Bolt Industry FAQs

Fully Threaded Bolts & Unthreaded Shanks

When a fully threaded bolt is specified, how much of an unthreaded shank is allowed?

Fully threaded bolts are often referred to as “tap bolts”. The unthreaded portion of a bolt is often referred to as the “grip”. ASME B18.2.1 is the dimensional standard that covers hex, heavy hex, and square head bolts as well as lag screws. This specification states for fully threaded bolts and lag screws that are... Read more

Washer and Bolt Compatibility

Can F436 Hardened Washers Be Paired With A307 Hex Bolts?

The ASTM A307 specification does not provide any washer recommendations to go with fasteners specified to A307 grades A or B. Most commonly, a simple F844 flat washer is used with A307 fasteners. F844 washers have a larger outside diameter than F436 hardened washers. Since the A307 specification doesn’t recommend what to use, any washer... Read more

9/16″ Structural Bolt Availability

Are 9/16” diameter F3125 Grades A325 and A490 structural bolts readily available?

No. The specification moves up in 1/8” increments starting at ½” diameter and maxing out at 1-1/2”. Under the old A325 – 09 specification, there was a reference about oversize limits on bolts and listed 9/16” diameter as a size. Since A325 bolts have been reclassified under the new F3125 specification, there is no longer... Read more

Plain Finish Bolts

What is a "Black" Bolt?

The vast majority of bolts that Portland Bolt provides are either hot-dip galvanized or plain steel with no coating. In the construction fasteners industry, we typically refer to the plain steel as “black.” On our quotes and orders at Portland Bolt, we abbreviate that to “blk”. Other companies may refer to bolts with no coating... Read more

Dimensional Standards

Which standard defines dimensions for bolts, nuts, and washers?

The organization that is responsible for addressing dimensional guidelines and tolerances for fasteners is the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). This organization was founded in 1880 and now has over 130,000 members in 151 countries. In addition to being a standards organization, ASME is also involved in research and development, training and professional development,... Read more

Bent Bolt Dimensions

What Dimensional Specification Covers Bent Bolts?

ASME, a global standards organization, provides dimensional guidelines and dimensional tolerances for a wide variety of fasteners and related items. Bent bolts, such as 90-degree bend anchor bolts, U-bolts, and eye bolts, fall under ASME B18.31.5. ASME B18.31.5 provides information regarding tolerances and quality, and their drawings also indicate where the bolts should be measured... Read more

Unthreaded Shank

What do you call the unthreaded shank of a bolt?

The unthreaded portion of a headed bolt is called the grip. The length of all headed bolts (except countersunk head bolts) are measured from underneath the head to the end of the threads. The overall bolt length is made up of thread length plus grip length.

Certified Mill Test Reports

What is a “CMTR”?

The acronym CMTR stands for, “Certified Mill Test Report” or “Certified Material Test Reports.”  As a manufacturer, it is imperative that we are using the correct raw material when manufacturing a given part, whether it is a bolt or fabricated steel plate.  A CMTR is provided by the raw material producer (mill), which is a... Read more

Stainless Yield & Tensile Strength

What are the strength and yield values for stainless steel bolts?

Typically when bolts are ordered, they are called out by a specific ASTM or SAE grade. Stainless steel bolts are a bit different though, as they are commercially available and regularly ordered simply by the material itself, most commonly 316 or 304 stainless steel. Unlike bolts that fall under ASTM specifications, there are no specific... Read more

RCSC

What is the RCSC?

RCSC is the Research Council on Structural Connections. It is a non-profit, volunteer organization, comprised of over 85 leading experts in the fields of structural steel connection design, engineering, fabrication, erection and bolting. Its goal is to support research and gain knowledge to publish standards in structural steel connections.