

55%

50%

45%

40%

35%

2-56

.0744

.0755

.0756

.0761

.0767

.0773

.0779

.0785

.0790

.0796

.0802

.0808

.0814

.0819

3-48

.0855

.0861

.0868

.0875

.0882

.0888

.0895

.0902

.0909

.0916

.0922

.0929

.0936

.0943

4-40

.0958

.0966

.0974

.0982

.0990

.0998

.1006

.1014

.1023

.1031

.1039

.1047

.1055

.1063

5-40

.1088

.1096

.1104

.1112

.1120

.1128

.1136

.1144

.1153

.1161

.1169

.1177

.1185

.1193

6-32

.1177

.1187

.1197

.1207

.1218

.1228

.1238

.1248

.1258

.1268

.1278

.1289

.1299

.1309

8-32

.1437

.1447

.1457

.1467

.1478

.1488

.1498

.1508

.1518

.1528

.1538

.1549

.1559

.1569

10-24

.1629

.1643

.1656

.1670

.1683

.1697

.1710

.1724

.1738

.1751

.1765

.1778

.1792

.1805

10-32

.1697

.1707

.1717

.1727

.1738

.1748

.1758

.1768

.1778

.1788

.1798

.1809

.1819

.1829

12-24

.1889

.1903

.1916

.1930

.1943

.1957

.1970

.1984

.1998

.2011

.2025

.2038

.2052

.2065

1/4-20

.2175

.2191

.2208

.2224

.2240

.2256

.2273

.2289

.2305

.2321

.2338

.2354

.2370

.2386

5/16-18

.2764

.2782

.2800

.2818

.2836

.2854

.2872

.2890

.2908

.2926

.2944

.2963

.2981

.2999

3/8-16

.3344

.3364

.3384

.3405

.3425

.3445

.3466

.3486

.3506

.3527

.3547

.3567

.3588

.3608

7/16-14

.3911

.3934

.3957

.3980

.4004

.4027

.4050

.4073

.4096

.4120

.4143

.4166

.4189

.4213

1/2-13

.4500

.4525

.4550

.4575

.4600

.4625

.4650

.4675

.4700

.4725

.4750

.4775

.4800

.4825

SUGGESTED THREAD ENGAGEMENT GUIDELINES

Powdered Metal or Cast Iron
50 - 65%
Cold Rolled Steel
65 - 70%
Aluminum
70 - 80%
Thin Sheet Metals
80 - 95%
* - Pilot holes listed under the 90% and 85% thread engagement columns are recommended for
single punch extruded holes. For pilot hole tolerance, +5% to -10% of the nominal value is
recommended.

A-25

Approximate Hole Sizes for Type A Steel Thread Forming Screw

In Steel, Stainless Steel, Monel Metal, Brass and Aluminum
Sheet Metal
Hole Required
Screw
Metal
Pierced or
Drilled
Drill
Size
Thickness
Extruded
or Clean
Size
Punched
6
0.015
0.104
37
0.018
0.104
37
0.024
0.111
0.104
37
0.030
0.111
0.104
37
0.036
0.111
0.106
36
7
0.015
0.116
32
0.018
0.116
32
0.024
0.120
0.116
32
0.030
0.120
0.116
32
0.036
0.120
0.116
32
0.048
0.120
0.120
31
8
0.013
0.125
1/8
0.024
0.136
0.125
1/8
0.030
0.136
0.125
1/8
0.036
0.136
0.125
1/8
0.048
0.136
0.128
30
10
0.018
0.136
29
0.024
0.157
0.136
29
0.030
0.157
0.136
29
0.036
0.157
0.136
29
0.048
0.157
0.149
25
12
0.024
0.161
20
0.030
0.185
0.161
20
0.036
0.185
0.161
20
0.048
0.185
0.161
20
14
0.024
0.185
13
0.030
0.209
0.189
12
0.036
0.209
0.191
11
0.048
0.209
0.196
9

Approximate Pierced or Extruded Hole Sizes for Types AB and B Steel Thread Forming
Screws
In Steel, Stainless Steel, Monel Metal
In Aluminum Alloy Sheet Metal
and Brass Sheet Metal
Screw
Size

