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 steel standard, is that steel standards like A36 do not include the necessary fastener information like bolt configuration, type of or amount of threads, style of head, compatible nut or washer, acceptable coatings, etc. For example, ASTM A307, which covers low carbon general purpose bolts and studs, has the following sections detailing bolt specifics:
- Section 1.3, suitable nuts
- Section 7.1, thread geometry
- Section 7.2, head dimensions, thread length, other bolt dimensions
- Section 7.3, nut over-tapping allowances for hot dip galvanized bolts
- Section 9, test methods
- Section 13, product marking
Without these details, every mundane aspect of the fastener would need to be discussed and decided between the purchaser and the manufacturer, or assumptions would need to be made that may or may not meet the needs of the application the bolts are being used in.
ASTM A36 addresses this in the ASTM standard by including an appurtenant material chart. What this chart says is that if bolts are called out as A36, since A36 does not specifically cover bolts, then they should instead conform to the grade listed in the chart.
Below from Section 3.1 and Table 1 of A36:
When components of a steel structure are identified with this ASTM designation, but the product form is not listed in the scope of this specification, the material shall conform to one of the standards listed below unless otherwise specified by the purchaser.
| Material | ASTM Designation |
|---|---|
| Bolts | A307 Grade A |
| High Strength Bolts | A325 |
| Nuts | A563 |
| Forgings | A668 Class D |
| Anchor Bolts | F1554 Grade 36 |
| Table abridged to show only those items relevant to Portland Bolt | |
This is not to say that the materials listed above conform to or can be made from A36 steel – in many cases they cannot – simply that if the purchaser calls out a product per A36, but one that is not covered in the above scope (shapes, bars, plates), the manufacturer or supplier can supply product conforming to the above standards. For example, say someone requests A36 anchor bolts. According to this chart, those anchor bolts should be instead furnished to ASTM F1554 Grade 36. ASTM F1554 grade 36 anchor bolts are typically made from A36 or some similar low carbon raw steel, however care must be taken to make sure all the requirements of F1554 are met. Most off the floor A36 is missing the reduction of area (RA%) measurement, required by F1554, but not by A36. Additional testing may need to be performed. If, per the above chart, the anchor bolts are made per F1554, the threads, grade marking, compatible nuts, and most every other aspect and detail of the anchor bolts is already called out, saving time for both parties buy not requiring a lengthy discussion of the details, unless modifications or variances are necessary.
Portland Bolt is happy to answer questions like these or similar. We are the bolt experts; feel free to use us as a resource.
Application: All thread hanger rod to support a pipe system: What carbon steel and stainless steel fastener specification do you suggest.
@Joel- There are many ASTM standards that cover various grades of carbon, alloy, and stainless steel. For stainless steel, the two most common ASTM standards are A193 B8(304)/B8M(316) and F593 groups 1(304) and 2(316). For carbon and alloy, there are too many to list here, but our website does list many types that we stock, and has links to the chemical and mechanical properties of each so you can decide which is best for your application.
Can we use F436 washer material instead of A36 washer. Technically is it okay ?
@Karthik- F436 washers are harder and more durable than A36 washers, so whereas they are likely suitable, you always want to get approval for any substitutions from the project engineer.
We had installed Stack of 45 meters long with A 36 Grade Anchor bolt .Did we Required bolt torquing for this stack (Dia 70 mm bolt).Kindly give the reference with standard.
@Zimkely- ASTM A36 is a raw steel standard, not a fastener or bolting standard, so there are no tension or torque requirements for it. The closest approximation that we have torque or tension values for is A307A. However, these values may not be appropriate for all applications, so be sure to confirm these with the project engineer. https://www.portlandbolt.com/technical/bolt-torque-chart/#bolt-torque-a307
Hi, i want to know if the buyer call F1554 anchor bolts, they can be made of Bars A36 and bend them and make thread, its the same? we used to do that because in my country its very hard to find F1554 anchor bolts yet, and if someone sell it, its to a very high price
@Luis- There are many similarities between A36 and F1554g36, but there are some differences as well. The chemistry, specifically the carbon content of F1554 is limited, and mechanically, F1554 requires a reduction of area measurement that A36 does not require. If you want to substitute A36 for F1554, you would need to get approval from your project engineer.
