Mechanical Properties and Identification Markings

for
Threaded Fasteners
By
K. P. Shah
Email: kpshah123[at]gmail.com (Please replace [at] with @)
Committed to improve the Quality of Life

For more articles on mechanical maintenance, visit www.practicalmaintenance.net

The information contained in this booklet represents a significant collection of technical

information about mechanical properties and identification markings for threaded fasteners.
This information will help to achieve increased reliability at a decreased cost. Assemblage of
this information will provide a single point of reference that might otherwise be time
consuming to obtain. Most of information given in this booklet is mainly derived from
literature on the subject from the sources as per the references given at the end of this
booklet. For more information, please refer them. All information contained in this booklet
has been assembled with great care. However, the information is given for guidance
purposes only. The ultimate responsibility for its use and any subsequent liability rests with
the end user. Please view the disclaimer uploaded on http://www.practicalmaintenance.net.

(Edition: September 2020)

1 Mechanical Properties and Identification Markings for Threaded Fasteners

www.practicalmaintenance.net
 Content
Chapter Title Page No.
1 Introduction 3
2 Mechanical Properties 4
3 Mechanical Properties of Fasteners Made of Carbon Steel and 10
Alloy Steel as per ISO Standard (ISO 898)
4 Mechanical Properties of Steel Nuts as per DIN Standards 25
5 Mechanical Properties of Corrosion Resistant-Stainless Steel 28
Fasteners as per ISO Standard (ISO 3506)
6 ASTM Standards for Fasteners 38
7 ASTM Standards for Carbon and Alloy Steel Externally Threaded 41
Fasteners
8 ASTM Standards for Carbon and Alloy Steel Nuts 56
9 ASTM Standards for Alloy Steel, Stainless Steel and Nickel Alloy 61
Threaded Fasteners
10 Threaded Fasteners as per SAE International 76
11 ASTM Standards for Nonferrous Threaded Fasteners 80
12 Washers 82
13 IS 1367: Technical Supply Conditions for Threaded Steel Fasteners 85
14 Selection of Fastener Material 87
15 Mechanical Properties and Grade Marking as per ASTM and SAE 94
Specifications
- References 96

For more information on threaded fasteners, please visit www.practicalmaintenance.net

2 Mechanical Properties and Identification Markings for Threaded Fasteners

www.practicalmaintenance.net
 Introduction
A standard or a norm is a document containing agreements, specifications or criteria about a
material, product, process or service. They are used to ensure that materials, products,
processes and services are fit for their purpose. Standards are established within a
company, an organization, a consortium of organizations or recognized standardization
bodies.

When a standard exists, a product / material requires little or no further description. Most of
the features of a product / material are described in the standard. Most industrial threaded
fasteners are covered by two basic standards: one for materials and properties; the other, for
dimensions and tolerances.

In ordinary usage of steel bolts, the chemical composition of the material and the
manufacturing process are of little interest to the user, provided that the service
requirements are met.

Fastener material specification systems have been developed according to this reasoning.
Most specifications are basically performance specifications. They emphasize performance
criteria such as strength, hardness, ductility, and impact resistance. The material
composition is usually flexible. This allows the manufacturer to choose the best material for
the fastener.

There always seems to be some confusion regarding mechanical versus metallurgical

properties. Mechanical properties are those associated with elastic or inelastic reaction when
force is applied, or that involve the relationship between stress and strain. Metallurgical
testing includes chemical composition, microstructure, grain size, carburization and
decarburization, and heat treat response. The chemical composition is established when the
material is melted. Nothing subsequent to that process will influence the basic composition.
The microstructure and grain size can be influenced by heat treatment. Carburization is the
addition of carbon to the surface which increases hardness. It can occur if heat treat furnace
atmospheres are not adequately controlled. Decarburization is the loss of carbon from the
surface, making it softer. Partial decarburization is preferable to carburization, and most
industrial standards allow it within limits.

There are two main systems for measuring weights and distances: the metric system and
the imperial system. For material standards, the primary standardization organizations for
the metric system fasteners are the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and
the German Institute for Standardization (DIN) whereas for the imperial fasteners they are
the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and the Society of Automotive
Engineers (SAE). In view of this, information about mechanical properties and identification
markings as per them is given in this booklet.

Note:

In ISO standards, comma (,) is used as a decimal marker. However, to maintain uniformity
with general practice, I have used full point (.) as the decimal marker for the information
given about ISO standard in this booklet.

3 Mechanical Properties and Identification Markings for Threaded Fasteners

www.practicalmaintenance.net
 Mechanical Properties
Most fastener applications are designed to support or transmit some form of externally
applied load. For joint designing, fasteners are covered by standards/specifications that
define required mechanical properties such as tensile strength, yield strength, proof load and
hardness. Other mechanical properties are shear strength, fatigue strength and torsional
strength. In view of this, information about bolted joints and mechanical properties is given in
this chapter.

Bolted Joints

Loads can be applied to bolted joints in a number of different ways, each of which produces
unique effects on the joint. These effects result from the way the joint is loaded, as well as
how the joint responds to the load. Some of the various load types include tensile, shear and
bending. The type of bolted joint derives its name from the external load applied to the joint.

The stress in the bolt when the bolt has been tightened to the design extent is known as the
pre-stress. The tensile load corresponds to the force that clamps the joint members together.

Torsion in the bolt results from friction between the threads in the bolt and the nut.

Some bolts are also exposed to shear loads which occur when the external force slides the
members of the joint in relation to each other perpendicular to the clamping force. In a
properly designed joint the external shear force should be resisted by the friction between
the components. A joint of this kind is called a friction joint. If the clamping force is not
sufficient to create the friction needed, the bolt will also be exposed to the shear load. Joints
are frequently designed for a combination of tensile and shear loads.

Tensile Properties

The tensile properties; tensile strength and yield strength are determined by a tensile test.
To find out tensile properties of a fastener material, a machined test piece is fitted in the jaws
of the tensile testing machine (Universal Testing Machine) and subjected to a tensile force.
The applied force and the resulting elongation of the test piece are measured. The process
is repeated with increased force until the test piece breaks. The gauge length of the test
piece is the length of the parallel portion of the test piece between gauge length marks on
which elongation is measured at any moment during the test. The percentage elongation of
the test piece is the elongation expressed as a percentage of the original gauge length. The
elongation of the test piece is measured as extension by an arrangement consisting of dial
gauge and clamps called the extensometer.
4 Mechanical Properties and Identification Markings for Threaded Fasteners
www.practicalmaintenance.net
The stress (intensity of force) at any moment during the test is the force divided by the
original cross-sectional area of the test piece. The strain is the elongation of the test piece,
increase in the extensometer gauge length at any moment during the test. It is expressed as
a percentage extension, extension (increase in extensometer gauge length) expressed as a
percentage of the extensometer gauge length. Using the readings of the test, a stress -
strain (percentage extension) diagram is plotted to find out tensile properties.

Tensile Strength

As shown in above stress - strain (percentage extension) diagram, tensile strength (Rm) is
the stress corresponding to the maximum force, Fm.

Fracture is phenomenon which is deemed to occur when total separation of the test piece
occurs.

Yield Strength

Yield strength is the strength when the metallic material exhibits a yield phenomenon, stress
corresponding to the point (called yield point) reached during the test at which plastic
deformation occurs without any increase in the force.

5 Mechanical Properties and Identification Markings for Threaded Fasteners

www.practicalmaintenance.net
As shown in above figure, upper yield strength (ReH) is the maximum value of the stress prior
to the first decrease in force and the lower yield strength (ReL) is the lowest value of the
stress during plastic yielding, ignoring any initial transient effects.

It may be noted that after reaching yield point, extension/elongation begins to increase
disproportionately with increasing tensile force. A plastic elongation remains after relief.

Proof Strength or Non-Proportional Extension/Elongation

As it is difficult to determine yield strength of harder materials, proof strength (Rp) is defined
for them. Proof strength (Rp) is determined from the stress - strain curve by drawing a line
parallel to the linear portion of the curve and at a distance from it equivalent to the
prescribed plastic percentage extension, e.g. 0.2 %. The point at which this line intersects
the curve gives the stress corresponding to the desired proof strength plastic extension.

As shown in above figure, proof strength or non-proportional extension/elongation (Rp) also

called plastic extension is the stress at which the plastic extension is equal to a specified
percentage of the extensometer gauge length. A suffix is added to the subscript to indicate
the prescribed percentage, e.g. Rp0.2.

The most widely associated mechanical property associated with standard threaded
fasteners is tensile strength. Tensile strength is the maximum tension, applied load the
fastener can support prior to or coinciding with its fracture. Ultimate tensile load a fastener
can withstand is determined by the formula:

Fm = Rm × As

Where,
Fm = Ultimate tensile load (N, lb.)
Rm = Tensile strength (MPa, psi)
As = Tensile stress area in thread (mm2, in.2)

When a standard threaded fastener fails in pure tension, it typically fractures through the
threaded portion (this is characteristically it’s smallest area). The tensile stress area in thread
is calculated through an empirical formula. The empirical formula and tables stating this area
are provided in fastener standards (e.g. ISO 898-1).

6 Mechanical Properties and Identification Markings for Threaded Fasteners

www.practicalmaintenance.net
Note:

For more information on tensile testing, please see ISO 6892-1, “Metallic materials - Tensile
testing - Method of test at room temperature”.

Proof Load

Yield strengths of machined test specimens are easily determined because of their uniform
cross-sectional area throughout the stressed length. It has been noted that the yield strength
characteristics of test specimens do not always parallel those of the full size fastener from
which they are taken. This is because the beneficial effects of cold working may be
completely lost when the test piece is machined from the parent product. It is difficult to test
full size fasteners for yield strength because of the different strain rates in areas such as: the
fully threaded portion; the thread runout; and the unthreaded shank which comprises the
stressed length. Because of this, the proof load test was introduced as an approved
technique for testing a fastener’s deformation characteristics.

By definition, the proof load is an applied tensile load/force that the fastener (bolt/screw)
must support without permanent (plastic) deformation. In other words, the material must
remain in its elastic region when loaded up to its proof load and the bolt/screw returns to its
original shape (or size) once the load is removed.

In most (but not all) bolting applications, it is important not to tension a bolt past its yield
strength. If a threaded fastener has been tightened past its yield strength, it is no longer
reusable and will have to be thrown away if loosened because if it is tightened past its yield
strength, it will not return to its original shape on loosening. Proof load is the limit of the
elastic range of the threaded fastener. Designing of threaded fasteners according to proof
load can help prevent plastic deformation. As long as a fastener is never tensioned beyond
its specified proof load, you can be assured that it has maintained its original shape, and
may be reused safely. It may be noted that structural bolts are tensioned well beyond yield
strength.

It may also be noted that proof load is a force measurement. The units are newton or
pounds. Yield strength is a stress measurement. The units are MPa or psi. The stress under
proof load (Sp) is typically 90% (between 85-95%) of the yield strength. Stress under proof
load, for various materials is quoted in fastener standards (e.g. ISO 898-1).

In a proof load test, a headed bolt is placed in a testing machine with a nut on the threaded
end, and a wedge under the head. The wedge varies from 4-10 degrees depending on the
size and configuration of fastener, and serves to evaluate the ductility of the bolt. In a
machine specimen test, you test ductility by measuring elongation and reduction of area, but
those are impossible during a full size test, so head deflection is used in its place. Proof load
testing is typically performed at 90% of the expected minimum yield strength and is a simple
pass/fail test. The bolt length is measured, and after being subjected to the published proof
load value for 10 seconds, if it has not elongated more than 0.0005″, it is deemed to have
passed.

Hardness

Hardness is a measure of a material’s ability to resist abrasion and indentation. Generally

speaking, hardness is the resistance which the material offers to the penetration of a test
body under a defined load. It is measured by the Brinell (ISO 6506), Rockwell (ISO 6508) or
Vickers (ISO 6507) methods.

7 Mechanical Properties and Identification Markings for Threaded Fasteners

www.practicalmaintenance.net
For carbon steels, Brinell and Rockwell hardness testing can be used to estimate tensile
strength properties of the fastener.

Shear Strength

Shear strength is defined as the maximum load that can be supported prior to fracture, when
applied at a right angle to the fastener’s axis.

As shown in above figure, the joint design is said to be in single shear if the fastener would
only need to shear in one plane for the joint to fail; whereas the joint design is said to be in
double shear if the fastener would need to shear in two planes for the joint to fail. Obviously
the double shear joint is stronger and more stable than the single shear joint, and should be
used at every available opportunity when joint strength and reliability are of concern.

Since most bolts are used as clamps, not as shear pins, most bolting specifications and
standards list only one or more forms of tensile strength (proof, yield, or ultimate) and not
shear strengths.

When no shear strength is given for common carbon steels with hardness up to 40 HRC or
so, 60 % of their ultimate tensile strength is often used as their shear strength. However, this
should only be used as an estimation. The stainless steels are an exception to this rule of
thumb; they have shear strengths which are about 55% of their ultimate tensile strengths.

To determine the shear strength of the material, the total cross-sectional area of the shear
plane is important. For shear planes through the threads, we could use the equivalent tensile
stress area (As). However, to take full advantage of strength properties, the preferred design
would be to position the full shank body in the shear plane as shown in above figure.

8 Mechanical Properties and Identification Markings for Threaded Fasteners

www.practicalmaintenance.net
Fatigue Strength

A fastener subjected to repeated cyclic loads can suddenly and unexpectedly break, even if
the loads are well below the strength of the material. The fastener fails in fatigue. The fatigue
strength is the maximum stress a fastener can withstand for a specified number of repeated
cycles prior to its failure.

Torsional Strength

Torsional strength is a load usually expressed in terms of torque, at which the fastener fails
by being twisted off about its axis. Tapping screws and socket set screws require a torsional
test.

Ductility

Ductility is a measure of the degree of plastic deformation that has been sustained at
fracture. In other words, it is the ability of a material to deform before it fractures. A material
that experiences very little or no plastic deformation upon fracture is considered brittle. A
reasonable indication of a fastener’s ductility is the ratio of its specified minimum yield
strength to the minimum tensile strength. The lower this ratio, the more ductile the fastener
will be.

Note

A maintenance engineer is required to know tensile strength (hardness can be used to

estimate tensile strength), yield strength and proof load properties of fasteners because
preloading / tightening of fasteners depend on these properties. In view of this, information
about tensile strength, yield strength, proof load and hardness is given in various chapters.
For information on other properties like elongation, reduction of area, etc. and chemical
composition, please see the relevant standard/specification.

9 Mechanical Properties and Identification Markings for Threaded Fasteners

www.practicalmaintenance.net
 Mechanical Properties of Fasteners Made of Carbon Steel
and Alloy Steel as per ISO Standard (ISO 898)
ISO 898 consists of the following parts, under the general title Mechanical properties of
fasteners made of carbon steel and alloy steel:

Part 1: Bolts, screws and studs with specified property classes - Coarse thread and fine pitch
thread

Part 2: Nuts with specified property classes - Coarse thread and fine pitch thread

Part 5: Set screws and similar threaded fasteners with specified hardness classes - Coarse
thread and fine pitch thread

Part 7: Torsional test and minimum torques for bolts and screws with nominal diameters 1
mm to 10 mm

Some useful information about the mechanical properties as per the standard is given in this
chapter. It may be noted that the information is given for education purpose only. For
commercial use, please see the latest version of the standard.

ISO 898-1: Bolts, Screws and Studs with Specified Property Classes

ISO 898-1 specifies mechanical and physical properties of fasteners (the term used when
bolts, screws and studs are considered all together) made of carbon steel and alloy steel
when tested at an ambient temperature range of 10°C to 35°C. Fasteners conforming to the
requirements of ISO 898-1 are used in applications ranging from −50°C to +150°C. They
might not retain the specified mechanical and physical properties at elevated temperatures
and/or lower temperatures.

ISO 898-1 is applicable to bolts, screws and studs made of carbon steel or alloy steel,
having triangular ISO metric screw thread in accordance with ISO 68-1 with coarse pitch
thread M1.6 to M39, and fine pitch thread M8×1 to M39×3.

Designation System for Property Classes

Property class defines the strength of a bolt or nut. For metric fasteners, property classes
are designated by numbers where increasing numbers represent increasing tensile
strengths. The symbol for property classes consists of two numbers, separated by a dot.

The number to the left of the dot consists of one or two digits and indicates 1/100 of the
nominal tensile strength, Rm,nom, in megapascals (N/mm2).

The number to the right of the dot indicates 10 times the ratio between the nominal yield
strength and the nominal tensile strength, Rm,nom, (called yield strength ratio). The nominal
yield strength is:
 lower yield strength ReL,nom, or
 nominal stress at 0.2 % non-proportional elongation Rp0,2 nom, or
 nominal stress at 0.0048d non-proportional elongation Rpf,nom.

Hence, yield strength ratio = ReL,nom / Rm,nom or Rp0,2 nom / Rm,nom or Rpf,nom / Rm,nom.

An additional zero to the left of the property class designation indicates that fasteners have
reduced loadability.
10 Mechanical Properties and Identification Markings for Threaded Fasteners
www.practicalmaintenance.net
For example, in property classes 10.9 designation; the first number indicates 1/100 of the
nominal tensile strength in N/mm2. So, nominal tensile strength for property classes 10.9
designation is = 10 × 100 = 1000 N/mm2. The second number indicates 10 times the ratio
9 lower yield strength
between lower yield strength and nominal tensile strength. So, 10 = nominal tensile strength. As
nominal tensile strength is 1000 N/mm2, the lower yield strength is 900 N/mm2.

It may be noted that the multiplication of the nominal tensile strength and the yield strength
ratio gives the nominal yield strength.

A fastener with material properties of property class 8.8 but with reduced loadability is
designated by 08.8.

Following table specifies the limits for the chemical composition of steels and minimum
tempering temperatures for the different property classes of bolts, screws and studs.

