ASTM FAQs

B7 Bolts and DH Nuts

Can A563 Grade DH nuts be used with A193 Grade B7 bolts?

The short answer is no. The A193 specification is specifically designed for fasteners being used in high temperature, high pressure situations. In the ASTM specification, it states that the nuts shall conform to the A194 specification and it does not provide an alternate substitute. Though A563-DH and A194-2H are very similar, they are not interchangeable... Read more

Metric F1554

Does the ASTM F1554 specification allow metric sizes?

The ASTM F1554 specification does not prohibit or allow metric diameter F1554 anchor bolts.  It does not address the subject of metric dimensions at all.  So theoretically, if a manufacturer can locate metric steel round bar that meets both the chemical and mechanical requirements of the specification, metric F1554 anchor bolts can be provided.  Since... Read more

Steel vs. Fastener Specifications

Why is the steel on my mill test report a different specification than the bolts I ordered?

Steel is produced by rolling mills to specifications that cover steel shapes, plates, and bars.  Portland Bolt uses steel round bar to manufacture bolts to specifications that cover threaded fasteners. General steel specifications, such as ASTM A36 and A572 or AISI 1045 and 4140 are manufactured to specific chemical and (sometimes) mechanical requirements.  Heat analysis... Read more

F1554 Configuration

Does F1554 Tell Me the Configuration of the Bolt?

Calling out ASTM F1554 (grade 36, 55, or 105) indicates the grade of material, but the specification itself does not require a specific configuration and does not indicate whether or not the bolt is galvanized. F1554 is a fastener specification which covers steel anchor bolts intended for anchoring structural supports to concrete foundations. The specification provides... Read more

A193 Grade B7 Thread

Is the thread length of A193 Grade B7 bolts the same as A325 bolts?

In short, no, the thread length of A193 B7 bolts is not the same as the thread length of A325 bolts. The F3125 Grade A325 specification covers heavy hex structural bolts which have standard fixed thread lengths shown in the table below. The thread lengths can be altered, but A325 bolts with nonstandard thread lengths must... Read more

3/8″ F1554 Bolts

Can I order 3/8” diameter F1554 anchor bolts?

No. In 2015, ASTM changed the diameter parameters from 1/4”- 4” to 1/2”- 4”; eliminating 1/4” and 3/8” diameters from the specification.  This was in part due to the lack of material availability that had the test reports or traceability in these smaller diameters that conformed to the F1554 requirements.  If your project requires F1554... Read more

Split Ring Grades

Are Split Rings Graded the Same as Shear Plates?

Unlike shear plates, split rings are not made to a particular specification. Shear plates are made to a dimensional specification, ASTM D5933 and are made from a malleable casting meeting the ASTM A47 Grade 32510 specification. This is a specification that covers ferritic malleable castings intended for general use. Other products which are made to... Read more

Clevis & Turnbuckle Grades

What grade are Portland Bolt’s Clevises and Turnbuckles?

For most tie rod assemblies that Portland Bolt provides, the clevises would be forged per ASTM A668 Class A, while the turnbuckles would be manufactured per ASTM F1145 class B. ASTM A668 is a general forging specification whereas F1145 covers turnbuckles specifically. If higher strength clevises are required to develop the strength of high strength... Read more

Supplementary Requirements

What is a supplementary requirement in an ASTM grade?

Supplementary requirements are optional requirements within ASTM specifications that must be requested at the time of quotation or purchase to be included, otherwise the manufacturing company is not required to adhere to the supplementary requirements. ASTM specifications have varying amounts of supplementary requirements. Some specifications have as many as six or more supplementary requirements, while... Read more

F3125 Grade A325 Lags

Can a lag screw be manufactured to ASTM F3125 Grade A325?

As the ASTM F3125 specification becomes more prevalent, the issue of configuration may be a source of confusion. The main reason is that in the past, ASTM A325 has been limited a heavy hex head structural bolt only, which implies a structural bolt thread length with Unified National Coarse thread. With the implementation of ASTM F3125, A325... Read more