Sorry, wanted to include this in my previous comment. We get this request a number of times per year from construction people. The issue appears to be, they have Welding Procedures for A36. So if they call out A36 then they can weld structural parts to the bolts. The problem is using a low carbon (P-1 to P-1) welding procedure for any of the High Strength fasteners is a real problem. It’s okay with the F1554 36 to ASTM A36 material but when you start welding to High Strength fasteners you need to have a specific welding procedure.
Excellent article. You can see by the questions some people still don’t get it.
We are in the process of erecting some columns. They call for F1554 anchor bolts. Can a fully threaded rod of this spec be used for anchor bolts?
@Lorenzo- Yes, fully threaded rods are often used in F1554 applications. We stock all thread rod in all three F1554 grades.
Dear Dane,
We received washers ( A36 & F436) without markings.Is there any markings requirements for these washers? kindly clarify.
@Syed- F436 washers require the manufacturer’s marking be stamped or etched into the washer, washers made from A36 steel do not have any marking requirements.
Hi. I received an anchor bolt’s specification.
It required anchor bolt material as ASTM A 36M or F1554 Gr.36.
Are those materials same?
@Daizy- those materials are similar, but not exactly the same. You would need to compare the material test reports with the ASTM requirements to make sure they are within the parameters of the standards.
I need to make a 11/8″ draw bolt for a 30 ton hollow hydraulic cylinder, what grade of threaded rod and nuts and washers do you recommend?
Thanks, Scott
@Scott- We are sorry, but we do not any engineers on staff, and cannot make recommendations for your application.
Hi.. What is the Substitution of Stud Bolt A36 ?
and What is the grade compatible for the Nut and Washer ? Thank
@Susan- Since A36 is a raw steel specification, we would typically supply that as ASTM A307A or B. For A307 bolts, the recommended nut is A563 gr.A, and washer is ASTM F844.
can we use A36 Anchor bolt instead of A325? will it be a failure?
@Nithees- A36 is a low carbon, low strength steel and is not an equivalent to A325. A325 is a heat treated, high strength structural bolt. If you substitute it would most certainly run the risk of causing a failure.
ASTM A36 / A36M Anchor Bolt M12 XUNC 1.75 X 240mm Identification marking required or not.
@Amit- A36 does not require any specific marking, but A36 is a steel grade, not an anchor bolt grade. It would be better to order the anchor bolts per F1554, then there would be marking requirements.
Anchor Bolt M12 XUNC 1.75 X 240mm Identification marking required or not.
@Amit- It would depend on the grade that the anchor bolt was made to. Some grades require a grade marking, others do not.
So… Where does A307 and Grade 5 bolts fit into this discussion?
@Malcome – Both A307 and grade 5 are fastener standards, so bolts can be ordered per either grade. They differ from A36 in that A36 is a raw material/steel specification and A307/grade 5 are fastener specifications.
I have received some a36 bolts.There is no marking of heat number or “a36” on the bolt.How do I identify whether it is a36 or not? Is there any marking system?
@Fayad – No, there are no marking requirements for A36 material, hence the problem ordering bolts to raw material specifications. You will need to contact the manufacturer of the bolts to ascertain specifics about the bolts in question.
In the above given example of requesting A36 anchor bolts,could it be furnished to ASTM A325 instead of ASTM F1554 Grade 36 as per the chart given in A36 standard.
@Fayad – No, anchor bolts cannot be furnished to A325, it is a heavy hex structural bolt grade. ASTM F1554 is the proper specification to reference for anchor bolts.