Property Material and Heat Treatment Chemical Composition Limit, % Tempering

Class C P S B Temperature
min. max. max. max. max. °C min.
4.6 Carbon steel or carbon steel
- 0.55 0.050 0.060
4.8 with additives.
Not
5.6 0.13 0.55 0.050 0.060 -
Specified
5.8 - 0.55 0.050 0.060
6.8 0.15 0.55 0.050 0.060
Carbon steel with additives
(e.g. Boron or Mn or Cr) 0.15 0.40 0.025 0.025
quenched and tempered
or
8.8 Carbon steel quenched and 0.25 0.55 0.025 0.025 0.003 425
tempered
or
Alloy steel quenched and 0.20 0.55 0.025 0.025
tempered
Carbon steel with additives
(e.g. Boron or Mn or Cr) 0.15 0.40 0.025 0.025
quenched and tempered
or,
9.8 Carbon steel quenched and 0.25 0.55 0.025 0.025 0.003 425
tempered
or,
Alloy steel quenched and 0.20 0.55 0.025 0.025
tempered
Carbon steel with additives
(e.g. Boron or Mn or Cr) 0.20 0.55 0.025 0.025
quenched and tempered
or,
10.9 Carbon steel quenched and 0.25 0.55 0.025 0.025 0.003 425
tempered
or,
Alloy steel quenched and 0.20 0.55 0.025 0.025
tempered
Alloy steel quenched and
12.9 0.30 0.50 0.025 0.025 0.003 425
tempered
Carbon steel with additives
(e.g. Boron or Mn or Cr or
12.9 0.28 0.50 0.025 0.025 0.003 380
Molybdenum) quenched and
tempered
Note: For remarks about the text of above table please see the specification (ISO 898-1).

11 Mechanical Properties and Identification Markings for Threaded Fasteners

www.practicalmaintenance.net
The bolts, screws and studs of the specified property classes shall, at ambient temperature
meet all the applicable mechanical and physical properties in accordance with the following
table. They shall also meet the minimum ultimate tensile loads and proof loads as per the
tables given in the specification.

Property Class
4.6 4.8 5.6 5.8
6.8 8.8 9.8 10.9 12.9/
No. Mechanical or Physical Property
d≤16 d>16 d≤16 12.9
mma mmb mm
nom. 400 500 600 800 900 1000 1200
1 Tensile strength, Rm, N/mm2
min. 400 420 500 520 600 800 830 900 1040 1220
nom. 240 - 300 - - - - - - -
2 Lower yield strength, ReL, N/mm2
min. 240 - 300 - - - - - - -
Stress at 0.2 % non-proportional nom. - - - - - 640 640 720 900 1080
3
elongation, Rp0.2, N/mm2 min. - - - - - 640 660 720 940 1100
4 Stress under proof load, Sp, N/mm2 nom. 225 310 280 380 440 580 600 650 830 970
Percentage elongation after fracture min.
5 22 - 20 - - 12 12 10 9 8
for machined test pieces, A, %
Vickers hardness, HV min. 120 130 155 160 190 250 255 290 320 385
6
F ≥ 98 N max. 220 250 320 335 360 380 435
Brinell hardness, HBW min. 114 124 147 152 181 245 250 286 316 380
7
F = 30 D2 max. 209 238 316 331 355 375 429
min. 67 71 79 82 89 -
Rockwell hardness, HRB
max. 95.0 99.5 -
8
min. - 22 23 28 32 39
Rockwell hardness, HRC
max. - 32 34 37 39 44
k
9 Impact strength, KV, J min. - 27 - 27 27 27 27
10 Head soundness No fracture
d is the nominal thread diameter, mm
a - Values do not apply to structural bolting.
b - For structural bolting d ≥ M12.
k - Value for K is under investigation.
V

It may be noted that above table is incomplete (information on some mechanical or physical
properties and some remarks for the table text are not given).

The minimum ultimate tensile load and proof load can be calculated using above table, and
the following formulas.

Minimum ultimate tensile load, Fm,min = As,nom × Rm,min, N

Proof load, Fp = As,nom × Sp,nom, N

𝜋 𝑑2+𝑑3 2
Nominal stress area in thread, As,nom = 4
( 2 ) mm2

where,
d2 is the basic pitch diameter of external thread in accordance with ISO 724
d3 is the minor diameter of external thread
𝐻
d3 = d1 − 6
d1 is the basic minor diameter of external thread in accordance with ISO 724
H is the height of the fundamental triangle of the thread in accordance with ISO 68-1

For ready reference, values of the nominal stress areas, As,nom, for ISO metric coarse pitch
thread and ISO metric fine pitch thread are given in the following tables.

12 Mechanical Properties and Identification Markings for Threaded Fasteners

www.practicalmaintenance.net
 Nominal Stress Areas, As,nom, for ISO Metric Coarse Pitch Thread
Thread, d Nominal Stress Area, As,nom, mm2
M3 5.03
M3.5 6.78
M4 8.78
M5 14.2
M6 20.1
M7 28.9
M8 36.6
M10 58
M12 84.3
M14 115
M16 157
M18 192
M20 245
M22 303
M24 353
M27 459
M30 561
M33 694
M36 817
M39 976
Note: Where no thread pitch is indicated in a thread designation, coarse pitch is specified.

Nominal Stress Areas, As,nom, for ISO Metric Fine Pitch Thread
Thread, d Nominal Stress Area, As,nom, mm2
M8x1 39.2
M10x1.25 61.2
M10x1 64.5
M12x1.5 88.1
M12x1.25 92.1
M14x1.5 125
M16x1.5 167
M18x1.5 216
M20x1.5 272
M22x1.5 333
M24x2 384
M27x2 496
M30x2 621
M33x2 761
M36x3 865
M39x3 1030

For information on various test methods (for example, tensile test under wedge loading of
finished bolts and screws; tensile test for finished bolts, screws and studs for determination
of tensile strength, Rm; proof load test for finished bolts, screws and studs; tensile test for
machined test pieces; head soundness test; hardness test; decarburization test; etc.) please
see the specification. Following is the brief information on some of the test methods.

Tensile Test Under Wedge Loading of Finished Bolts and Screws (Excluding Studs)

The purpose of this tensile test is to determine simultaneously: the tensile strength on
finished bolts and screws, Rm; and the integrity of the transition section between the head
and the unthreaded shank or the thread.

13 Mechanical Properties and Identification Markings for Threaded Fasteners

www.practicalmaintenance.net
For this test, tensile test is carried out after a wedge (as per test specification) is placed
under the head of the bolt or screw as shown in above figure.

For integrity of transition section between head and unthreaded shank/thread: the fracture
shall not occur in the head; for bolts and screws with unthreaded shank, the fracture shall
not occur in the transition section between the head and the shank.

Proof Load Test for Finished Bolts, Screws and Studs

The proof load test consists of two main operations: application of a specified tensile proof
load and measurement of permanent elongation, if any, caused by the proof load.

For applicability, apparatus, testing device and test procedure, please see the specification.

The test result requires that the total length of the fastener after unloading, l1, shall be the
same as before loading, l0, within a tolerance of ± 12.5 μm allowed for uncertainty of
measurement.

Some variables, such as straightness, thread alignment and uncertainty of measurement,

can result in apparent elongation of the fastener when the proof load is initially applied. In
such cases, the fastener shall be retested using a 3 % greater load than the proof load
specified in the proof load tables.

The total length after the second unloading, l2, shall be the same as before this loading, l1,
within a tolerance of ± 12.5 μm allowed for uncertainty of measurement.

Head Soundness Test

The purpose of the head soundness test is to check the integrity of the transition section
between the head and the unthreaded shank or the thread by striking the head of the

14 Mechanical Properties and Identification Markings for Threaded Fasteners

www.practicalmaintenance.net
fastener on a solid block to a given angle (β) as shown in above figure. A hammer shall be
used to strike the head of the bolt or screw with several blows so that the head bends to an
angle of 90° − β. Values of angle β are specified in the standard. The test requires no sign of
cracking at the transition section between the head and the unthreaded shank shall be
visible. For screws threaded to the head, this requirement is fulfilled even if a crack appears
in the first thread, provided the head does not fracture off.

This test is generally used when the tensile test under wedge loading cannot be carried out
due to the too short length of the fastener.

Hardness Test

The purpose of the hardness test is to determine the hardness of the fastener for all
fasteners which cannot be tensile tested and to determine the hardness of the fastener
which can be tensile tested in order to check that the maximum hardness is not exceeded.

Marking

The trade (identification) marking of the manufacturer is mandatory on all products which are
marked with property classes.

Marking symbols for property classes for fasteners with full loadability shall be as per the
following table (It may be noted that due to their geometry, some fasteners are tested with
reduced loadability. For more information on loadability, please see ISO 898-1).

Marking Symbols for Fasteners with Full Loadability

Property Class 4.6 4.8 5.6 5.8 6.8 8.8 9.8 10.9 12.9 12.9
Marking Symbola 4.6 4.8 5.6 5.8 6.8 8.8 9.8 10.9 12.9 12.9
a - The dot (full stop) in the marking symbol may be omitted.

In the case of small screws, or when the shape of the head does not allow the marking in
accordance with above table, the clock face marking symbols in accordance with the
following figure may be used.

15 Mechanical Properties and Identification Markings for Threaded Fasteners

www.practicalmaintenance.net
As shown in above figure, marking with the manufacturer's identification mark (for example:
ABC in above figure) and the property class is mandatory for hexagon and hexalobular head
bolts and screws; and hexagon and hexalobular socket head cap screws for all property
classes and of nominal diameter d ≥ 5 mm. The marking shall be made preferably on the top
of the head or on the side of the head.

Studs shall be marked with the manufacturer's identification mark and with the marking
symbol of the property class or the alternative marking symbol specified in the following
table. The marking is required for studs of property classes 5.6, 8.8, 9.8, 10.9 and 12.9/12.9,
and of nominal diameter d ≥ 5 mm. The marking shall be on the unthreaded part of the stud.
If this is not possible, marking of the property class shall be on the nut end, and the
manufacturer's identification mark may be omitted. For studs with interference fit, the
marking of property class shall be on the nut end, and the manufacturer's identification mark
may be omitted.

Property Class 5.6 8.8 9.8 10.9 12.9

Marking Symbol ─    

Bolts and screws with left-hand thread and a nominal diameter of d ≥ 5 mm shall be marked
with the symbol (left turning arrow) specified in the following figure, either on the top of the
head or on the end of the fastener.

Alternative marking for left-hand thread as specified in the following figure (with a groove
halfway up the head height) may be used for hexagon bolts and screws.

16 Mechanical Properties and Identification Markings for Threaded Fasteners

www.practicalmaintenance.net
Fasteners with reduced loadability (fasteners. which due to their geometry, for examples -
one having low head with or without external driving feature and one with waisted shank, do
not fulfil the test requirements for loadability) manufactured to the requirements of ISO 898-1
shall be marked as detailed above, except that the marking symbol for property class shall
be preceded by the digit “0” in accordance with the following table.

Marking Symbols for Fasteners with Reduced Loadability

Property Class 4.6 4.8 5.6 5.8 6.8 8.8 9.8 10.9 12.9 12.9
Marking Symbola 04.6 04.8 05.6 05.8 06.8 08.8 09.8 010.9 012.9 012.9
a - The dot (full stop) in the marking symbol may be omitted.

Mechanical Properties of Fasteners at Elevated and Lower Temperatures

Up to typical service temperatures of 150°C, no detrimental effects due to a change of

mechanical properties of fasteners are known. At temperatures over 150°C and up to a
maximum temperature of 300°C, a progressive reduction of lower yield strength and tensile
strength can be experienced.

The continuous operating of fasteners at elevated service temperatures can result in stress
relaxation, which accompanies a loss of clamp force. For information on selection and
application of steels for use at elevated temperatures, please see EN 10269 and ASTM
F2281.

Following table may be used as a guide for properties at elevated temperatures. The table is
not an integral part of standard ISO 898-1.

Temperature
+ 20°C + 100°C + 200°C + 250°C + 300°C
Property Class
Lower yield stress, Rel or stress at 0.2 % non-proportional elongation, Rp0.2,
N/mm2
5.6 300 270 230 215 195
8.8 640 590 540 510 480
10.9 940 875 790 745 705
12.9 1100 1020 925 875 825

Fasteners might not retain the specified mechanical properties at lower temperatures. For
information on selection and application of steels for use at lower temperatures, please see
ASTM A320/A320M.

ISO 898-2: Nuts with Specified Property Classes

ISO 898-2 specifies mechanical and physical properties of nuts with coarse thread and fine
pitch thread made of carbon steel and alloy steel when tested at an ambient temperature
range of 10°C to 35°C. It is possible that they do not retain the specified mechanical and
physical properties at elevated and/or lower temperatures.

17 Mechanical Properties and Identification Markings for Threaded Fasteners

www.practicalmaintenance.net
ISO 898-2 is applicable to nuts made of carbon steel or alloy steel; with coarse thread M5 ≤
D ≤ M39, and fine pitch thread M8×1 ≤ D ≤ M39×3; with triangular ISO metric thread
according to ISO 68-1; with different nut styles: thin nuts, regular nuts and high nuts.

The following symbols apply to ISO 898-2.

D - nominal thread diameter of the nut, in millimetres

F - load, in newtons
m - height of the nut, in millimetres
P - pitch of the thread, in millimetres
s - width across flats, in millimetres

Designation of Nut Styles

ISO 898-2 specifies requirements for following three styles of nuts according to their height.

 Style 2: high nut with minimum height mmin ≈ 0.9D or mmin > 0.9D
 Style 1: regular nut with minimum height mmin ≥ 0.8D
 Style 0: thin nut with minimum height 0.45D ≤ mmin < 0.8D

Minimum heights of style 1 (ISO 4032) and style 2 (ISO 4033) hexagon nuts shall be as per
the following table. The table is not an integral part of standard ISO 898-2.

Thread Width Across Minimum Height of Hexagon Nut

D Flats Regular Nut (Style 1) High Nut (Style 2)
s, mm mmin, mm mmin/D mmin, mm mmin/D
M5 8 4.40 0.88 4.80 0.96
M6 10 4.90 0.82 5.40 0.90
M7 11 6.14 0.88 6.84 0.98
M8 13 6.44 0.81 7.14 0.90
M10 16 8.04 0.80 8.94 0.89
M12 18 10.37 0.86 11.57 0.96
M14 21 12.10 0.86 13.40 0.96
M16 24 14.10 0.88 15.70 0.98
M18 27 15.10 0.84 16.90 0.94
M20 30 16.90 0.85 19.00 0.95
M22 34 18.10 0.82 20.50 0.93
M24 36 20.20 0.84 22.60 0.94
M27 41 22.50 0.83 25.40 0.94
M30 46 24.30 0.81 2730 0.91
M33 50 27.40 0.83 30.90 0.94
M36 55 29.40 0.82 33.10 0.92
M39 60 31.80 0.82 35.90 0.92

Designation of Property Classes

The symbol for property classes of regular nuts (style 1) and high nuts (style 2) consists of
one number. This number corresponds to the number to the left of the appropriate maximum
property class of bolts, screws and studs with which they can be mated. A bolt or screw
assembled with a nut (style 1 or style 2) of the appropriate property class is intended to
provide an assembly which will lead to bolt breaking in case of over-tightening (overloading),
i.e. without occurrence of thread stripping.

The symbol for property classes of thin nuts (style 0) consists of two numbers: the first
number is zero, indicating that the loadability of the nut is reduced in comparison with the

18 Mechanical Properties and Identification Markings for Threaded Fasteners

www.practicalmaintenance.net
loadability of a regular nut or a high nut and therefore thread stripping can occur when
overloaded; the second number corresponds to 1/100 of the nominal stress under proof
load, in N/mm2 (megapascals). Thin nuts are used with fasteners having reduced loadability.

Design of Bolted Joint

A bolted joint essentially consists of two pieces, which are clamped together using an
externally threaded part (for example, a bolt or screw) on one side and an internally threaded
part or a nut on the other side.

Nut thickness standards have been drawn up on the basis that the bolt/screw will always fail
due to tension before thread strips. If the bolt breaks on tightening, it is obvious that a
replacement is required. Thread stripping tends to be gradual in nature. If the thread
stripping mode occurs, assemblies may enter into service which is partially failed. This may
have disastrous consequences. Hence, the potential of thread stripping of both the internal
and external threads must be avoided if a reliable design is to be achieved.

As per ISO 898-2, regular nuts (style 1) and high nuts (style 2) shall be mated with externally
threaded fasteners according to the following table. However, nuts of a higher property class
may replace nuts of a lower property class.

Combination of Regular Nuts and High Nuts with Bolt Property Classes
Nut Property Class Maximum Property Class of Mating Bolt, Screw and Stud
5 5.8
6 6.8
8 8.8
9 9.8
10 10.9
12 12.9/12.9

Thus a bolted joint design consisting of a bolt, screw or stud of a given property class
according to ISO 898-1 assembled with a regular or high nut of the mating property class
according to ISO 898-2 results in an optimized design because it is able to provide a
maximum preload, using the full strength of the bolt. In the case of over-tightening, the
fracture occurs in the loaded threaded part of the bolt, which gives an obvious indication of a
tightening failure.

It may be noted that a decrease of thread stripping strength occurs for nuts with a
fundamental deviation greater than zero for tolerance class 6H (such as hot dip galvanized
nuts: 6AZ, 6AX). Thin nuts (style 0) have a reduced loadability compared to regular nuts or
high nuts, and are not designed to provide resistance to thread stripping.

Thin nuts are generally used as jam nuts. Thin nuts used as jam nuts should be assembled
together with a regular nut or a high nut. In assemblies with a jam nut, the jam nut is first
tightened against the assembled parts and then the regular or high nut is tightened against
the jam nut.

Mechanical Properties

When tested by the methods specified in the standard (ISO 898-2), the nuts of the specified
property class shall meet, at ambient temperature, the requirements for the proof load test
and for the hardness test.

The proof load test consists of application of a specified proof load by means of a test
mandrel, and checking of the damage to the nut thread caused by the proof load, if any. For

19 Mechanical Properties and Identification Markings for Threaded Fasteners

www.practicalmaintenance.net
a nut to pass the test, the nut shall be removable using the fingers after the release of the
proof load (and, if necessary, after a half turn maximum with a wrench) and it should have
resisted the proof load without fracture by thread stripping or nut fracture.

The following table shows the proof load values for nuts with coarse thread.

