ASTM FAQs
Straightness Tolerances for F1554
Are there straightness tolerances for ASTM F1554 anchor bolts?The answer to this question is no. The ASTM F1554 specification defines tolerance ranges for various dimensional requirements such as thread dimensions, thread length variance, overall length, (and in the case of bent anchor bolts) bend section, hook length, and bend length. However, no tolerances are given for straightness. The reason for this is because... Read more
Hot-Dip Galvanizing Specifications
Does ASTM A123 apply to bolts and fasteners as a galvanizing specification?ASTM A123 does not cover threaded bolts and fasteners. ASTM A153 and F2329 are the ASTM specifications that cover the requirements for hot-dip zinc coating of fasteners. ASTM A123 This specification covers the requirements for hot-dip galvanizing on iron and steel products made from rolled pressed and forged shapes, castings, plates, bars, and strips. It... Read more
Ordering Bolts to ASTM A588
Can I order bolts to A588?ASTM A588 is a common steel standard that covers high strength, low-alloy structural steel shapes, plates, and bars with improved atmospheric corrosion resistance that is intended for riveted, bolted, or welded construction. Fasteners are not specifically included in the scope of A588, but that doesn’t stop engineers and contractors from asking for A588 bolts. Why is... Read more
Ordering Bolts to A572 Grade 50
Can I order bolts to A572 Grade 50?ASTM A572 is a common structural steel standard that covers five grades (42, 50, 55, 60, 65) of high strength, low-alloy structural steel shapes, plates, and bars that is intended for riveted, bolted, or welded construction. Fasteners are not specifically included in the scope of A572, but that doesn’t stop engineers and contractors from asking for... Read more
Ordering Bolts to ASTM A36
Can I order bolts to ASTM A36?ASTM A36 is a very common steel standard that covers structural carbon steel shapes, plates and bars. Fasteners are not specifically included in the scope of A36, but that doesn’t stop engineers and contractors from asking for A36 bolts. Why is that an issue? The inherent problem with trying to order bolts to a ASTM... Read more
Metric to Imperial Grade Equivalents
What are the imperial/ASTM equivalents for metric fastener grades?Both ASTM F568M and ISO 898-1 outline several grades of metric fastener, from low carbon/low strength, up to high strength/heat treated alloy grades. The equivalents listed below should be only considered as rough equivalents. Special care should be taken before substituting grades to make sure that an acceptable substitute is being used. For example, grade... Read more
F1554 Permanent Marking Requirement
Is color coding required on F1554 anchor bolts when supplemental requirement S3 is requested?S3 is the supplemental specification for a permanent grade identification stamp on the top end of F1554 anchor bolts. When this is called out, it replaces the color code requirement. Therefore, color coding is not required when supplemental requirement S3 is called out on the purchase order. For more information on marking and color coding... Read more
ASTM and Stainless Steel Washers
What is the ASTM specification for stainless steel washers?Stainless steel washers are not made to an ASTM specification; they are only made to raw material specifications. Most stainless steel ASTM bolt specifications refer to the raw material specification they are made from as the appropriate washer to use in conjunction with the bolt. Hence, an ASTM A193 or A320 grade B8M bolt, made... Read more
F1554 and Wedge Anchors
Does the F1554 specification cover wedge anchors?No. The ASTM F1554 specification clearly addresses the type of bolts that are covered under this specification, and which types of fasteners are not. ASTM F1554 Section 1.1 states that F1554 covers “…straight and bent, headed and headless, carbon boron, alloy or high strength low-alloy steel anchor bolt (also known as anchor rods).” Additionally, in... Read more
Bolt Length Tolerance
What is the length tolerance for a bolt?ASME B18.2.1 has a table that deals with the length tolerance for square, hex, heavy hex, and askew head bolts. It also has a section for lag screws as well as tighter tolerance cap screws. The tolerance varies greatly per diameter and length of the fastener. See the table below. ASTM A325 and A490 heavy... Read more