Anchor Bolts FAQs

Anchor Bolts Installation

How do you torque anchor bolts?

When tightening a nut onto anchor bolts, it is important to follow procedures to ensure proper installation and secure fastening. Here is a general outline: Clean the threads of any debris or rust using a wire brush or similar tool. If specified apply wax to threads and bearing surfaces. Place the nut on the anchor bolt and hand-tighten... Read more

Your Best Lag Screw Order

What should you know about Lag Screws before ordering?

Lag screws are used in wood and are installed by rotating the head to screw the lag screw into the wood. Since lag screws are designed to drive into the wood instead of being secured with a nut they have deeper and sharper threads than your average hex-headed bolt which typically uses UNC (national course)... Read more

Anchor Rods & Bolts

How are Threaded Anchor Rods Used in Concrete?

There are a variety of configurations of anchor bolts and anchor rods, such as headed anchor bolts, bent anchor bolts, thread each-end rods, and fully threaded rods. When an anchor rod is specified, it is most likely a rod with threads on each end or a fully threaded rod. If the rod has threads on... Read more

Light Pole Anchor Bolts

What Sized Anchor Bolts are Used for Light Poles?

Anchor bolts for light poles are configured in several ways. Ordering them can often be confusing and this FAQ will attempt to simplify that process. Light poles each have specific designs and the anchor bolts are designed to the exact specifications of each light pole to match the strength properties and pullout resistance needed to... Read more

ASTM A490 vs. ASTM A325 Bolts

Is There a Difference Between ASTM A490 and ASTM A325 Bolts?

The short answer is that F3125 Grade A490 heavy hex structural bolts have higher strength requirements than A325 heavy hex structural bolts. A325 bolts have a minimum tensile strength of 120ksi while A490 bolts have a tensile strength range of 150-173ksi. In addition, there are a few other differences shown below. Coatings A325 structural bolts... Read more

Cast-in-Place vs. Post-Installed Anchors

What is the difference between cast-in-place anchors and post-installed anchors?

Anchor bolts come in several different configurations, such as 90-degree bent, headed, rods with threads on each end, or fully threaded rods to name a few. Anchor bolts can be made in many grades. shapes and sizes, however, there are two distinct categories of anchor bolts: post-installed anchors and cast-in-place anchors. Although both types essentially... Read more

Three Radial Lines on a Hex Bolt

I am replacing old 1-3/4” diameter hex bolts that are marked with 3 radial lines. What grade are these bolts?

The SAE J429 Grade 5 specification used to share the same head marking requirement as ASTM A449. A449 and Grade 5 are virtually identical both chemically and mechanically, but where the Grade 5 specification stops at 1-1/2” diameter, A449 continues up to 3”. They shared the three radial line head marking that Grade 5 still... Read more

Fully Threaded Headed Bolts

Can Portland Bolt make fully threaded headed bolts?

It depends. To answer this question, we have to go into the details about the different ways to we can thread a bolt. As well as different head styles.  Roll Thread  We can thread to within 2” of the head. We can thread up to 1” diameter bolts that are mild steel, stainless steel, or... Read more

Standard Bend Radius

What is the standard bend radius on right angle anchor bolt?

ASME B18.31.5 is, “The standard that establishes general requirements for parts classified as bent bolts.“ According to this specification, “The inside diameters or bend radii shall be as agreed between the buyer and manufacturer, as each dimension depends on material characteristics.” In essence, there is no standard guideline for the radius of the bend in... Read more

Anchor Rod Thread Length

How do I know how much thread length I need on my anchor rods?

There are no standard thread length calculations for anchor rods.  Anchor bolt thread length will depend on the required projection for the protruding end and the required hardware or configuration for the embedded end.  It is very common for structural drawings to detail the required thread lengths for anchor bolts. Bottom Threads Bottom threads will... Read more