Proof Loada Values for Nuts With Coarse Thread, N

Thread Pitch Property Class
D P 04 05 5 6 8 9 10 12
M5 0.8 5400 7100 8250 9500 12140 13000 14800 16300
M6 1 7640 10000 11700 13500 17200 18400 20900 23100
M7 1 11000 14500 16800 19400 24700 26400 30100 33200
M8 1.25 13900 18300 21600 24900 31800 34400 38100 42500
M10 1.5 22000 29000 34200 39400 50500 54500 60300 67300
M12 1,75 32000 42200 51400 59000 74200 80100 88500 100300
M14 2 43700 57500 70200 80500 101200 109300 120800 136900
M16 2 59700 78500 95800 109900 138200 149200 164900 186800
M18 2.5 73000 96000 121000 138200 176600 176600 203500 230400
M20 2.5 93100 122500 154400 176400 225400 225400 259700 294000
M22 2.5 115100 151500 190900 218200 278800 278800 321200 363600
M24 3 134100 176500 222400 254200 324800 324800 374200 423600
M27 3 174400 229500 289200 330500 422300 422300 486500 550800
M30 3.5 213200 280500 353400 403900 516100 516100 594700 673200
M33 3.5 263700 347000 437200 499700 638500 638500 735600 832800
M36 4 310500 408500 514700 588200 751600 751600 866000 980400
M39 4 370900 488000 614900 702700 897900 897900 1035000 1171000
a - For the application of thin nuts, it should be considered that the stripping load is lower than the

proof load of a nut with full loadability.

The following table shows the proof load values for nuts with fine pitch thread.

Proof Loada Values for Nuts with Fine Pitch Thread, N

Thread Property Class
D×P 04 05 5 6 8 10 12
M8×1 14900 19600 27000 30200 37400 43100 47000
M10×1.25 23300 30600 44200 47100 58400 67300 73400
M10×1 24500 32200 44500 49700 61600 71000 77400
M12×1.5 33500 44000 60800 68700 84100 97800 105700
M12×1.25 35000 46000 63500 71800 88000 102200 110500
M14×1.5 47500 62500 86300 97500 119400 138800 150000
M16×1.5 63500 83500 115200 130300 159500 185400 200400
M18×2 77500 102000 146900 177500 210100 220300 -
M18×1.5 81700 107500 154800 187000 221500 232200 -
M20×2 98000 129000 185800 224500 265700 278600 -
M20×1.5 103400 136000 195800 236600 280200 293800 -
M22×2 120800 159000 229000 276700 327500 343400 -
M22×1.5 126500 166500 239800 289700 343000 359600 -
M24×2 145900 192000 276500 334100 395500 414700 -
M27×2 188500 248000 351100 431500 510900 535700 -
M30×2 236000 310500 447100 540300 639600 670700 -
M33×2 289200 380500 547900 662100 783800 821900 -
M36×3 328700 432500 622800 804400 942800 934200 -
M39×3 391400 515000 741600 957900 1123000 1112000 -
a - For the application of thin nuts, it should be considered that the stripping load is lower than the

proof load of a nut with full loadability.

20 Mechanical Properties and Identification Markings for Threaded Fasteners

www.practicalmaintenance.net
Hardness may be determined using the Vickers (ISO 6507-1), Brinell (ISO 6506-1) or
Rockwell (ISO 6508-1) hardness test. The Vickers hardness test shall be carried out with a
minimum load of 98 N. The Brinell hardness test shall be carried out with a load equal to
30D2, expressed in newtons.

The following table shows requirement of Vickers hardness for nuts with coarse thread.

Vickers Hardness for Nuts with Coarse Thread, HV

Thread Property Class
D 04 05 5 6 8 9 10 12
min. max. min. max. min. max. min. max. min. max. min. max. min. max. min. max.
M5 ≤ D ≤ M16 130 150 200 302 295c
188 302 272 353 302 302 188 302 272 353 353
M16 < D ≤ M39 146 170 233a 353b 272
a - Minimum value for high nuts (style 2): 180 HV (171 HB).
b - Maximum value for high nuts (style 2): 302 HV (287 HB; 30 HRC).
c - Minimum value for high nuts (style 2): 272 HV (259 HB; 26 HRC).

The following table shows requirement of Vickers hardness for nuts with fine pitch thread.

Vickers Hardness for Nuts with Fine Pitch Thread, HV

Thread Property Class
D×P 04 05 5 6 8 10 12
min. max. min. max. min. max. min. max. min. max. min. max. min. max.
M8×1 ≤ D ≤ M16×1.5 175 188 250a 353b 295c 295 353
188 302 272 353 302 302 353
M16×1.5 < D ≤ M39×3 199 233 295 353 260 - -
a - Minimum value for high nuts (style 2): 195 HV (185 HB).
b - Maximum value for high nuts (style 2): 302 HV (287 HB; 30 HRC).
c - Minimum value for high nuts (style 2): 250 HV (238 HB; 22,2 HRC).

For information on requirement of Brinell hardness (HB) and Rockwell hardness (HRC)
values for various property classes, please see ISO 898-2.

Surface (bearing surface of the nut) hardness of quenched and tempered nuts shall meet the
requirements specified in the standard.

Nuts which are not quenched and tempered shall not exceed the maximum hardness
requirement specified in the standard. For nuts which are not quenched and tempered, if the
minimum hardness requirement is not met when tested, it shall not be cause for rejection,
provided the proof load requirements are met.

Marking

Hexagon nuts (including nuts with flange, prevailing torque type nuts, etc.) shall be marked
with the identification mark of the manufacturer and with the marking symbol of the property
class.

The marking symbols for property classes for regular nuts (style 1) and high nuts (style 2)
shall be as per the following table.

Property Class Designation Symbol 5 6 8 9 10 12

Marking Symbol 5 6 8 9 10 12

In the case of small nuts or where the shape of the nut does not allow that marking, the clock
face marking symbols shall be used. As the alternative marking based on the clock face
symbols did not find general acceptance, information on it is not given here.

21 Mechanical Properties and Identification Markings for Threaded Fasteners

www.practicalmaintenance.net
Marking symbols for property classes for thin nuts (style 0) are specified in the following
table.

Property Class 04 05
Marking Symbol 04 05

The alternative clock face marking symbols shall not be used for thin nuts.

The marking is required for nuts of all property classes. The marking shall be on the side or
bearing surface as shown in the following figure.

Nuts with left-hand thread shall be marked as shown in the following figure with a left turning
arrow on one bearing surface of the nut or with a groove halfway up the nut height
(alternative marking).

Nuts with Diameters D < M5 and D > M39

Mechanical properties of bolt and nut assemblies have been optimized for fasteners with
threads from M5 to M39 inclusive, on the basis of hexagon nut dimensions specified in ISO
4032 (regular nuts, style 1) and ISO 4033 (high nuts, style 2). In general, the bolt and nut
assemblies with smaller diameter need lower nut hardness and/or lower nut height
proportion (m/D) due to the larger ratio of P/D. In view of this, minimum Vickers hardness
suggested for regular nuts (style 1) with D < M5 is as per the following table. This suggestion
is not an integral part of the standard ISO 898-2.

Minimum Vickers Hardness of Nuts (D < 5M), HV

Thread Property Class
D 5 6 8 10 12
M3 151 178 233 284 347
M3.5 157 184 240 294 357
M4 147 174 228 277 337

22 Mechanical Properties and Identification Markings for Threaded Fasteners

www.practicalmaintenance.net
Nuts with D > M39 specified in ISO 4032 have a minimum height of the nut, mmin, less than
0.8D, which is too low resulting in thread stripping instead of bolt/screw failure due to
tension. Therefore, mechanical properties for these nuts are not defined in ISO 898-2.
Hence, for nuts with D > M39, mechanical properties can be as per agreement between the
purchaser and the supplier.

ISO 898-5: Set Screws and Similar Threaded Fasteners with Specified
Hardness Classes

ISO 898-5 specifies mechanical and physical properties of set screws and similar threaded
fasteners made of carbon steel or alloy steel having a triangular ISO metric screw thread in
conformance with ISO 68-1, with a coarse pitch thread of M1.6 to M30, and a fine pitch
thread of M8×1 to M30×2 when tested at an ambient temperature range of 10°C to 35°C.

Fasteners in conformance with this standard are classified to specified hardness classes and
are intended for use under compressive stress only.

Designation System

The hardness classes are designated as specified in the following table. The number part of
the designation represents 1/10 of the minimum Vickers hardness and the letter H refers to
the hardness.

Hardness Class Designation 14H 22H 33H 45H

Vickers Hardness, HV min. 140 220 330 450

Mechanical and Physical Properties

The fasteners of the specified hardness classes shall, at ambient temperature, meet
applicable mechanical and physical properties as per the following table.

No. Mechanical and Physical Properties Hardness Class

14H 22H 33H 45H
Performance hardness
min. 140 220 330 450
1.1 Vickers hardness, HV 10
max. 290 300 440 560
min. 133 209 314 428
1.2 Brinell hardness HBW, F = 30 D2
1 max. 276 285 418 532
min. 75 95 - -
HRB
max. 105 * - -
1.3 Rockwell hardness
min. - * 33 45
HRC
max. - 30 44 53
2 Surface hardness HV 0.3 max. - 320 450 580
3 Torque strength (Proof torque) See the following table
* - For Hardness Class 22H: if hardness is tested in Rockwell, it is necessary to test the minimum
value in HRB and the maximum value in HRC.

Nominal Thread Diameter (coarse and fine pitch) Proof Torque, Nm

3 0.9
4 2.5
5 5
6 8.5
8 20
10 40
12 65

23 Mechanical Properties and Identification Markings for Threaded Fasteners

www.practicalmaintenance.net
 16 160
20 310
24 520
30 860

For further details of the mechanical properties, please refer to ISO 898-5.

Marking

The manufacturer's identification mark is not required. Marking set screws with the hardness
class is generally not required. If, in special cases, marking is agreed between the interested
parties, the symbol of the hardness class should be used as the marking symbol.

ISO 898-7: Torsional Test and Minimum Torques for Bolts and Screws with
Nominal Diameters 1 mm to 10 mm

ISO 898-7 specifies a torsional test for the determination of the breaking torque of bolts and
screws with nominal diameters 1 mm to 10 mm with property classes 8.8 to 12.9 in
accordance with ISO 898-1. The test applies to bolts and screws with thread less than M3
for which no breaking and proof loads are indicated in ISO 898-1, as well as to short bolts
and screws with nominal diameters 3 mm to 10 mm which cannot be subjected to a tensile
test. The minimum breaking torques are not valid for hexagon socket set screws.

Torsional Test

In the torsional test, the breaking torque of a bolt or screw is determined by clamping the bolt
or screw to be tested into a test device.

As per the standard, the tested bolt or screw is regarded as having passed the
torque/torsional test if no rupture occurs before the minimum breaking torques specified in
the following table are reached.

Minimum Breaking Torque*, Nm

Pitch
Thread Property Class
mm
8.8 9.8 10.9 12.9
M1 0.25 0.033 0.036 0.040 0.045
M1.2 0.25 0.075 0.082 0.092 0.10
M1.4 0.3 0.12 0.13 0.14 0.16
M1.6 0.35 0.16 0.18 0.20 0.22
M2 0.4 0.37 0.40 0.45 0.50
M2.5 0.45 0.82 0.90 1.0 1.1
M3 0.5 1.5 1.7 1.9 2.1
M3.5 0.6 2.4 2.7 3.0 3.3
M4 0.7 3.6 3.9 4.4 4.9
M5 0.8 7.6 8.3 9.3 10
M6 1 13 14 16 17
M7 1 23 25 28 31
M8 1.25 33 36 40 44
M8 × 1 - 38 42 46 52
M10 1.5 66 72 81 90
M10 × 1 - 84 92 102 114
M10 × 1.25 - 75 82 91 102
* - These minimum breaking torques are valid for bolts and screws with the thread tolerances 6g, 6f
and 6e.

24 Mechanical Properties and Identification Markings for Threaded Fasteners

www.practicalmaintenance.net
 Mechanical Properties of Steel Nuts as per DIN Standards
Relevant studies, experiments and calculations (e.g. Alexander) have shown that due to the
higher proof loads of ISO 898-2 and the development of modern tightening techniques
based on yield strength, the commonly used nuts with 0.8 D height (e.g. DIN 934) do not
provide sufficient assurance that the assembly would resist thread stripping during tightening
and that an increase of the nominal 0.8 D nut height is required. This statement is based on
the traditional principle of bolted joints with full loadability, that - if over torqued, the bolt has
to break and no thread stripping may occur.

However, the 0.8 D high nuts are so widely adopted in Europe, that a change-over on a
short term could not be realized. This is why, besides the new ISO 898-2 with higher proof
loads the existing DIN 267 Part 4 with lower proof loads has to be maintained temporarily for
the 0.8 D high nuts. To prevent confusion, it has become necessary to add a vertical bar on
either side of the code numbers in DIN 267 Part 4 e.g. I8I instead of 8, the latter being the
symbol of the higher, so-called “ISO” nuts.

Because ISO 898-2 does not yet give information on nuts without defined proof load values
(hardness classes), a new DIN-standard DIN 267 Part 24 had to be issued for the time
being.

In view of above, information on DIN 267 Part 4 and DIN 267 Part 24 is given in this chapter.

DIN 267 Part 4: Fasteners; technical delivery conditions; property classes for
nuts (previous classes)

This standard specifies the mechanical properties of nuts which have to withstand specified
proof loads, with metric ISO thread, with tolerances 6G and 4H to 7H, with nominal thread
diameters up to and including 39 mm, with width across flats or external diameters not less
than 1.45 D and heights not less than 0.8 D (including the normal countersunk on the
thread), made of carbon steel or low alloy steel and when tested at room temperature.

Furthermore, the standard only applies to the existing so-called “DIN”-nuts, where in the
product standards for the mechanical properties reference is made to DIN 267 Part 4, e.g.
the hexagon nuts, DIN 934.

This standard does not apply to nuts which have to meet special requirements, such as for
weldability, corrosion resistance (see DIN 267 Part 11), ability to withstand temperatures
above + 300°C or below − 50°C (See DIN 267 Part 13) or locking (see DIN 267 Part 15).
The nuts made from free-cutting steel shall not be used above + 250°C.

Designation System of Property Classes

Nuts are assigned a code number to show their property class. The number indicates 1/100
of the proof load stress in N/mm2. For example, property class 8 nut has a proof load stress
of 8 × 100 = 800 N/mm2. This proof load stress is equal to the minimum tensile strength of a
bolt which can be loaded up to this value when mated with the nut concerned. Nuts of a
higher property class can generally be used in the place of nuts of a lower class.

For identification of property classes, symbols are assigned to the property classes as
shown in the following table. It may be noted that a vertical bar is added on either side of a
code number of property class for its symbol.

25 Mechanical Properties and Identification Markings for Threaded Fasteners

www.practicalmaintenance.net
Code Number for Property Class 4* 5 6 8 10 12
Symbol for Property Class |4| |5| |6| |8| |10| |12|
* - Only for sizes above M 16

Mechanical Properties

The properties listed in the following table shall apply for testing of nuts at room temperature.

Mechanical Properties Property Class Symbol

|4|* |5| |6| |8| |10| |12|
Proof load stress Sp N/mm2 400 500 600 800 1000 1200
Vickers hardness HV 5 max. 302 302 302 302 353 353
Brinell hardness HB 30 max. 290 290 290 290 335 335
Rockwell hardness HRC max. 30 30 30 30 36 36
Widening see DIN 267 Part 21
* - Only for sizes above M 16

Marking of Nuts

For identification, hexagon nuts with nominal thread diameter D ≥ 5 mm must be marked
with the property class symbol on the bearing surface or on the side of the nut as shown in
the following figure.

For hexagon nuts according to DIN 934, DIN 935 and DIN 955, made from free-cutting steel,
the marking must also include a groove on one face of the nut as shown in the following
figure.

Left-hand thread shall be marked with a left turning arrow on one bearing surface,
alternatively with a groove halfway up the nut height as shown in the following figure.

26 Mechanical Properties and Identification Markings for Threaded Fasteners

www.practicalmaintenance.net
The trade (identification) marking of the manufacturer is mandatory on all nuts covered by
the obligatory marking requirements for property classes, provided technical reasons do not
preclude this.

DIN 267 Part 24: Fasteners; technical delivery conditions; property classes for
nuts without specified proof load values (hardness classes)

This standard specifies the mechanical properties of nuts which, due to shape or dimensions
cannot be tested by proof loads and cannot be defined on the base of proof load stresses.

This standard contains hardness classes for nuts which do not have to withstand specified
proof loads. The hardness classes specified have been classified according to minimum
hardness values from which, however, no conclusions can be drawn with regard to the
loadability of the nuts or their resistance to stripping. The functional properties of nuts
depend on their form.

This standard does not apply to nuts with special requirements, such as weldability,
corrosion resistance, high-temperature strength (i.e. at temperatures over + 300°C) or low-
temperature toughness (i.e. at temperatures below − 50°C).

It may be noted that nuts made of free-cutting steel shall not be used at temperatures over +
250 °C.

Designation System

The hardness classes for nuts according to the standard are denoted by a combination of
numbers and letters as shown in the following table. The number indicates 1/10 of the
minimum Vickers hardness; the letter H stands for hardness.

Hardness Class Symbol 11H 14H 17H 22H

Vickers Hardness HV 5 min. 110 140 170 220

Mechanical Properties

The mechanical properties given in the following table shall apply for testing of nuts at room
temperature.

Hardness Class
Mechanical Property
11H 14H 17H 22H
min. 110 140 170 220
Vickers Hardness HV 5
max. 185 215 245 300
min. 105 133 162 209
Brinell Hardness HBW 30
max. 176 204 233 285

Marking of Hardness Class

For nuts ≥ M5 and the hardness class 22H, marking with the symbol denoting the hardness
class is obligatory.

It is recommended that nuts with left-hand thread be marked with a left turning arrow on one
bearing surface or a groove halfway up to the nut height.

27 Mechanical Properties and Identification Markings for Threaded Fasteners

www.practicalmaintenance.net
 Mechanical Properties of Corrosion-Resistant Stainless
Steel Fasteners as per ISO Standard (ISO 3506)
ISO 3506 consists of the following parts, under the general title Mechanical properties of
corrosion-resistant stainless steel fasteners:

Part 1: Bolts, screws and studs

Part 2: Nuts
Part 3: Set screws and similar fasteners not under tensile stress
Part 4: Tapping screws

Some useful information about the mechanical properties as per the standard is given in this
chapter. It may be noted that the information is given for education purpose only. For
commercial use, please see the latest version of the standard.