Metal
Thickness

10

12

1/4

Screw
Size

Metal
Thickness

0.015
0.018
0.024
0.030
0.036
0.018
0.024
0.030
0.036
0.048

Pierced or
Extruded
Hole
0.111
0.111
0.111
0.111
0.111
0.120
0.120
0.120
0.120
0.120

0.024
0.030
0.036
0.048

Pierced or
Extruded
Hole
0.111
0.111
0.111
0.111

0.024
0.030
0.036
0.048

0.120
0.120
0.120
0.120

0.018
0.024
0.030
0.036
0.048
0.018
0.024
0.030
0.036
0.048
0.024
0.030
0.036
0.048
0.030
0.036
0.048

0.136
0.136
0.136
0.136
0.136
0.157
0.157
0.157
0.157
0.157
0.185
0.185
0.185
0.185
0.209
0.209
0.209

0.024
0.030
0.036
0.048

0.136
0.136
0.136
0.136

10

0.024
0.030
0.036
0.048

0.157
0.157
0.157
0.157

Hole Sizes for metal thickness

above 0.075 inch are for Type
B only.

Approximate Drilled or Clean Punched Hole Sizes for Types AB and B Steel Thread Forming Screw
In Steel, Stainless Steel, Monel Metal and Brass Sheet Metal
In Aluminum Alloy Sheet Metal
Screw Size
Metal
Hole
Drill
Screw Size
Metal
Hole
Thickness
Required
Size
Thickness
Required
6
0.015
0.104
37
6
0.030
0.104
0.024
0.106
36
0.048
0.104
0.036
0.110
35
0.060
0.106
0.060
0.116
32
0.075
0.110
0.075
0.120
31
0.105
0.111
0.105
0.128
30
0.128-0.250
0.120
8
0.024
0.125
1/8
8
0.030
0.116
0.036
0.125
1/8
0.060
0.136
0.060
0.136
29
0.075
0.140
0.075
0.140
28
0.105
0.147
0.105
0.149
25
0.135
0.149
0.135
0.152
24
0.162-0.375
0.152
10
0.024
0.144
27
10
0.036
0.144
0.036
0.147
26
0.060
0.144
0.060
0.152
24
0.075
0.147
0.075
0.157
22
0.105
0.147
0.105
0.161
20
0.125
0.154
0.125
0.169
18
0.164
0.159
0.164
0.173
17
0.200-0.375
0.166
12
0.024
0.166
19
12
0.048
0.161
0.036
0.166
19
0.060
0.166
0.060
0.177
16
0.075
0.173
0.075
0.182
14
0.105
0.180
0.105
0.185
13
0.125
0.182
0.125
0.196
9
0.135
0.182
0.135
0.196
9
0.164
0.189
0.164
0.201
7
0.200-0.375
0.196
1/4
0.030
0.194
10
1/4
0.060
0.199
0.048
0.194
10
0.075
0.201
0.060
0.199
8
0.105
0.204
0.075
0.204
6
0.125
0.209
0.105
0.209
4
0.135
0.209
0.125
0.228
1
0.164
0.213
0.135
0.228
1
0.187
0.213
0.164
0.234
15/64
0.194
0.221
0.194
0.234
15/64
0.200-0.375
0.228

Since conditions may differ, it may be necessary to vary the hole size to suit a particular application.

A-26

Drill
Size
37
37
36
35
34
31
32
29
28
26
25
24
27
27
26
26
23
21
19
20
19
17
15
14
14
12
9
8
7
6
4
4
3
3
2
1

Screw
Size

0.050

6-32
8-32
10-24
10-32
12-24
-20
-28
5/16-18
5/16-24
3/8-16
3/8-24

0.1100
0.1360
0.1520
0.1590

6-32
8-32
10-24
10-32
12-24
-20
-28
5/16-18
5/16-24
3/8-16
3/8-24

0.1094
0.1360
0.1495
0.1610

6-32
8-32
10-24
10-32
12-24
-20
-28
5/16-18
5/16-24
3/8-16
3/8-24

0.1160
0.1440
0.1610
0.1695

Stock
Thickness
0.125
0.140
3/16

5/16
3/8

Approximate Hole Sizes for Types F and T23 Steel Thread Cutting Screw
Stock Thickness
0.060
0.083
0.109
0.125
0.140
3/16