ISO 3506-1: Bolts, Screws and Studs

ISO 3506-1 specifies the mechanical properties of bolts, screws and studs (called fasteners)
made of austenitic, martensitic and ferritic steel grades of corrosion-resistant stainless
steels, when tested over an ambient temperature range of 10°C to 35°C. Properties vary at
higher or lower temperatures. The specification applies to fasteners with nominal thread
diameter d ≤ 39 mm, of triangular ISO metric threads with diameters and pitches in
accordance with ISO 68-1, ISO 261 and ISO 262.

Designation System

The designation system for stainless steel grades and property classes for bolts, screws and
studs is shown in the following figure.

The designation of the material consists of two blocks, separated by a hyphen. The first
block designates the steel grade and the second block, the property class.

The designation of the steel grade (first block) consists of one of the letters: A for austenitic
steel, C for martensitic steel, or F for ferritic steel which indicates the group of steel and a
digit, which indicates a range of chemical compositions within this steel group.

28 Mechanical Properties and Identification Markings for Threaded Fasteners

www.practicalmaintenance.net
The designation of the property class (second block) consists of two or three digits
representing 1/10 of the tensile strength of the fastener.

Example 1: A2-80 indicates, austenitic steel, high-strength, minimum 800 MPa (N/mm2)
tensile strength.

Example 2: C3-80 indicates, martensitic steel, hardened and tempered, minimum 800 MPa
(N/mm2) tensile strength.

Chemical Composition

The following table shows chemical compositions of stainless steels suitable for fasteners in
accordance with ISO 3506-1.

Chemical Composition for Stainless Steel Grades

Steel Steel Chemical Compositiona - Mass Fraction, %
Group Grade C Si Mn P S Cr Mo Ni Cu
Austenitic A1 0.12 1.0 6.50 0.200 0.15 to 0.35 16 to 19 0.7 5 to 10 1.75 to 2.25
A2 0.10 1.0 2.00 0.050 0.03 15 to 20 -b 8 to 19 4.0
A3 0.08 1.0 2.00 0.045 0.03 17 to 19 -b 9 to 12 1.0
A4 0.08 1.0 2.00 0.045 0.03 16 to 18.5 2 to 3 10 to 15 1.0
A5 0.08 1.0 2.00 0.045 0.03 16 to 18.5 2 to 3 10.5 to 14 1.0
Martensitic C1 0.09 to 0.15 1.0 1.00 0.050 0.03 11.5 to 14 - 1.0 -
C3 0.17 to 0.25 1.0 1.00 0.040 0.03 16 to 18 - 1.5 to 2.5 -
C4 0.08 to 0.15 1.0 1.50 0.060 0.15 to 0.35 12 to 14 0.6 1.0 -
Ferritic F1 0.12 1.0 1.00 0.040 0.03 15 to 18 -c 1.0 -
a - Values are maximum, unless otherwise indicated.
b - Molybdenum may be present at the discretion of the manufacturer. However, if for some applications limiting

of the molybdenum content is essential, this shall be stated at the time of ordering by the purchaser.
c - Molybdenum may be present at the discretion of the manufacturer.

Note: Information on only 3 footnotes (a, b, c) is given here. For information on other footnotes, please see the
standard (ISO 3506-1).

In applications where risk of intergranular corrosion is present, testing in accordance with

ISO 3651-1 or ISO 3651-2 is recommended. In such cases, stabilized stainless steels of
grades A3 and A5 or stainless steels of grades A2 and A4 with carbon content not
exceeding 0.03 % are recommended.

Mechanical Properties

The mechanical properties of bolts, screws and studs in accordance with ISO 3506-1 shall
conform to the values given in the following tables.

It may be noted that even if the material of the fasteners meets all relevant requirements, it is
possible that certain fasteners would not fulfil the tensile or torsional requirements because
of the geometry of the head, which reduces the shear area in the head compared to the
stress area in the thread such as countersunk, raised countersunk and cheese heads.

Mechanical Properties for Bolts, Screws and Studs - Austenitic Steel Grades
Steel Steel Property Tensile Strength, Stress at 0.2% permanent Elongation after
Group Grade Class Rm min. strain, Rp 0.2 min. fracture, A min.
MPa (N/mm2) MPa (N/mm2) mm
Austenitic A1, A2, 50 500 210 0.6 d
A3, A4, 70 700 450 0.4 d
A5 80 800 600 0.3 d

29 Mechanical Properties and Identification Markings for Threaded Fasteners

www.practicalmaintenance.net
 Mechanical Properties for Bolts, Screws and Studs - Martensitic and Ferritic Steel Grades
Steel Steel Property Tensile Stress at 0.2% Elongation Hardness
Group Grade Class Strength, permanent strain, after fracture, HB HRC HV
Rm min. Rp 0.2 min. A min.
N/mm2 N/mm2 mm
Martensitic C1 50 500 250 0.2d 147 to 209 - 155 to 220
70 700 410 0.2d 209 to 314 20 to 34 220 to 330
110a 1100 820 0.2d - 36 to 45 350 to 440
C3 80 800 640 0.2d 228 to 323 21 to 35 240 to 340
C4 50 500 250 0.2d 147 to 209 - 155 to 220
70 700 410 0.2d 209 to 314 20 to 34 220 to 330
Ferritic F1b 45 450 250 0.2d 128 to 209 - 135 to 220
60 600 410 0.2d 171 to 271 - 180 to 285
a - Hardened and tempered at a minimum tempering temperature of 275°C.
b - Nominal thread diameter d ≤ 24 mm.

Minimum breaking torque, MB, min., Nm, for austenitic steel grade bolts and screws M1.6 to
M16 (coarse thread) shall be as per the following table.

Minimum Breaking Torque, MB, min., Nm, for Austenitic Steel Grade Bolts and Screws
Thread Property Class
50 70 80
M1.6 0.15 0.2 0.24
M2 0.3 0.4 0.48
M2.5 0.6 0.9 0.96
M3 1.1 1.6 1.8
M4 2.7 3.8 4.3
M5 5.5 7.8 8.8
M6 9.3 13 15
M8 23 32 37
M10 46 65 74
M12 80 110 130
M16 210 290 330

Minimum breaking torque values for martensitic and ferritic steel grade fasteners shall be
agreed upon between the manufacturer and the user.

Marking

30 Mechanical Properties and Identification Markings for Threaded Fasteners

www.practicalmaintenance.net
Marking is mandatory for all hexagon head bolts and screws, and hexagon or hexalobular
socket head cap screws of nominal thread diameter d ≥ 5 mm. The marking shall include the
steel grade and property class and shall be marked as shown in above figure.

Studs of nominal thread diameter d ≥ 6 mm shall be marked as shown in above figure. The
marking shall be on the unthreaded part of the stud and shall contain the steel grade and
property class. If marking on the unthreaded portion is not possible, marking of steel grade
only on the nut end of the stud is allowed.

A manufacturer's identification mark also shall be included on all fasteners which are marked
with a property class symbol.

For marking of left-hand threads, please see ISO 898-1.

Fasteners that do not fulfil the tensile or torsional requirements because of the geometry
may be marked with the steel grade, but shall not be marked with the property class as
shown in above figure.

Description of Groups and Grades of Stainless Steels

In ISO 3506 (all parts), reference is made to steel grades A1 to A5, C1 to C4 and F1,
covering steels of the following groups:

 Austenitic steel A1 to A5;

 Martensitic steel C1 to C4;
 Ferritic steel F1.

Information on the characteristics of the above-mentioned steel groups and steel grades
mostly based on the informative Annex B of ISO 3506-1 is given in this section.

Steel Group A (Austenitic Structure)

Austenitic steels cannot be hardened and are usually non-magnetic. In order to reduce the
susceptibility to work hardening, copper may be added to the steel grades A1 to A5, as
specified in the chemical composition table.

Austenitic steels obtain their resistance to corrosion through a surface protective layer of
chromic oxide. If this protective layer of chromic oxide gets damaged, it uses atmospheric
oxygen to regenerate it. Hence, if access to atmospheric oxygen is blocked/prevented by an
unfavourable style of construction or through dirt, then even these steels will corrode! As
chromic oxide makes steel resistant to corrosion, low carbon content is of great importance
to non-stabilized steel grades A2 and A4. Due to the high affinity of chrome to carbon,
chrome carbide is obtained instead of chromic oxide, which is more likely at elevated
31 Mechanical Properties and Identification Markings for Threaded Fasteners
www.practicalmaintenance.net
temperature. For stabilized steel grades A3 and A5, either titanium (Ti) or niobium (Nb) or
tantalum (Ta) is added to the steel. The elements Ti, Nb and Ta affect (react with) the
carbon, and chromic oxide is produced to its full extent. Niobium (Nb) and Columbium (Cb)
are alternate names for element 41 in the Periodic Table of the Elements. For offshore or
similar applications, steels with Cr and Ni content of about 20 % and Mo of 4.5 % to 6.5 %
are required. Fasteners from austenitic stainless steel shall be clean and bright. For
maximum corrosion resistance passivation is recommended.

Steel Grade A1

Steels of grade A1 contains 0.15 to 0.35% sulfur. This makes the steel free machining for
ease of manufacture. However, due to high sulfur content, the steels within this grade have
lower resistance to corrosion than corresponding steels with normal sulfur content.

Steel Grade A2

Steels of grade A2 are the most frequently used stainless steels. They are used in the
chemical industry and for kitchen equipment. Steels within this grade are not suitable for use
in non-oxidizing acid and agents with chloride content, i.e. in swimming pools and sea water.

Steel Grade A3

Steels of grade A3 are stabilized “stainless steels” with properties of steels of grade A2.

Steel Grade A4

Steels of grade A4 are molybdenum alloyed and give a considerably better resistance to
corrosion. A4 is used to a great extent by the cellulose industry, as this steel grade is
developed for boiling sulfuric acid (hence, also called “acid proof steels”) and is, to a certain
extent, also suitable in an environment with chloride content. A4 is frequently used by the
food industry and by the shipbuilding industry.

Steel Grade A5

Steels of grade A5 are stabilized with properties of steels of grade A4.

Steel Group C (Martensitic Structure)

Martensitic steel grades C1, C3 and C4 can be hardened to an excellent strength. They are
magnetic.

Steel Grade C1

Steels of grade C1 have limited resistance to corrosion. They are generally used in pumps
and turbines.

Steel Grade C3

Steels of grade C3 have limited resistance to corrosion. However, the resistance to corrosion
is better than C1. They are used in pumps and valves.

Steel Grade C4

Steels of grade C4 have limited resistance to corrosion. They are intended for machining
(contains 0.15 to 0.35% sulfur), otherwise they are similar to steels of grade C1.
32 Mechanical Properties and Identification Markings for Threaded Fasteners
www.practicalmaintenance.net
Steel Group F (Ferritic Structure)

One ferritic steel grade, F1, is included in ISO 3506 (all parts). The steels within F1 cannot
normally be hardened and should not be hardened even if possible in certain cases. The F1
steels are magnetic.

Steels of grade F1 are normally used for simpler equipment with the exception of the
superferrites, which have extremely low C and N contents. The steels within grade F1 can, if
need be, replace steels of grades A2 and A3 and be used in an environment with a higher
chloride content.

Steel Group FA (Ferritic-Austenitic Structure)

Steel group FA is not included in ISO 3506 (all parts), but will probably be included in a
future edition.

Steels of this steel group are also called duplex steels. FA steels have better properties than
steels of grades A4 and A5, especially where strength is concerned. They also exhibit
superior resistance to pitting and crack corrosion.

Examples of ferritic-austenitic steel composition are given in the following table.

Examples of Composition of Steels with Ferritic-Austenitic Structure

Steel Group Chemical Composition, Mass Fraction, %
C max. Si Mn Cr Ni Mo N
0.03 1.7 1.5 18.5 5 2.7 0.07
Ferritic-Austenitic
0.03 <1 <2 22 5.5 3 0.14

Mechanical Properties at Elevated Temperatures and Application at Low

Temperatures

It may be noted that if the bolts, screws or studs are properly calculated, the mating nuts
automatically meet the requirements. Therefore, in the case of application at elevated or low
temperatures, it is sufficient to consider the mechanical properties of bolts, screws and studs
only.

The values of mechanical properties given below are as per informative Annex F of ISO
3506-1 and is for guidance only.

% ReL and Rp0.2 at Elevated Temperatures

Steel Grade Temperature
+100°C +200°C +300°C +400°C
A2, A3, A4, A5 85 80 75 70
C1 95 90 80 65
C3 90 85 80 60
Note: This applies to property classes 70 and 80 only.

Above table shows values for lower yield stress, ReL, and stress at 0.2 % permanent strain,
Rp0.2, at elevated temperatures in % of the values at room temperature.

Steel Grade Lower Limits of Operational Temperature at Continuous Operation

A2, A3 −200°C
Bolts and Screws −60°C
A4, A5
Studs −200°C

33 Mechanical Properties and Identification Markings for Threaded Fasteners

www.practicalmaintenance.net
Above table shows application of stainless steel bolts, screws and studs at low
temperatures.

ISO 3506-2: Nuts

ISO 3506-2 specifies the mechanical properties of nuts made of austenitic, martensitic and
ferritic steel grades of corrosion-resistant stainless steels, when tested over an ambient
temperature range of 10°C to 35°C. Properties vary at higher or lower temperatures.

ISO 3506-2 applies to nuts with nominal thread diameter D ≤ 39 mm; of triangular ISO metric
threads with diameters and pitches in accordance with ISO 68-1, ISO 262; and ISO 261; with
width across flats as specified in ISO 272 and with nominal heights m ≥ 0.5D.

Designation System

The following figure shows the designation system for stainless steel grades and property
classes for nuts.

The designation of the material consists of two blocks, which are separated by a hyphen.
The first block designates the steel grade and the second block, the property class.

The designation of the steel grade (first block) consists of the letters:

 A for austenitic steel

 C for martensitic steel, or
 F for ferritic steel

which indicates the group of steel and a digit, which indicates a range of chemical
compositions within the steel group.

The designation of the property class, second block consists of two digits for nuts with height
m ≥ 0.8D (style 1 or style 2 or hexagon flange nuts), representing 1/10 of the stress under
proof load; and three digits for nuts with height 0.5D ≤ m < 0.8D (thin nuts/style 0), the first
digit "0" indicating that the nut has a reduced loadability and the following digits representing
1/10 of the stress under proof load.
34 Mechanical Properties and Identification Markings for Threaded Fasteners
www.practicalmaintenance.net
Mechanical Properties

The mechanical properties of nuts in accordance with ISO 3506-2 shall conform to the
values given in the following tables.

Mechanical Properties for Nuts - Austenitic Grades

Group Grade Property Class Stress Under Proof Load
Sp min. MPa (N/mm2)
Nut Style 1 Thin Nuts Nut Style 1 Thin Nuts
(m ≥ 0.8 D) (0.5 D ≤ m < 0.8 D) (m ≥ 0.8 D) (0.5 D ≤ m < 0.8 D)
Austenitic A1, 50 025 500 250
A2, A3, 70 035 700 350
A4, A5 80 040 800 400

Mechanical Properties for Nuts - Martensitic and Ferritic Grades

Group Grade Property Class Stress Under Proof Load Hardness
Sρ min. MPa (N/mm2)
Nut Style 1 Thin Nuts Nut Style 1 Thin Nuts HB HRC HV
m ≥ 0.8D 0.5D ≤ m < 0.8D m ≥ 0.8D 0.5D ≤ m < 0.8D
Martensitic C1 50 025 500 250 147 to 209 - 155 to 220
70 - 700 - 209 to 314 20 to 34 220 to 330
110a 055a 1100 550 - 36 to 45 350 to 440
C3 80 040 800 400 228 to 323 21 to 35 240 to 340
C4 50 - 500 - 147 to 209 - 155 to 220
70 035 700 350 209 to 314 20 to 34 220 to 330
Ferritic F1b 45 020 450 200 128 to 209 - 135 to 220
60 030 600 300 171 to 271 - 180 to 285
a - Hardened and tempered at a minimum tempering temperature of 275°C.
b - Nominal thread diameter D ≤ 24 mm.

Marking

Marking is mandatory on all nuts of nominal thread diameter D ≥ 5 mm and shall be marked
with the steel grade and property class in accordance with the designation system described
above. Nuts shall be also marked with the manufacturer’s identification mark which are
marked with a property class.

As shown in above figure, marking of only one nut face is acceptable and shall be only by
indentation when applied to the bearing surface of the nuts. Alternatively, marking on the
side of the nuts is permissible.

As shown in the following figure, when the marking is made with grooves, for steel grades
A2 and A4 and the property class is not indicated, property class 50 or 025 will apply.
35 Mechanical Properties and Identification Markings for Threaded Fasteners
www.practicalmaintenance.net
For marking of left-hand threads, see ISO 898-2.

It is possible that certain nuts would not fulfil the proof load requirements because of fine
pitch thread or the geometry of the nut. These nuts may be marked with the steel grade, but
shall not be marked with the property class.

ISO 3506-3: Set Screws and Similar Fasteners Not Under Tensile Stress

ISO 3506-3 specifies the mechanical properties of set screws and similar fasteners not
under tensile stress made of austenitic stainless steel, when tested over an ambient
temperature range of 10°C to 35°C. Properties vary at higher or lower temperatures.

ISO 3506-3 applies to set screws and similar fasteners with nominal thread diameter 1.6 mm
≤ d ≤ 24 mm, of triangular ISO metric threads with diameters and pitches in accordance with
ISO 68-1, ISO 261 and ISO 262.

The aim of ISO 3506-3 is the classification of corrosion-resistant stainless steel fasteners
into hardness classes.

Designation System

Above figure shows the designation system for stainless steel grades and hardness classes
for set screws and similar fasteners. The designation of the material consists of two blocks,
which are separated by a hyphen. The first block designates the steel grade and the second
block, the hardness class.
36 Mechanical Properties and Identification Markings for Threaded Fasteners
www.practicalmaintenance.net
The designation of the steel grade, first block consists of the letter A for austenitic steel,
which indicates the group of steel and a digit, which indicates a range of chemical
compositions within this steel group.

The designation of the hardness class, second block consists of two digits representing 1/10
of the minimum Vickers hardness and the letter H, referring to hardness as per the following
table.

Hardness Class 12H 21H

Vickers Hardness, HV min. 125 210

Example: A2-21H indicates: austenitic steel, cold worked, minimum hardness 210 HV.

Mechanical Properties

The mechanical properties of set screws and similar fasteners in accordance with ISO 3506-
3 shall conform to the proof torque values and hardness values as per the following tables.

Proof Torque Requirements for Hexagon Socket Set Screws, min. Nm

Nominal Thread Diameter Hardness Class
d 12H 21H
1.6 0.03 0.05
2 0.06 0.1
2.5 0.18 0.3
3 0.25 0.42
4 0.8 1.4
5 1.7 2.8
6 3 5
8 7 12
10 14 24
12 25 42
16 63 105
20 126 210
24 200 332

Hardness Requirements for Hexagon Socket Set Screws

Hardness Class
Test Method
12H 21H
Vickers Hardness HV 125 to 209 210 min.
Brinell Hardness HB 123 to 213 214 min.
Rockwell Hardness HRB 70 to 95 96 min.

Marking

Marking of set screws and similar fasteners is not mandatory. However, when they are
marked, the marking should include the steel grade, hardness class and manufacturer's
identification mark.

ISO 3506-4: Tapping Screws

ISO 3506-4 specifies the mechanical properties of tapping screws made of austenitic,
martensitic and ferritic steel grades of corrosion-resistant stainless steels, when tested over
an ambient temperature range of 10°C to 35°C. It applies to tapping screws with threads
from ST2.2 up to and including ST8, in accordance with ISO 1478. For more information,
please see the standard.

37 Mechanical Properties and Identification Markings for Threaded Fasteners

www.practicalmaintenance.net
 ASTM Standards for Fasteners
The most widely used standards for materials in the United States are those published by
ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials, now ASTM International).

Every ASTM standard is identified by a unique designation. It includes a capital letter (A to

H), followed by an arbitrary sequentially assigned number ranging from one to four digits, a
dash, and finally the year of issue. For example, a common bolt specification is A449 - 14,
although when specified the standard’s year designation is usually not included.

The prefix alphabetical letters represent general classifications and correspond to the
following subjects:

 A = Iron and Steel Materials

 B = Nonferrous Metal Materials
 C = Ceramic, Concrete, and Masonry Materials
 D = Miscellaneous Materials
 E = Miscellaneous Subjects
 F = Materials for Specific Applications
 G = Corrosion, Deterioration, and Degradation of Materials
 H = Joint Committee and District Recipients

These designations often apply to specific products, for example A574 is applicable to alloy
steel socket-head cap screws.

Metric ASTM standards have a suffix letter M.

There are six types of ASTM standards: test method, specification, classification, practice,
guide and terminology. Thus many of the ASTM standards are called specification. A
specification has an explicit set of requirements to be satisfied by a material, product, system
or service.

Information about important ASTM specifications for fastener materials is given in the
following chapters. It may be noted that the information is given for education purpose only.
For commercial use, please see the latest version of the standard.

Many of the ASTM specifications have been adopted by the American Society of Mechanical
Engineers (ASME) with little or no modification; ASME uses the prefix S and the ASTM
designation for these specifications. For example, ASME SA-962 and ASTM A962 are
identical.

It may be noted that many ASTM specifications with fixed designation, (for example ASTM
A962/A962M) are expressed in both inch-pound units and in SI units. In such specifications,
unless the purchase order or contract specifies the applicable “M” specification designation
(SI units) the inch-pound units shall apply. The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound
units are to be regarded separately as standard. Within the text, the SI units are shown in
brackets. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each
system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems
may result in nonconformance with the specification. In case, a complete metric companion
to a specification with fixed designation (for example, specification A563M, companion to the
specification with fixed designation A563) has been developed, no metric equivalents are
presented in the specification.

38 Mechanical Properties and Identification Markings for Threaded Fasteners

www.practicalmaintenance.net
Definitions of Terms

Following are the definitions of terms specific to bolting material specification (A962/A962M).

Bolting

A general term which includes bolting materials which are manufactured into bolting
components, including but not limited to, connectors, pins, restraining device components,
shafts, bolts, nuts, screws, studs, and washers.

Bolting Materials

Bolting materials are starting materials used for the manufacture of bolting components,
such as rolled or forged or threaded solid bars, blanks, wires, rods, or tubes or other hollow
sections, that may be further processed by heat treatment, cold working, forging, threading,
or machining.

Grade

Grade is used for an alloy described individually and identified by its own designation in a
table of chemical requirements within any specification.

Class

Class is a term used to differentiate between different heat treatment conditions or strength
levels, or both, often within the same grade but sometimes within the same family of
materials. May also apply to work hardened condition or strength level, or both.

Strain Hardened Material

Strain hardened material is austenitic stainless steel material which has been subjected to
cold working sufficient to cause a significant increase in strength.

Determination of Mechanical Properties

Fasteners are tested for mechanical properties like hardness, tensile properties (tensile
strength and yield strength) and proof load. Tables are provided for the load to be applied
during load testing in the specifications.

For information about procedures for conducting tests to determine the mechanical
properties of externally and internally threaded fasteners, please see ASTM F606 / F606M:
Standard Test Methods for Determining the Mechanical Properties of Externally and
Internally Threaded Fasteners, Washers, Direct Tension Indicators, and Rivets.

One can determine bolt / nut proof load in pounds by multiplying the appropriate bolt / nut
proof load stress specified in the standard by the tensile stress area of the thread. The
tensile stress area of the thread can be calculated by using the following equation.

As= 0.7854[ D − (0.9743/n)]2

where:
As = tensile stress area,
D = nominal diameter, and
n = threads per in.

39 Mechanical Properties and Identification Markings for Threaded Fasteners

www.practicalmaintenance.net
For ready reference, tensile stress areas for UNC, UNF, and 8 UN thread series are given in
the following table.

Tensile Stress Areas

Nominal Tensile Stress Nominal Tensile Stress Nominal Tensile Stress
Size in. - Area, As in.2 Size in. - Area, As in.2 Size in. - Area, As in.2
Threads for Threads for Threads for
per Inch UNC per Inch UNF per Inch 8 UN
0.073 - 64 0.00263 0.060 - 80 0.00180 - -
0.086 - 56 0.00370 0.073 - 72 0.00278 - -
0.099 - 48 0.00487 0.086 - 64 0.00394 - -
0.112 - 40 0.00604 0.099 - 56 0.00523 - -
0.125 - 40 0.00796 0.112 - 48 0.00661 - -
0.138 - 32 0.00909 0.125 - 44 0.00830 - -
0.164 - 32 0.0140 0.138 - 40 0.01015 - -
0.190 - 24 0.0175 0.164 - 36 0.01474 - -
0.216 - 24 0.0242 0.190 - 32 0.0200 - -
1⁄ - 20 0.0318 1⁄ - 28 0.0364 - -
4 4
5⁄ 5⁄
16 - 18 0.0524 16 - 24 0.0580 - -
3⁄ - 16 0.0775 3⁄ - 24 0.0878 - -
8 8
7⁄ 7⁄
16 - 14 0.1063 16 - 20 0.1187 - -
1⁄ - 13 0.1419 1⁄ - 20 0.1599 - -
2 2
9⁄ 9⁄
16 - 12 0.182 16 - 18 0.203 - -
5⁄ - 11 0.226 5⁄ - 18 0.256 - -
8 8
3⁄ - 10 0.334 3⁄ - 16 0.373 - -
4 4
7⁄ - 9 0.462 7⁄ - 14 0.509 - -
8 8
1-8 0.606 1 - 12 0.663 1-8 0.606
11⁄8 - 7 0.763 11⁄8 - 12 0.856 11⁄8 - 8 0.790
11⁄4 - 7 0.969 11⁄4 - 12 1.073 11⁄4 - 8 1.000
13⁄8 - 6 1.155 13⁄8 - 12 1.315 13⁄8 - 8 1.233
11⁄2 - 6 1.405 11⁄2 - 12 1.581 11⁄2 - 8 1.492
13⁄4 - 5 1.90 - - 13⁄4 - 8 2.08
2 - 41⁄2 2.50 - - 2-8 2.77
21⁄4 - 41⁄2 3.25 - - 21⁄4 - 8 3.56
21⁄2 - 4 4.00 - - 21⁄2 - 8 4.44
23⁄4 - 4 4.93 - - 23⁄4 - 8 5.43
3-4 5.97 - - 3-8 6.51
31⁄4 - 4 7.10 - - 31⁄4 - 8 7.69
31⁄2 - 4 8.33 - - 31⁄2 - 8 8.96
33⁄4 - 4 9.66 - - 33⁄4 - 8 10.34
4-4 11.08 - - 4-8 11.81

For Metric fasteners, the tensile stress area of the thread can be calculated by using the
following equation.

As= 0.7854 (D − 0.9382P)2

where:
As = tensile stress area,
D = nominal diameter, and
P = threads pitch.

It may be noted that 1 ksi (1 ksi = 1000 psi) is equal to 6.895 MPa (N/mm2).

40 Mechanical Properties and Identification Markings for Threaded Fasteners

www.practicalmaintenance.net
 ASTM Standards for Carbon and Alloy Steel Externally
Threaded Fasteners
Information about ASTM standards for carbon and alloy steel externally threaded fasteners
is given in this chapter.

ASTM F 568M - Standard Specification for Carbon and Alloy Steel Externally
Threaded Metric Fasteners

ASTM F 568M covers chemical and mechanical requirements for nine property classes of
carbon and alloy steel externally threaded metric fasteners in nominal thread diameters M1.6
through M100 suited for use in general engineering applications.

Requirements for seven of the nine property classes, 4.6, 4.8, 5.8, 8.8, 9.8, 10.9, and 12.9,
are essentially identical with requirements given for these classes in ISO 898-1. The other
two, 8.8.3 and 10.9.3, are not recognized in ISO standards.

Classes 8.8.3 and 10.9.3 bolts, screws, and studs have atmospheric corrosion resistance
and weathering characteristics comparable to those of the steels covered in ASTM
specification A 588 (Standard Specification for High-Strength Low-Alloy Structural Steel, up
to 50 ksi [345 MPa] Minimum Yield Point, with Atmospheric Corrosion Resistance). The
atmospheric corrosion resistance of these steels is substantially better than that of carbon
steel with or without copper addition. When properly exposed to the atmosphere, these
steels can be used bare (uncoated) for many applications.

Significance of Property Class Designation

Property classes are designated by numbers where increasing numbers generally represent
increasing tensile strengths. The designation symbol has the following significance:

 The one or two numerals preceding the first decimal point approximates 1⁄100 of the
minimum tensile strength in MPa.

 The numeral following the first decimal point approximates 1⁄10 of the ratio, expressed as a
percentage, between minimum yield stress and minimum tensile strength.

 The numeral 3, following the second decimal point, is an indicator that the material has
atmospheric corrosion resistance and weathering characteristics comparable to steels
covered in Specification A 588/A 588M.

As this specification (ASTM F 568M) was withdrawn in January 2012 because ISO 898-1 is
the preeminent world standard for metric externally threaded fasteners more information on
this specification is not given here except the conversion guidance as per appendix X1 of
ASTM F 568M.

Appendix X1 (ASTM F 568M)

In appendix X1 of the specification (ASTM F 568M), for guidance purposes only, the
following conversion guidance is provided to assist designers and purchasers in the
selection of a property class.

 Class 4.6 mechanical properties are approximately equivalent to those of Specification A

307, Grade A.

41 Mechanical Properties and Identification Markings for Threaded Fasteners

www.practicalmaintenance.net
 Class 8.8 mechanical properties are approximately equivalent to those of Specification A
449, and Specification A 325, Types 1 and 2.

 Class 8.8.3 mechanical properties are approximately equivalent to those of Specification

A 325, Type 3.

 Class 9.8 mechanical properties are approximately 9 % higher than those of Specification
A 449.

 Class 10.9 mechanical properties are approximately equivalent to those of Specification A

354, Grade BD and Specification A 490, Types 1 and 2.

 Class 10.9.3 mechanical properties are approximately equivalent to those of Specification

A 490, Type 3.

 Class 12.9 mechanical properties are approximately equal to those of Specification A

574.

Information about various ASTM specifications mentioned above (Appendix X1 of ASTM

Specification F 568M) is given in the following sections.

ASTM A307 - Standard Specification for Carbon Steel Bolts, Studs, and
Threaded Rod 60000 PSI Tensile Strength

ASTM A307 covers the chemical and mechanical requirements of two grades of carbon steel
bolts and studs in sizes 1⁄4 in. through 4 in. The fasteners are designated by “Grade”
denoting tensile strength and intended use, as follows:

Grade A - Bolts, studs, and threaded rod having a minimum tensile strength of 60 ksi (ksi =
kilo psi) and intended for general applications.

Grade B - Bolts, studs, and threaded rod having a tensile strength of 60 to 100 ksi and
intended for flanged joints in piping systems with cast iron flanges. Threaded rod is not
usually produced to Grade B, but can be when specified by the purchaser.

This specification does not cover requirements for machine screws, thread cutting/forming
screws, mechanical expansion anchors or similar externally threaded fasteners.

Hardness Requirements (Bolts, Studs, and Threaded Rod)

The fasteners shall conform to the hardness specified in the following table.

Grade Nominal Length, in. Hardness

Brinell Rockwell B
min max min max
Less than 3 × dia 121 241 69 100
A
3 × dia and longer - 241 - 100
Less than 3 × dia 121 212 69 95
B
3 × dia and longer - 212 - 95

Tensile Properties (Full-Size Bolts, Studs, and Threaded Rod)

The fasteners shall conform to the tensile strength as per following stress values.

42 Mechanical Properties and Identification Markings for Threaded Fasteners

www.practicalmaintenance.net
Grade A, min: 60 ksi
Grade B: min = 60 ksi and max = 100 ksi

Product Marking

All bolt heads, one end of studs 3⁄8 in. and larger, and whenever feasible studs less than3⁄8 in.
shall be marked with a grade marking as follows:

Grade A shall be marked as 307A

Grade B shall be marked as 307B

In addition to grade marking, bolt heads and one end of studs shall be marked with a unique
identifier by the manufacturer to identify the manufacturer or private label distributor, as
appropriate.

All markings shall be located on the top of the bolt head or stud end and shall be raised or
depressed at the option of the manufacturer.

Suitable Nuts

Suitable nuts are covered in specification ASTM A563. Unless otherwise specified, the grade
and style of nut for each grade of fastener, of all surface finishes, shall be as follows:

Fastener Grade and Size ASTM A563 Nut Grade and StyleA
1⁄ 11⁄
A 4 to 2 in. A, hex
A over 11⁄2 to 4 in. A, heavy hex
B, 1⁄4 to 4 in. A, heavy hex
A - Nuts of other grades and styles having specified proof load stresses (as per ASTM A563) greater

than the specified grade and style of nut are also suitable.

For information on materials, manufacturing, chemical composition, dimensions, etc. please

see the specification.

ASTM A449 - Standard Specification for Hex Cap Screws, Bolts and Studs,
Steel, Heat Treated, 120/105/90 ksi Minimum Tensile Strength, General Use

ASTM A449 covers quenched and tempered steel hex cap screws, bolts, and studs having a
minimum tensile strength of 120 ksi for diameters 1.0 in. and smaller; 105 ksi for diameters
over 1.0 in. to 11⁄2 in.; and 90 ksi for diameters 13⁄4 in. to 3.0 in. inclusive. The term
"fasteners" in this specification denotes hex cap screws, bolts, and studs. The fasteners are
intended for general engineering use.

The fasteners are furnished in diameters 1⁄4 to 3.0 in. inclusive. They are designated by type
denoting chemical composition as follows:

Type 1 - Plain carbon steel, carbon boron steel, alloy steel, or alloy boron steel
Type 2 - Withdrawn 2003
Type 3 - Weathering steel

Hardness Requirements

The fasteners shall conform to the hardness specified in the following table.

43 Mechanical Properties and Identification Markings for Threaded Fasteners

www.practicalmaintenance.net
 Nominal Diameter, in. Length, in. Brinell Rockwell C
Min Max Min Max
1⁄ to 1, inclusive Less than 2DA 253 319 25 34
4
2D and over - 319 - 34
Over 1 to 11⁄2 , inclusive Less than 3DA 223 286 19 30
3D and over - 286 - 30
Over 11⁄2 to 3, inclusive Less than 3DA 183 235 - -
3D and over - 235 - -
A - Hex cap screws and bolts larger than 1.00 in. diameter and shorter than 3D and all studs shorter

than 3D are subject only to minimum and maximum hardness.

D = Nominal diameter or thread size

Tensile Properties (Full-Size Hex Cap Screws, Bolts and Studs)

Bolts shall conform to the tensile load and proof load (Length Measurement Method) or
alternative proof load (Yield Strength Method, 0.2 % Offset) as per stress values given in the
following table.

Bolt Size, in. Tensile Load, Proof Load (Length Alternative Proof Load,
min, psi Measurement), psi Yield Strength (0.2 % Offset), psi
1⁄
4 to 1, incl 120 000 85 000 92 000
11⁄
8 to 1 ⁄2, incl
1 105 000 74 000 81 000
1 ⁄4 to 3, incl
3 90 000 55 000 58 000

The load applied during proof load testing shall be equal to or greater than the proof load as
per stress values shown in the above table.

Product Marking

Type 1 hex cap screws and bolts and one end of Type 1 studs 3⁄8 in. and larger, and
whenever feasible studs smaller than 3⁄8 in., shall be marked “A449.”

All Type 3 hex cap screws, blots, and studs shall be marked to indicate that they are
produced from weathering steel. Heads of type 3 hex cap screws and bolts shall be marked
“A449” underlined (“A449”) Type 3 studs 3⁄8 in. and larger, and whenever feasible studs
smaller than 3⁄8 in., shall be marked “A449” underlined on at least one end.

In addition to marking for the type as above, they shall be also marked with a unique
identifier to identify the manufacturer or private label distributor, as appropriate.

All markings shall be located on the top of a hex cap screw and bolt heads and on one end
of studs and shall be either raised or depressed at the manufacturer’s option.