5/16
Standard Drill Sizes for Holes in Steel
0.1130
0.1160
0.1160
0.1160
0.1200
0.1250
0.1250
0.1405
0.1405
0.1440
0.1440
0.1470
0.1495
0.1495
0.1495
0.1540
0.1610
0.1610
0.1660
0.1695
0.1730
0.1730
0.1730
0.1660
0.1660
0.1695
0.1695
0.1695
0.1770
0.1770
0.1770
0.1800
0.1820
0.1875
0.1910
0.1910
0.1990
0.1990
0.1990
0.2130
0.2188
0.2210
0.2210
0.2280
0.2280
0.2280
0.2210
0.2280
0.2280
0.2340
0.2344
0.2344
0.2344
0.2770
0.2770
0.2813
0.2900
0.2900
0.2900
0.2900
0.2900
0.2900
0.2950
0.2950
0.2950
0.3390
0.3390
0.3480
0.3580
0.3580
0.3480
0.3480
0.3580
0.3580
0.3580
Standard Drill Sizes for Holes in Aluminum
0.1094
0.1110
0.1130
0.1160
0.1160
0.1200
0.1250
0.1360
0.1360
0.1405
0.1405
0.1440
0.1470
0.1495
0.1495
0.1520
0.1540
0.1570
0.1590
0.1610
0.1660
0.1719
0.1730
0.1610
0.1610
0.1660
0.1660
0.1660
0.1719
0.1770
0.1770
0.1770
0.1800
0.1820
0.1850
0.1875
0.1910
0.1990
0.1990
0.2055
0.2090
0.2130
0.2130
0.2210
0.2280
0.2280
0.2188
0.2210
0.2210
0.2210
0.2280
0.2344
0.2344
0.2660
0.2720
0.2720
0.2810
0.2900
0.2900
0.2810
0.2812
0.2812
0.2900
0.2950
0.2950
0.3281
0.3320
0.3390
0.3480
0.3480
0.3438
0.3438
0.3480
0.3580
0.3580
Standard Drill Sizes for Holes in Zinc and Aluminum Die Castings
0.1200
0.1200
0.1200
0.1200
0.1200
0.1200
0.1200
0.1440
0.1440
0.1440
0.1470
0.1470
0.1470
0.1495
0.1495
0.1660
0.1660
0.1660
0.1660
0.1660
0.1660
0.1695
0.1719
0.1695
0.1719
0.1719
0.1719
0.1719
0.1719
0.1730
0.1730
0.1800
0.1910
0.1910
0.1910
0.1935
0.1935
0.1960
0.1960
0.2188
0.2188
0.2210
0.2210
0.2210
0.2280
0.2280
0.2280
0.2280
0.2280
0.2280
0.2280
0.2340
0.2340
0.2770
0.2810
0.2810
0.2810
0.2812
0.2900
0.2900
0.2900
0.2900
0.2900
0.2900
0.2950
0.3390
0.3390
0.3390
0.3438
0.3438
0.3480
0.3480
0.3480
0.3580
0.3580

6-20
0.1200
0.1200
0.1200
0.1250
0.1250

Approximate Hole Size for Types BT Steel Thread Cutting Screws

Screw Size
8-18
10-16
12-14
-14
0.1490
0.1660
0.1910
0.2210
0.1490
0.1660
0.1910
0.2210
0.1490
0.1660
0.1910
0.2210
0.1520
0.1695
0.1960
0.2280
0.1520
0.1719
0.1960
0.2280
0.1719
0.1960
0.2280

5/16-12
0.2810
0.2810
0.2810
0.2810
0.2900
0.2900

3/8

0.1730
0.1770
0.1990
0.2280
0.2344
0.2900
0.2950
0.3580
0.3580

0.1990
0.2280
0.2344
0.2900
0.2950
0.3580
0.3580

0.1730
0.1770
0.1990
0.2280
0.2344
0.2900
0.2950
0.3480
0.3580

0.1990
0.2280
0.2344
0.2900
0.2950
0.3480
0.3580

0.1719
0.1770
0.1990
0.2280
0.2344
0.2900
0.2950
0.3438
0.3580

0.1990
0.2280
0.2344
0.2900
0.2950
0.3438
0.3580

3/8-12
0.344
0.344
0.344
0.344
0.348
0.348

Since conditions may differ, it may be necessary to vary the hole size to suit a particular application.

A-27