Suitable Nuts and Washers

Suitable nuts are covered in Specification A563. Unless otherwise specified, the grade and
style of nut shall be as follows:

Fastener Size and Surface Finish ASTM A563 Nut Grade and StyleA
1⁄ 11⁄
4 to 2 in., plain (or with a coating of insufficient B, hex
thickness to require over-tapped nuts)
Over 11⁄2 to 3 in., plain (or with a coating of insufficient A, heavy hex
thickness to require over-tapped nuts)
1⁄
4 to 3 in., zinc-coated (or with a coating thickness DH, heavy hex
requiring over-tapped nuts)
1⁄ to 3 in., Type 3 C3, DH3, heavy hex
4

44 Mechanical Properties and Identification Markings for Threaded Fasteners

www.practicalmaintenance.net
A - Nuts of other grades and styles having specified proof load stresses (as per ASTM A563) greater
than the specified grade and style of nut are suitable.

Unless otherwise specified, washers ordered with fasteners shall be furnished to the
requirements of ASTM F436, Type 1 or ASTM F436, Type 3. Washers for A449 Type 3
fasteners shall conform to ASTM F436 Type 3.

It may be noted that ASTM A449 is virtually identical in chemistry and strength to ASTM
A325 and SAE J429 grade 5. However, A449 is more flexible in the sense that it covers a
larger diameter range and is not restricted by a specific configuration.

ASTM A325: Standard Specification for Structural Bolts, Steel, Heat Treated,
120/105 ksi Minimum Tensile Strength (Withdrawn 2016)

In May 2016, ASTM A325 was officially withdrawn and replaced by ASTM F3125/F3125M, in
which A325 now becomes a grade under the F3125 specification. The F3125 specification is
a consolidation and replacement of six ASTM standards; A325, A325M, A490, A490M,
F1852, and F2280. Technical information about the now obsolete ASTM A325 specification
is given here for reference and informational purposes only.

ASTM A325 covers two types of quenched and tempered steel heavy hex structural bolts
having a minimum tensile strength of 120 ksi for sizes 1.0 in. and less and 105 ksi for sizes
over 1.0 to 11⁄2 in., inclusive. The bolts are intended for use in structural connections.

The bolts are furnished in sizes 1⁄2 to 11⁄2 in., inclusive. They are designated by type,
denoting chemical composition as follows:

Type 1 - Medium carbon, carbon boron, or medium carbon alloy steel.

Type 2 - Withdrawn in November 1991.
Type 3 - Weathering steel.

Hardness Requirements

The bolts shall conform to the hardness specified in the following table.

Bolt Size, in. Nominal Length, in. Brinell Rockwell C

Min Max Min Max
1⁄ to 1, incl Less than 2D 253 319 25 34
2
2D and over - 319 - 34
11⁄8 to 11⁄2 , incl Less than 3D 223 286 19 30
3D and over - 286 - 30
D = Nominal diameter or thread size.

Tensile Properties (Full-Size Bolts)

The bolts shall conform to the minimum tensile load and proof load or alternative proof load
as per stress specified in the following table.

Bolt Size, in. Tensile Stress, Proof Stress, Alternative Proof Stress,
min, Length Measurement Method Yield Strength Method
1⁄ to 1, incl 120 000 psi 85 000 psi 92 000 psi
2
11⁄8 to 11⁄2 , incl 105 000 psi 74 000 psi 81 000 psi

The load achieved during proof load testing shall be equal to or greater than the specified
proof load.

45 Mechanical Properties and Identification Markings for Threaded Fasteners

www.practicalmaintenance.net
Product Marking

For grade identification, Type 1 bolts shall be marked “A325” and Type 3 bolts shall be
marked “A325” (“A325” underlined).

For manufacturer’s identification, all Type 1 and 3 bolts shall be marked by the manufacturer
with a unique identifier to identify the manufacturer or private label distributor, as
appropriate.

Recommended Nuts and Washers

Nuts conforming to the requirements of ASTM A563 are the recommended nuts for use with
ASTM A325 heavy hex structural bolts. The nuts shall be of the class and have a surface
finish for each type of bolt as follows:

Bolt Type and Finish Nut Class and Finish

Type 1, plain (noncoated) A563 - C, C3, D, DH, DH3, plain
Type 1, zinc coated A563 - DH, zinc coated
Type 1, coated in accordance with ASTM A563 - DH coated in accordance with ASTM
Specification F1136, Grade 3 Specification F1136, Grade 5
Type 3, plain A563 - C3, DH3, plain

Alternatively, nuts conforming to ASTM A194/A194M Gr. 2H are considered a suitable

substitute for use with A325 Type 1 heavy hex structural bolts.

Washers conforming to ASTM F436 are the recommended washers for use with A325 heavy
hex structural bolts. The washers shall have a surface finish for each type of bolt as follows:

Bolt Type and Finish Washer Finish

Type 1, plain (uncoated) Plain (uncoated)
Type 1, zinc coated Zinc coated
Type 1, coated in accordance with ASTM F1136, Coated in accordance with ASTM F1136, Grade
Grade 3 3
Type 3, plain Weathering steel, plain

When compressible washer type direct tension indicators are specified to be used with these
bolts, they shall conform to ASTM F959, Type 325.

ASTM A490: Standard Specification for Structural Bolts, Alloy Steel, Heat
Treated, 150 ksi Minimum Tensile Strength (Withdrawn 2016)

ASTM A490 was withdrawn in May 2016 and replaced by Specification F3125/F3125M. In
view of this, technical information about the now obsolete ASTM A490 specification is given
here for reference and informational purposes only.

ASTM A490 covers two types of quenched and tempered, alloy steel, heavy hex structural
bolts having a tensile strength of 150 to 173 ksi. These bolts are intended for use in
structural connections.

The bolts are furnished in sizes 1⁄2 to 11⁄2 in., inclusive. They are designated by type denoting
chemical composition as follows:

46 Mechanical Properties and Identification Markings for Threaded Fasteners

www.practicalmaintenance.net
 Type Description
Type 1 Medium carbon alloy steel
Type 2 Withdrawn in 2002
Type 3 Weathering steel

Hardness Requirements

The bolts shall conform to the hardness specified in the following table.

Bolt Size, in. Bolt Length, in. Brinell Rockwell C

Min Max Min Max
1⁄ to 1, incl Less than 2DA 311 352 33 39
2
2DA and longer - 352 - 39
1 to 11⁄2 , incl Less than 3DA 311 352 33 39
3DA and longer - 352 - 39
A - Heavy hex structural bolts 1 in. and smaller and shorter than 2D are subject only to minimum and

maximum hardness. Heavy hex structural bolts larger than 1 through 1 1⁄2, incl., in diameter and
shorter than 3D are subject only to minimum and maximum hardness.

Tensile Properties (Full-Size Bolts)

The bolts shall conform to the minimum tensile load and proof load or alternative proof load
as per following stress values.

Tensile Load: 150 000 psi (min) and 173 000 psi (max)
Proof Load (Length Measurement Method): 120 000 psi
Alternative Proof Load (Yield Strength Method): 130 000 psi

Product Marking

For grade identification, Type 1 bolts shall be marked “A 490” and Type 3 bolts shall be
marked “A 490” (A 490 underlined).

In addition to grade identification as above, All Type 1 and Type 3 bolts shall be marked by
the manufacturer with a unique identifier to identify the manufacturer or private label
distributor, as appropriate.

Recommended Nuts and Washers

Nuts conforming to the requirements of ASTM A563 are the recommended nuts for use with
ASTM A490 heavy hex structural bolts. The nuts shall be of the class and have a surface
finish for each type of bolt as follows:

Bolt Type and Finish Nut Class and Finish

Type 1, plain (uncoated) ASTM A563 - DH, DH3 plain (uncoated)
Type 3, weathering steel ASTM A563 - DH3, weathering steel

Alternatively, nuts conforming to ASTM A194, Gr. 2H plain (uncoated) are considered a
suitable substitute for use with ASTM A490 Type 1 heavy hex structural bolts.

Washers conforming to ASTM F436 are the recommended washers for use with ASTM A490
heavy hex structural bolts. The washers shall have a surface finish for each type of bolt as
follows:

47 Mechanical Properties and Identification Markings for Threaded Fasteners

www.practicalmaintenance.net
 Bolt Type and Finish Washer Finish
Type 1, plain (uncoated) Plain (uncoated)
Type 3, weathering steel Weathering steel

When compressible washer type direct tension indicators are specified to be used with these
bolts, they shall conform to ASTM F959 Type 490.

As ASTM A490 is applicable to heavy hex structural bolts only, the thread length shall not be
changed from that specified in ASME B18.2.6 for heavy hex structural bolts. Bolts requiring
thread lengths other than those required by this specification (ASTM A490) shall be ordered
under ASTM A354 Gr. BD (this specification is having mechanical properties similar to
ASTM A490).

ASTM A490 bolts are similar in application and dimensions to ASTM A325 heavy hex
structural bolts but are made from an alloy steel rather than a medium carbon steel, resulting
in a higher strength fastener.

ASTM A354: Standard Specification for Quenched and Tempered Alloy Steel
Bolts, Studs, and Other Externally Threaded Fasteners

ASTM A354 covers the chemical and mechanical requirements of quenched and tempered
alloy steel bolts, studs, and other externally threaded fasteners 4 in. and under in diameter
for application at normal atmospheric temperatures, where high strength is required and for
limited application at elevated temperature. For bolts, studs, or other externally threaded
fasteners, to be used at elevated temperatures, please see ASTM A193/A193M. Two levels
of bolting strength are covered, Grades BC and BD.

Grade BD bolts are higher in strength than grade BC, and equal in strength to ASTM F3125
grade A490 bolts. Unlike A490 however, the A354 standard is unrestricted in its
configuration. Also, since A490 bolts are for structural use and do not exceed 1 1⁄2” in
diameter, A354 grade BD should be considered for anchor bolts, threaded rods, other styles
of headed bolts, and bolts larger than 11⁄2” diameter where similar mechanical properties are
desired. A354 grade BD does not require a magnetic particle test like A490, except when
called out as a supplemental requirement.

Grade BC is lower in strength than BD. It should be considered in lieu of F3125 grade A325
bolts when configuration and size conflicts occur with A325 as described above for grade BD
and A490 bolts.

Hardness Requirements

Fasteners (Full-Size Fasteners) shall not exceed the maximum hardness specified in the
following table.

Size, in. Grade Brinell Rockwell C

Minimum Maximum Minimum Maximum
1⁄
4 to 2 ⁄2
1 BC 255 331 26 36
Over 21⁄2 BC 235 311 22 33
1⁄ to 21⁄ BD 311 363 33 39
4 2
Over 21⁄2 BD 293 363 31 39

Fasteners less than three diameters in length and studs less than four diameters in length
shall have hardness values not less than the minimum nor more than the maximum
hardness limits required in above table, as hardness is the only requirement.

48 Mechanical Properties and Identification Markings for Threaded Fasteners

www.practicalmaintenance.net
Tensile Properties (All Full-Size Fasteners)

The bolts shall conform to the minimum tensile load and proof load or alternative proof load
as per following stress values.

For Grade BC

Tensile Load, min: 125 000 psi for sizes 1⁄4 to 21⁄2 in., inclusive, and 115 000 psi for sizes
over 21⁄2 to 4 in., inclusive.
Proof Load (Length Measurement Method), min: 105 000 psi for sizes 1⁄4 to 21⁄2 in., inclusive,
and 95 000 psi for sizes over 21⁄2 to 4 in., inclusive.
Alternative Proof Load (Yield Strength Method), min: 109 000 psi for sizes 1⁄4 to 21⁄2 in.,
inclusive, and 99 000 psi for sizes over 21⁄2 to 4 in., inclusive.

For Grade BD

Tensile Load, min: 150 000 psi for sizes 1⁄4 to 21⁄2 in., inclusive, and 140 000 psi for sizes
over 21⁄2 to 4 in., inclusive.
Proof Load (Length Measurement Method), min: 120 000 psi for sizes 1⁄4 to 21⁄2 in., inclusive,
and 105 000 psi for sizes over 21⁄2 to 4 in., inclusive.
Alternative Proof Load (Yield Strength Method), min: 130 000 psi for sizes 1⁄4 to 21⁄2 in.,
inclusive, and 115 000 psi for sizes over 21⁄2 to 4 in., inclusive.

Product Marking

For grade identification, all grade BC products shall be marked “BC” and all grade BD
products shall be marked “BD”. In addition to the “BD” marking, the product may be marked
with 6 radial lines 60° apart if manufactured from alloy steel conforming to the requirements
of this specification.

In addition to grade identification as above, all products shall be marked by the manufacturer
with a unique identifier to identify the manufacturer or private label distributor, as
appropriate.

Recommended Nuts

Nuts are covered in ASTM A563. Unless otherwise specified, the ASTM A563 grade and
style of nut for each grade of fastener shall be as follows:

Grade of Fastener and Surface Finish Nut Grade and Style

BC, plain (or with a coating of insufficient thickness to require over- C, heavy hex
tapped nuts)
BC, zinc-coated (or with a coating thickness requiring over-tapped nuts) DH, heavy hex
BD, all finishes DH, heavy hex

ASTM F3125: Standard Specification for High Strength Structural Bolts, Steel
and Alloy Steel, Heat Treated, 120 ksi (830 MPa) and 150 ksi (1040 MPa)
Minimum Tensile Strength, Inch and Metric Dimensions

ASTM F3125covers chemical, physical and mechanical requirements for quenched and
tempered bolts manufactured from steel and alloy steel, in inch and metric dimensions, in
two strength grades, two types and two styles. This specification is a consolidation and
replacement of six ASTM standards, including; A325, A325M, A490, A490M, F1852 and
F2280.

49 Mechanical Properties and Identification Markings for Threaded Fasteners

www.practicalmaintenance.net
Bolts manufactured under this specification are intended for use in structural connections
covered in the Specification for Structural Joints Using High-Strength Bolts, as approved by
the Research Council on Structural Connections. Bolts in this specification are furnished in
sizes from 1⁄2 to 11⁄2 in. inclusive and from M12 to M36 inclusive.

Classification

For classification, bolts are designated as given below.

Bolts are designated by grade or property class, which indicates inch or metric respectively.
Bolts are designated by type denoting raw material chemical composition.
Bolts are designated by style denoting Heavy Hex bolts or “Twist-Off” Style assemblies.

Grade Min. Strength Type Style

A325 120 ksi 1 3 Heavy Hex Head
A325M 830 MPa 1 3 Heavy Hex Head
F1852 120 ksi 1 3 Twist-Off
A490 150 ksi 1 3 Heavy Hex Head
A490M 1040 MPa 1 3 Heavy Hex Head
F2280 150 ksi 1 3 Twist-Off

Type 1 - 120 ksi (830 MPa) - carbon steel, carbon boron steel, alloy steel or alloy steel with
boron addition
Type 3 - 120 ksi (830 MPa) or 150 ksi (1040 MPa) - weathering steel
Type 1 - 150 ksi (1040 MPa) - alloy steel or alloy steel with boron addition

Hardness Requirements

Bolts shall conform to the hardness as per the following table. For lots on which both
hardness and tension tests are performed, acceptance based on tensile requirements shall
take precedence in the event of low hardness readings.

Nom. Dia. Length 120 ksi/830 MPa Tensile, 150 ksi/1040 MPa Tensile
Grade A325, A325M, F1852 Grade A490, A490M, F2280
Brinell HB Rockwell HRC Brinell HB Rockwell HRC
Min Max Min Max Min Max Min Max
Up to 1 in., Less than 2D 253 319 25 34 311 352 33 38
M24 inclusive 2D and longer - 319 - 34 - 352 - 38
Over 1 in., Less than 3D 253 319 25 34 311 352 33 38
M24 3D and longer - 319 - 34 - 352 - 38

Tensile Properties (Full-Size Bolts)

Diameters 1 in./M24 and smaller having a nominal length of 21⁄4 D and longer, and sizes
over 1 in./M24 having a nominal length of 3D and longer, shall be wedge tested full size to
F606/F606M and shall conform to the minimum wedge tensile strength and proof load
(stress) or alternative proof load (stress) specified in the following table.

Sizes 1 in./M24 and smaller having a nominal length shorter than 21⁄4 D down to 2D,
inclusive, that cannot be wedge tensile tested, shall be axially tension tested full size to
F606/F606M and shall conform to the minimum tensile strength and poof load (stress) or
alternate proof load (stress) specified in the following table.

Sizes 1 in./M24 and smaller having a nominal length shutter than 2D and sizes larger than 1
in./M24 with nominal lengths shorter than 3D that cannot be axially tensile tested shall be
qualified on the basis of hardness.

50 Mechanical Properties and Identification Markings for Threaded Fasteners

www.practicalmaintenance.net
 Bolt Classification Tensile Tensile Proof Load (stress), Alternative Proof Load
Strength Strength Length Measurement, (stress), Yield Strength
min. max. min. Method, min.
120 ksi - A325, F1852 120000 - 85000 92000
150 ksi - A490, F2280 150000 173000 120000 130000
830 MPa - A325M 830 MPa - 600 MPa 660 MPa
1040 MPa - A490M 1040 MPa 1210 MPa 830 MPa 940 MPa

Product Marking and Matching Components (Nuts and Washers)

Product marking shall be as per the following table. The table also shows recommended
nuts and washers.

Product 120 ksi Min Tensile 830 MPa Min Tensile 150 ksi Min Tensile 1040 MPa Min Tensile
(Inch) (Metric) (Inch) (Metric)
Type 1 Type 3 Type 1 Type 3 Type 1 Type 3 Type 1 Type 3
Grade Marking for A325 A325 A325M A325M A490 A490 A490M A490M
Heavy Hex Bolts
Grade Marking for A325TC A325TC A490TC A490TC
Twist-Off Bolts
Alt. Grade Marking A325 A325 A490 A490
for Twist-Off Bolts
Recommended Nut and Washer
Plain Nut A563 DH A563 DH3 A563M 10S A563M 10S3 A563 DH A563 DH3 A563M 10S A563M 10S3
Suitable AlternativeA DH3, D, C, C3 C3 8S, 8S3, 10S3 8S3 - - 10S3 -
Coated Nut A563 DH A563 DH3 A563M 10S A563M 10S3 A563 DH A563 DH3 A563M 10S A563M 10S3
Flat, Bevel or Thick F436-1 F436-3 F436M-1 F436M-3 F436-1 F436-3 F436M-1 F436M-3
Washer if used.
A
- ASTM A194/A194M 2H heavy hex inch nuts may be used in place of A563 DH nuts on type 1 A325, A490, F1852 and
F2280 bolts. 2H heavy hex metric nuts may be used in place of A563M 10S nuts on type 1 A325M and A490M bolts. When
coated 2H nuts are used in place of DH or 10S nuts, the same requirements of A563, A563M, and this specification, including
Annex A1, shall apply. These include, but are not limited to, overtap amount, coating grade, lubrication requirements, and proof
load testing.

For supplementary requirements, please see the specification. It may be noted that Grade
A490 is stronger than Grade A325, but it cannot be hot dip or mechanical galvanized
because these coatings have not been qualified and accepted by ASTM committee.

ASTM A574: Standard Specification for Alloy Steel Socket-Head Cap Screws

ASTM A574 covers the requirements for quenched and tempered alloy steel hexagon
socket-head cap screws, 0.060 through 4 in. in diameter where high strength is required.

Mechanical Properties

Different tests shall be conducted in order to determine the mechanical properties of the
screws and they shall meet the mechanical requirements as per the following table.

≤0.5 in. >0.5 in. and <1.0 in. ≥1.0 in.

Property (for full-size screws)
Nom. Dia. Nom. Dia. Nom. Dia.
Tensile or wedge tensile strength, min, ksi 180 170 170
Proof load (stress), ksi 140 135 135
Product hardness: Rockwell (HRC) 39-45 37-45 37-45

Product Marking

All screws with nominal diameters of 1⁄4 in. and larger manufactured to this revision shall be
permanently marked to identify the manufacturer’s or private label distributor’s identification
symbol. Marking for “Socket Head Cap Screws” shall be on the side of the head or on top.

51 Mechanical Properties and Identification Markings for Threaded Fasteners

www.practicalmaintenance.net
ASTM F1554: Standard Specification for Anchor Bolts, Steel, 36, 55, and 105-
ksi Yield Strength

ASTM F1554 covers straight, bent, headed, and headless anchor bolts (also known as
anchor rods) made of carbon, medium carbon boron, alloy, or high-strength low alloy steel.
The specification provides for anchor bolts in three strength grades and two thread classes.

Anchor bolts are intended for anchoring structural supports to concrete foundations. Such
structural supports include building columns, column supports for highway signs, street
lighting and traffic signals, steel bearing plates, and similar applications.

Threads can be rolled, cut, or ground at the option of the manufacturer. Grade 36 anchor
bolts are considered weldable. At the manufacturer’s option, a weldable Grade 55 may be
supplied when Grade 36 is specified.

Classification

Anchor bolts may be furnished in three grades (denoting minimum yield strength) and two
classes (denoting thread class) as follows:

Grade Diameter Range, Tensile Strength, Yield Strength,

in. ksi (MPa) min, ksi (MPa)
36 1⁄ - 4 58 - 80 (400 - 558) 36 (248)
2
55 1⁄ - 4 75 - 95 (517 - 655) 55 (380)
2
105 1⁄ - 3 125 - 150 (862 - 1034) 105 (724)
2

1A: anchor bolts with Class 1A threads

2A: anchor bolts with Class 2A threads

Nuts

Recommended nuts from ASTM Specification A563 for each grade and diameter of the
anchor bolt are as follows:

Anchor Bolt Grade and Diameter, Plain Hot-Dip or Mechanical

in. Zinc-coated
Grade Diameter, in. Grade Style Grade Style
36 1⁄ - 11⁄ A Hex A Hex
2 2
over 11⁄2 A Heavy Hex A Heavy Hex
55 1⁄ - 11⁄ A Hex A Heavy Hex
2 2
over 11⁄2 - 4 A Heavy Hex A Heavy Hex
105 All DH Heavy Hex DH Heavy Hex

The availability of A563 grade DH nuts in nominal sizes 1″ and larger is very limited and
generally available only on large orders. For smaller quantities, ASTM A194 grade 2H
should be considered.

Washers

Unless the washer material and dimensions are otherwise specified in the inquiry and the
order, washers conforming to the requirements of ASTM Specification F436, Type 1 shall be
furnished.

Unless otherwise specified, when zinc-coated anchor bolts are specified, the washers shall
be zinc coated.

52 Mechanical Properties and Identification Markings for Threaded Fasteners

www.practicalmaintenance.net
Product Marking

Unless otherwise specified, the end of each anchor bolt intended to project from the
concrete shall be color coded to identify the grade as follows:

Grade Color
36 Blue
55 Yellow
55 - Weldable Yellow (projecting end) & White (encased end)
105 Red

Instead of color coding as specified above, as per supplementary requirement S3, the end of
the anchor bolt intended to project from the concrete shall be steel die stamped with the
grade identification as follows:

Grade Identification
36 AB36
55 AB55
105 AB105

Other supplementary requirements provided in the specification are for:

S1 - Weldable Grade 55 Bars and Anchor Bolts,
S2 - Permanent Manufacturer’s Identification and
S4 - Grades 55 and 105 Charpy Absorbed-Energy Requirements.

Orders should include grade and class; size and dimensions; coatings detail if required;
number of nuts; number of washers; etc.

ASTM A394: Standard Specification for Steel Transmission Tower Bolts, Zinc-
Coated and Bare

ASTM A394 covers the chemical and mechanical requirements of hexagon and square-head
zinc-coated steel bolts and atmospheric corrosion-resistant bolts, in nominal thread
diameters of 1⁄2, 5⁄8, 3⁄4, 7⁄8 and 1 in. for use in the construction of transmission towers,
substations, and similar steel structures. The various types of bolts covered in this
specification are:

Type 0 - Hot-dip zinc-coated bolts made of low or medium carbon steel.

Type 1 - Hot-dip zinc-coated bolts made of medium carbon steel, quenched and tempered.
Type 2 - Withdrawn in 2005.
Type 3 - Bare (uncoated), quenched and tempered bolts made of weathering steel.

Mechanical Properties

Types 0, 1 and 3 bolts having a length equal to or more than 3 diameters shall be wedge
tension tested and shall conform to the tensile strength requirements as per the following
table. Zinc-coated bolts shall be tested after coating.

Nominal Size, in. Minimum Tensile Load, lbf

Type 0A Type 1 and 3B
1⁄ 10500 17050
2
5⁄ 16700 27100
8
3⁄ 24700 40100
4
7⁄ 34200 55450
8
1 44850 72700

53 Mechanical Properties and Identification Markings for Threaded Fasteners

www.practicalmaintenance.net
A Based on 74000 psi unit tensile strength.
B Based on 120000 psi unit tensile strength.

Bolts too short for full size testing or for other reasons not subject to tension tests, shall meet
the following hardness requirements:

Type 0 - Rockwell B: 80 (Min) - 100 (Max)

Type 1 and 3 - Rockwell C: 25 (Min) - 34 (Max)

Marking

Bolt heads shall be marked to identify the bolt type as per the following.

Bolt Type Head Marking

0 T-0
1 T-1
3 T-3

Bolt heads shall be also marked with the manufacturer or private label distributor, as
appropriate.

Type and manufacturer's or private label distributor's identification shall be separate and
distinct. The two identifications shall preferably be in different locations and, when on the
same level, shall be separated by at least two spaces.

Recommended Nuts

Unless otherwise specified, all nuts on these bolts shall be hex style and conform to the
requirements of Specification A563 as follows.

Bolt Type Nut Grade Finish

0 A hot-dip zinc-coated
1 DH hot-dip zinc-coated
3 DH3 plain

Recommended Washers

Suitable washers for use with Type 0 are hot-dip zinc-coated carbon-steel washers with
dimensions that are in accordance with ASTM Specification F436. Suitable washers for use
with Type 1 bolts are hot-dip zinc-coated Type 1 hardened-steel washers that are in
accordance with ASTM Specification F436. Suitable washers for use with Type 3 bolts are
Type 3 hardened-steel washers that are in accordance with ASTM Specification F436.

ASTM F835: Alloy Steel Socket Button and Flat Countersunk Head Cap Screws

ASTM F835 covers the requirements for quenched and tempered alloy steel hexagon socket
button (SBHCS) 0.060 through 0.625 thread sizes and flat countersunk (SFHCS) 0.060
through 1.5 thread sizes head cap screws having material properties for high-strength
requirements.

Fasteners meeting this specification are intended for shear-type applications and have
tensile requirements ranging from 122 to 150 ksi.

54 Mechanical Properties and Identification Markings for Threaded Fasteners

www.practicalmaintenance.net
Mechanical Properties
The finished screws shall conform to the mechanical requirements as per the following table.
Mechanical Requirement Nominal Thread Size, in.
0.500 and smaller Over 0.500
Full-size Screws
Tensile, min, ksi 145 135
Machined Test Specimen
Yield strength at 0.2 % offset, min, ksi A 153
Tensile strength, min, ksi A 170
Elongation in 4D, min, % A 8
Reduction of area, min, % A 35
Product Hardness
Rockwell C 39 - 44 37 - 44
Vickers DPH 382 - 434 363 - 434
A - Not applicable.

ASTM F912: Alloy Steel Socket Set Screws

ASTM F912 covers the requirements for quenched and tempered alloy steel socket-set
screws (SSS) 0.060 through 2.000 in. sizes having hardnesses 45 to 53 HRC. These set
screws are intended for compression applications only.

Mechanical Properties
Socket set screws when subjected to a torque test in accordance with the specification shall
withstand application of the test tightening torque specified in the following table without
evidence of the socket reaming or the screw bursting.
Nominal Test Torque Nominal Test Torque Nominal Test Torque
Size in.-lb, min Size in.-lb, min Size in.-lb, min
0 (0.060) 1.1 10 (0.190) 40 7⁄ (0.875) 5750
8
1 (0.073) 2.1 1⁄ (0.250) 94 1 (1.000) 8000
4
2 (0.086) 2.1 5⁄ 11⁄8 (1.125)
16 (0.312) 183 8000
3 (0.099) 6.0 3⁄ (0.375) 317 11⁄4 (1.250) 11000
8
4 (0.112) 6.0 7⁄ 13⁄8 (1.375)
16 (0.437) 502 11000
5 (0.125) 11 1⁄ (0.500) 750 11⁄2 (1.500) 18100
2
6 (0.138) 11 5⁄ (0.625) 1460 13⁄4 (1.750) 38000
8
8 (0.164) 23 3⁄ (0.750) 2520 2 (2.000) 38000
4

Socket set screws shall have a hardness of 45 to 53 HRC. The hardness limits shall apply
throughout the screw from core to surface.

Packets containing SBHCS, SFHCS and SSS are marked with ASTM designation, size,
brand name or trademark of the manufacturer, number of pieces, purchase order number,
and country of origin.

55 Mechanical Properties and Identification Markings for Threaded Fasteners

www.practicalmaintenance.net
 ASTM Standards for Carbon and Alloy Steel Nuts
There are two ASTM standards for carbon and alloy steel nuts: A563 and A563M. A563M is
the metric companion of A563. Information about these standards is given in this chapter.

ASTM A563: Standard Specification for Carbon and Alloy Steel Nuts

ASTM A563 covers chemical and mechanical requirements for eight grades (O, A, B, C, D,
DH, C3 and DH3) of carbon and alloy steel nuts for general structural and mechanical uses
on bolts, studs, and other externally threaded parts.

According to the A563 specification, “The requirements for any grade of nut may, at the
supplier’s option, and with notice to the purchaser, be fulfilled by furnishing nuts of one of the
stronger grades specified herein unless such substitution is barred in the inquiry and
purchase order”. This is important because some nut grades are not readily available in
certain sizes and finishes.

Grades C3 and DH3 nuts have atmospheric corrosion resistance and weathering
characteristics comparable to that of the steels covered in specifications A242/A242M, A588/
A588M, and A709/A709M. The atmospheric corrosion resistance of these steels is
substantially better than that of carbon steel with or without copper addition. When properly
exposed to the atmosphere, these steels can be used bare (uncoated) for many
applications.

Non-zinc-coated nuts are nuts intended for use with externally threaded fasteners which
have a plain (nonplated or noncoated) finish or have a plating or coating of insufficient
thickness to necessitate overtapping the nut thread to provide assemblability. Zinc-coated
nuts are nuts intended for use with externally threaded fasteners which are hot-dip zinc-
coated, mechanically zinc-coated, or have a plating or coating of sufficient thickness to
necessitate overtapping the nut thread to provide assemblability.

Manufacturing

Nuts may be made cold or hot by forming, pressing, or punching or may be machined from
bar stock. Threads shall be formed by tapping or machining.

Hot-dip zinc-coated nuts shall be tapped after zinc coating. Mechanically deposited zinc-
coated nuts for assembly with mechanically deposited zinc-coated bolts shall be tapped
oversize prior to zinc coating and need not be retapped afterwards.

Nuts to be used on bolts with Class 2A threads before hot-dip zinc coating, and then hot-dip
zinc coated in accordance with Specification F2329, shall be tapped oversize after coating,

Hot-dip and mechanically deposited zinc-coated Grade DH nuts shall be provided with an
additional lubricant which shall be clean and dry to the touch.

Mechanical Properties

The hardness of nuts of each grade shall not exceed the maximum hardness specified for
the grade in the following table.

Nuts of each grade, shall withstand the proof load stress specified for the grade, size, style,
thread series, and surface finish of the nut in the following table.

56 Mechanical Properties and Identification Markings for Threaded Fasteners

www.practicalmaintenance.net
 Nuts with UNC, 8 UN, 6 UN and Coarser Pitch Threads
Grade Nominal Style Proof Load Stress, ksiA Hardness
of Nut Size, of Non-Zinc-Coated Zinc-Coated Brinell Rockwell
Nut in. Nut Nuts Nuts min max min max
O 1⁄ to 11⁄ hex 69 52 103 302 B55 C32
4 2
A 1⁄ to 11⁄ hex 90 68 116 302 B68 C32
4 2
B 1⁄ to 1 hex 120 90 121 302 B69 C32
4
B 11⁄8 to 11⁄2 hex 105 79 121 302 B69 C32
DB 1⁄ to 11⁄ hex 135 135 159 352 B84 C38
4 2
DHC 1⁄ to 11⁄ hex 150 150 248 352 C24 C38
4 2
DH3 1⁄ to 1 hex 150 150 248 352 C24 C38
2
A 1⁄ to 4 heavy hex 100 75 116 302 B68 C32
4
B 1⁄ to 1 heavy hex 133 100 121 302 B69 C32
4
B 11⁄8 to 11⁄2 heavy hex 116 87 121 302 B69 C32
CB 1⁄ to 4 heavy hex 144 144 143 352 B78 C38
4
C3 1⁄ to 4 heavy hex 144 144 143 352 B78 C38
4
DB 1⁄ to 4 heavy hex 150 150 159 352 B84 C38
4
DHC 1⁄ to 4 heavy hex 175 150 248 352 C24 C38
4
DH3 1⁄ to 4 heavy hex 175 150 248 352 C24 C38
4
Nuts with UNF, 12 UN, and Finer Pitch Threads
O 1⁄ to 11⁄ hex 65 49 103 302 B55 C32
4 2
A 1⁄ to 11⁄ hex 80 60 116 302 B68 C32
4 2
B 1⁄ to 1 hex 109 82 121 302 B69 C32
4
B 11⁄8 to 11⁄2 hex 94 70 121 302 B69 C32
DB 1⁄ to 11⁄ hex 135 135 159 352 B84 C38
4 2
DHC 1⁄ to 11⁄ hex 150 150 248 352 C24 C38
4 2
A 1⁄ to 4 heavy hex 90 68 116 302 B68 C32
4
B 1⁄ to 1 heavy hex 120 90 121 302 B69 C32
4
B 11⁄8 to 11⁄2 heavy hex 105 79 121 302 B69 C32
DB 1⁄ to 4 heavy hex 150 150 159 352 B84 C38
4
DHC 1⁄ to 4 heavy hex 175 150 248 352 C24 C38
4
A - To determine nut proof load in pounds, multiply the appropriate nut proof load stress by the tensile

stress area of the thread.

B - Nuts made in accordance to the requirements of Specification A194/A194M, Grade 2 or Grade 2H,

and marked with their grade symbol are acceptable equivalents for Grades C and D nuts. When A194
zinc-coated inch series nuts are supplied, the zinc coating, overtapping, lubrication and rotational
capacity testing shall be in accordance with Specification A563.
C - Nuts made in accordance with the requirements of Specification A194/A194M, Grade 2H, and

marked with its grade symbol are an acceptable equivalent for Grade DH nuts. When A194 zinc-
coated inch series nuts are supplied, the zinc coating, overtapping, lubrication and rotational capacity
testing shall be in accordance with Specification A563.

Jam nuts, slotted nuts, nuts smaller in width across flats or thickness than standard hex nuts
(ANSI B18.2.2), and nuts that would require a proof load in excess of 160000 lbf may be
furnished on the basis of minimum hardness requirements specified for the grade in above
table, unless proof load testing is specified in the inquiry and purchase order.

Product Marking

Nuts made to the requirements of Grades O, A, and B are not required to be marked unless
individual marking is specified in the inquiry and order. When individual marking is required,
the mark shall be the grade letter symbol on one face of the nut.

Heavy hex nuts made to the requirements of Grade C (see Note X given below) shall be
marked on one face with three circumferential marks 120° apart.

57 Mechanical Properties and Identification Markings for Threaded Fasteners

www.practicalmaintenance.net
Heavy hex nuts made to the requirements of Grade C3 shall be marked on one face with
three circumferential marks 120° apart and the numeral 3.

Nuts made to the requirements of Grade D shall be marked with the grade symbol, D (Note
X) on one face.

Nuts made to the requirements of Grade DH shall be marked with the grade symbol, DH
(Note X) on one face.

Heavy hex nuts made to the requirements of Grade DH3 shall be marked with the grade
symbol DH3 on one face. Hex nuts made to the requirements of DH3 shall be marked with
the symbol HX3 on one face.

In addition, nuts of Grades C, C3, D, DH, and DH3 and hex nuts made to the requirements
of DH3, shall be marked with a symbol to identify the manufacturer or private label
distributor, as appropriate.

Note X: See above table (C in Table for Mechanical Properties) for marking of equivalent
nuts made in accordance with requirements of Specification A194/A194M.

Nut and Bolt Suitability Guide

Following table, nut and bolt suitability guide (Appendix X1 of ASTM A563), gives additional
information for the intended application of nuts.

Nut and Bolt Suitability Guide

Grade of BoltD Surface FinishE Nominal Grade and ANSI Nut StyleA
Size, RecommendedB SuitableC
in. Hex Heavy Hex Square Hex Heavy Hex Hex Thick
A 307 Grade A non-zinc coated 1
⁄4 to 11⁄2 A - A B,D,DH A,B,C,D,DH,DH3 A,B,D,DH
and >11⁄2 to 2 - A - AF C,D,DH,DH3 -
zinc-coated > 2 to 4 - A - - C,D,DH,DH3 -
A 307 Grade B non-zinc coated 1
⁄4 to 11⁄2 - A A B,D,DH B,C,D,DH,DH3 A,B,D,DH
and >11⁄2 to 2 - A - AF C,D,DH,DH3 -
zinc-coated > 2 to 4 - A - - C,D,DH,DH3 -
A 325 Type 1 non-zinc coated 1
⁄2 to 11⁄2 - C - - C3,D,DH,DH3 -
zinc-coated 1
⁄2 to 11⁄2 - DH - - - -
A 325 Type 3 non-zinc coated 1
⁄2 to 11⁄2 - C3 - - DH3 -
A 354 Grade BC non-zinc coated 1
⁄4 to 11⁄2 - C - D,DH C3,D,DH,DH3 D,DH
>11⁄2 to 4 - C - - C3,D,DH,DH3 -
zinc-coated 1
⁄4 to 11⁄2 - DH - - - DH
>11⁄2 to 4 - DH - - - -
A 354 Grade BD non-zinc coated 1
⁄4 to 11⁄2 - DH - DH D,DH,DH3 D,DH
>11⁄2 to 4 - DH - - DH3 -
A 394 Type 0 zinc-coated 1
⁄2 to 1 A - - B,D - -
A 394 Type 1 and 2 zinc-coated 1
⁄2 to 1 DH - - D - -
A 394 Type 3 non-zinc coated 1
⁄2 to 1 DH3 - - - C3 -
A 449 Type 1 and 2 non-zinc coated 1
⁄4 to 11⁄2 B - - D,DH B,C,C3,D,DH,DH3 B,D,DH
>11⁄2 to 3 - A - - C,C3,D,DH,DH3 -
zinc-coated 1
⁄4 to 11⁄2 - DH - D,DH D D,DH
>11⁄2 to 3 - DH - - D -
A 490 Type 1 and 2 non-zinc coated 1
⁄2 to 11⁄2 - DH - - DH3 -
A 490 Type 3 non-zinc coated 1
⁄2 to 11⁄2 - DH3 - - - -
A 687 non-zinc coated 11⁄4 to 3 - D - - DH,DH3 -
zinc-coated 11⁄4 to 3 - DH - - - -
A - The availability of DH nuts in nominal sizes 3⁄4 in. and larger is very limited and generally available only on
special orders for 50000 pieces or more. For smaller quantities A194 Gr. 2H nuts should be considered.
B - “Recommended” denotes a commercially available nut having the most suitable mechanical properties and

dimensional configuration (style) that will make it possible to torque the bolt to the required load when used in
combination with the nut.
C - “Suitable” denotes nuts having mechanical properties that will make it possible to torque the bolt to the

required load when used in combination with the nut; but, which require consideration of dimensional
configuration (style) suitability and availability. Others are not suitable.

58 Mechanical Properties and Identification Markings for Threaded Fasteners

www.practicalmaintenance.net
D - The term “bolt” includes all externally threaded types of fasteners.
E - Non-zinc-coated nuts are nuts intended for use with externally threaded fasteners, which have a plain
(nonplated or noncoated) finish or a have a plating or coating of insufficient thickness to necessitate overtapping
the nut thread to provide assembiability. Zinc-coated nuts are nuts intended for use with externally threaded
fasteners which are not hot-dip zinc-coated, mechanically zinc-coated, or have a plating or coating of sufficient
thickness to necessitate overtapping the nut thread to provide assembiability.
F - Hex nuts in nominal sizes over 1 1⁄ to 2 in. inclusive are not covered in the tables of tabulated sizes in ANSI
2
B18.2.2 but are commercially available [having dimensions conforming to ANSI B18.2.2 calculated using the
formulas for the 11⁄4 through 11⁄2-in. size range in Appendix III (Formulas for Nut Dimensions) of ANSI B18.2.2].
Such nuts are suitable.

ASTM A563M: Standard Specification for Carbon and Alloy Steel Nuts (Metric)

ASTM A563M covers chemical and mechanical requirements for eight property classes of
hex and hex-flange carbon and alloy steel nuts for general structural and mechanical uses
on bolts, studs, and other externally threaded parts. This specification is the metric
companion of ASTM A563.

Requirements for the four classes 5, 9, 10, and 12 are essentially identical with requirements
given for these classes in ISO 898-2. Requirements for Classes 8S and 10S are essentially
identical with requirements in an ISO 4775 (withdrawn) Hexagon Nuts for High-Strength
Structural Bolting with Large Width Across Flats, Product Grade B, Property Classes 8 and
10. Classes 8S3 and 10S3 are not recognized in ISO standards.

Classes 8S3 and 10S3 nuts have atmospheric corrosion resistance and weathering
characteristics comparable to those of the steels covered in Specification A588/A588M.

For mechanical properties, please see the standard.

Product Marking

Nuts of all classes, in nominal thread diameters M5 and larger, shall be marked with the
property class designation (5, 9, 10, 12, 8S, 10S, 8S3, or 10S3) on the top or bearing
surface, on the top of flange, or on one of the wrenching flats of the nut.

Additionally, nuts of Classes 10, 12, 8S, 8S3, 10S, and 10S3 shall be marked with a symbol
to identify the manufacturer or private label distributor, as appropriate.

Nut/Bolt Suitability Guide

Following table (Appendix X1, Intended Application) presents guidance on the strength
suitability of nuts for use in combination with various property classes of metric bolts, screws
and studs.

In the following table,

The term “bolt” includes all types of externally threaded products.

“Plain” applies to any bolt that is non-coated or non-plated, or that has a coating or plating of
insufficient thickness to require that the nut be overtapped. “Zinc-coated” applies to any bolt
that is hot-dip or mechanically zinc-coated or otherwise coated or plated with a coating or
plating of sufficient thickness to require the use of overtapped nuts.

G indicate recommended nut class and style.

H indicate non-suitable nut.
I indicate suitable nut class and style.

59 Mechanical Properties and Identification Markings for Threaded Fasteners

www.practicalmaintenance.net
 Nut/Bolt Suitability Guide
Class of Bolt, Nominal Surface Property Class and Dimensional Style of Nut
Screw or Stud Diameter of Finish of 5 9 10 12 8S 8S3 10S 10S3
Bolt/Nut Bolt H1A HHB H2C HFD HHB H1A HFD H2C HFD HHB HHB HHB HHB HHB
F568, Class 4.6 M5 to M36 plain G H I I H I I I I I I I I I
zinc-coated G H H H H H H I I H H H I H
M42 to M100 plain H G H H I H H H H I H H H H
zinc-coated H G H H H H H H H I H H H H
F568, Class 4.8 M1.6 to M16 plain G H I I H I I I I H H H H H
zinc-coated G H H H H H H I I H H H I H
F568, Class 5.8 M5 to M24 plain G H I I H I I I I H I I I I
zinc-coated G H H H H H H I I H H H I H
F568, Class 8.8 M16 to M36 plain H H G I H I I I I H I I I I
zinc-coated H H H H H H H G I H H H I H
M42 to M100 plain H H H H G H H H H I H H H H
zinc-coated H H H H H H H H H G H H H H
F568, Class 8.8.3 M16 to M36 plain H H H H H H H H H H H G H I
F568, Class 9.8 M1.6 to M16 plain H H G I H I I I I H H H H H
zinc-coated H H H H H H H G I H H H I H
F568, Class 10.9 M5 to M36 plain H H H H H G I I I H I I I I
M42 to M100 H H H H H H H H H G H H H H
F568, Class 10.9.3 M16 to M36 plain H H H H H H H H H H H H H G
F568, Class 12.9 M1.6 to M36 plain H H H H H H H G I H H H I I
M42 to M100 H H H H H H H H H G H H H H
A325M, Types 1 and 2 M16 to M36 plain H H H H H H H H H H G I I I
zinc-coated H H H H H H H H H H H H G H
A325M, Types 3 M16 to M36 plain H H H H H H H H H H H G H I
A490M, Types 1 and 2 M16 to M36 plain H H H H H H H H H H H H G I
A490M, Types 3 M16 to M36 plain H H H H H H H H H H H H H G
A394, Grade A M12 to M24 zinc-coated G H H H H H H I I H H H I H
A394, Grade B M12 to M24 zinc-coated H H H H H H H G I H H H I H
A
- H1: ANSI B 18.2.4.1M hex nut, Style 1.
B
- HH: ANSI B 18.2.4.6M heavy hex nut.
C
- H2: ANSI B 18.2.4.2M hex nut, Style 2.
D
- HF: ANSI B 18.2.4.4M hex flange nut.

Various nut styles (H1, H2, HH, and HF) have different dimensions (width across flats,
thickness, flange diameter). Purchasers are cautioned to consider the dimensional
requirements of the application when selecting the most appropriate nut.

For information on slotted hex nuts and hex jam nuts, please see Appendix X2 of the
standard.

60 Mechanical Properties and Identification Markings for Threaded Fasteners

www.practicalmaintenance.net
ASTM Standards for Alloy Steel, Stainless Steel and Nickel
Alloy Threaded Fasteners
ASTM A962/A962M titled “Standard Specification for Common Requirements for Bolting
Intended for Use at Any Temperature from Cryogenic to the Creep Range”, covers a group
of common requirements that shall apply to carbon, alloy, stainless steel, and nickel alloy
bolting under any of the following ASTM Specifications.

 A193/A193M: Alloy-Steel and Stainless Steel Bolting for High Temperature or High
Pressure Service and Other Special Purpose Applications
 A194/A194M: Carbon Steel, Alloy Steel, and Stainless Steel Nuts for Bolts for High
Pressure or High Temperature Service, or Both
 A320/A320M: Alloy-Steel and Stainless Steel Bolting for Low-Temperature Service
 A437/A437M: Stainless and Alloy-Steel Turbine-Type Bolting Specially Heat Treated for
High-Temperature Service
 A453/A453M: High-Temperature Bolting, with Expansion Coefficients Comparable to
Austenitic Stainless Steels
 A540/A540M: Alloy-Steel Bolting for Special Applications
 A1014/A1014M: Precipitation-Hardening Bolting (UNS N07718) for High Temperature
Service

In view of above, information about above standards used for special applications is given in
this chapter. For the common requirements that shall apply to them, please see ASTM
A962/A962M. ASTM A1082/A1082M: High Strength Precipitation Hardening and Duplex
Stainless Steel Bolting for Special Purpose Applications also require conformation to ASTM
specification A962/A962M. Information on ASTM standards ASTM F593, ASTM F594 and
ASTM F837 for stainless steel fasteners intended for general purpose usage is also given in
this chapter to cover all commonly used standards for bolting materials.

ASTM A193/A193M: Alloy-Steel and Stainless Steel Bolting for High

Temperature or High Pressure Service and Other Special Purpose Applications

ASTM A193/A193M covers alloy and stainless steel bolting for pressure vessels, valves,
flanges, and fittings for high temperature or high pressure service, or other special purpose
applications. This specification is heavily utilized in petroleum, chemical and power
industries. It may be noted that information about only inch-pound units is given here.

Several grades of ferritic steels and austenitic stainless steels as per the following list are
covered by the standard. Selection of a grade will depend upon design, service conditions,
mechanical properties, and high temperature characteristics. It may be noted that for grades
of alloy-steel bolting suitable for use at the lower range of high temperature applications,
reference should be made to ASTM A354.

Type Grade UNS Designation

Ferritic Steel, 5% Chromium B5 -
Ferritic Steel, 12 % Chromium B6 and B6X S41000 (410)
Ferritic Steel, Chromium-MolybdenumA B7, B7M -
Ferritic Steel, Chromium-Molybdenum-Vanadium B16 -
Austenitic SteelsB, Classes 1, 1A, 1D, and 2 B8, B8A S30400 (304)
B8C, B8CA S34700 (347)
B8M, B8MA, B8M2, S31600 (316)
B8M3
B8P, B8PA S30500

61 Mechanical Properties and Identification Markings for Threaded Fasteners

www.practicalmaintenance.net
Austenitic SteelsB, Classes 1A, 1B, 1D, and 2 B8N, B8NA S30451 (304N)
B8MN, B8MNA S31651 (316N)
B8MLCuN, B8MLCuNA S31254
Austenitic SteelsB, Classes 1, 1A, and 2 B8T, B8TA S32100 (321)
Austenitic SteelsB, Classes 1C and 1D B8R, B8RA S20910
B8S, B8SA S21800
Austenitic SteelsB, Classes 1, 1A and 1D B8LN, B8LNA S30453
B8MLN, B8MLNA S31653
A - Typical steel compositions used include 4140, 4142, 4145, 4140H, 4142H, and 4145H.
B - Classes 1 and 1D are solution treated. Classes 1, 1B, and some 1C (B8R and B8S) products are

made from solution treated material. Class 1A (B8A, B8CA, B8MA, B8PA, B8TA, B8LNA, B8MLNA,
B8NA, and B8MNA) and some Class 1C (B9RA and B8SA) products are solution treated in the
finished condition. Class 2 products are solution treated and strain hardened.

For information on chemical requirements (composition) of each grade (alloy), please see
the specification (ASTM A193).

Mechanical Requirements - Inch Products

Mechanical requirements for common grades (for inch products) is given in the following
table. For information on other grades, please see the specification (ASTM A193).

Grade Diameter, in. Tensile Yield Strength, Hardness,

Strength, min, min, 0.2 % offset, max
ksi ksi
B7 21⁄2 and under 125 105 321 HB or 35 HRC
over 21⁄2 to 4 115 95 321 HB or 35 HRC
over 4 to 7 100 75 321 HB or 35 HRC
Class 1: B8, B8M all diameters 75 30 223 HB or 96 HRB
Class 2: B8 3⁄ and under 125 100 321 HB or 35 HRC
4
over 3⁄4 to 1, incl 115 80 321 HB or 35 HRC
over 1 to 11⁄4 , incl 105 65 321 HB or 35 HRC
over 11⁄4 to 11⁄2 , incl 100 50 321 HB or 35 HRC
Class 2: B8M 3⁄ and under 110 95 321 HB or 35 HRC
4
over 3⁄4 to 1, incl 100 80 321 HB or 35 HRC
over 1 to 11⁄4 , incl 95 65 321 HB or 35 HRC
over 11⁄4 to 11⁄2 , incl 90 50 321 HB or 35 HRC

Product Marking

The marking symbol shall be as shown in the following tables.

Marking of Ferritic Steels
Grade Marking Symbol
B5 B5
B6 B6
B6X B6X
B7 B7
B7M B7M
B16 B16
B16 + Supplement S12 (Stress Rupture Testing of Grade B16) B16R

Marking of Common Austenitic Steels

Class Grade Marking Symbol
Class 1 B8 B8
B8M B8M
Class 2 B8 B8SH
B8M B8MSH

62 Mechanical Properties and Identification Markings for Threaded Fasteners

www.practicalmaintenance.net
Note: For marking symbol of other Classes and Grades of Austenitic Steels, please see the
specification (ASTM A193).

Nuts

Bolts, studs, and stud bolts shall be furnished with nuts, when specified in the purchase
order. Nuts shall conform to Specification A194/A194M.

Supplementary Requirements

Supplementary requirements of the A193 specification shall not apply unless specified in the
purchase order or contract. There are fourteen supplementary requirements under the A193
specification that include special testing, processing, marking, and coating of fasteners.

Strain Hardening of Austenitic Steels (Based on Appendix X1)

Strain hardening is the increase in strength and hardness that results from plastic
deformation below the recrystallization temperature (cold work). Strain hardening is
produced in austenitic stainless steels by reducing oversized bars or wire to the desired final
size by cold drawing or other process. The amount of strain hardening that can be produced
is limited by the variables of the process, such as the total amount of cross-section
reduction, die angle and bar size. It may be noted that in large diameter bars, plastic
deformation will occur principally in the outer regions of the bar so that the increased
strength and hardness due to strain hardening is achieved predominantly near the surface of
the bar. The smaller the bar, the greater the penetration of strain hardening. Thus, the
mechanical properties of a given strain hardened fastener are dependent not just on the
alloy, but also on the size of bar from which it is machined. For example, a stud of a
particular alloy and size may be machined from a smaller diameter bar than a bolt of the
same alloy and size because a larger diameter bar is required to accommodate the head of
the bolt. The stud, therefore, is likely to be stronger than the same size bolt in a given alloy.

Coatings and Application Limits (Based on Appendix X2)

Use of coated fasteners at temperatures above approximately one-half the melting point
(Fahrenheit or Celsius) of the coating is not recommended unless consideration is given to
the potential for liquid and solid metal embrittlement, or both. For example, the melting point
of elemental zinc is approximately 780°F [415°C]. Therefore, application of zinc-coated
fasteners should be limited to temperatures less than 390°F [210°C].

ASTM A194/A194M: Carbon Steel, Alloy Steel, and Stainless Steel Nuts for
Bolts for High Pressure or High Temperature Service, or Both

ASTM A194/A194A covers a variety of carbon, alloy, and martensitic stainless steel nuts in
the size range 1⁄4 through 4 in. and metric M6 through M100 nominal. It also covers austenitic
stainless steel nuts in the size range 1⁄4 in. and M6 nominal and above. These nuts are
intended for high-pressure or high-temperature service, or both. Grade substitutions without
the purchaser's permission are not allowed.

Note

Though this specification gives information for both inch-pound units and SI units,
information about only inch-pound units is given here. For other ASTM specification also
information about only inch-pound units is given in this booklet.

63 Mechanical Properties and Identification Markings for Threaded Fasteners

www.practicalmaintenance.net
Terminology

In this specification, following terminology is used for the various graded.

Austenitic Grades—All grades with a prefix of “8” or “9”.

Ferritic Grades—Grades 1, 2, 2H, 2HM, 3, 6, 6F, 7, 7M, and 16.

Nut Grades

Nuts are made in many grades (following table) to suit variety of bolting material.

Grade Symbol Material UNS Number

1 Carbon -
2, 2HM and 2H Carbon -
3 Type 501 -
6 Type 410 S41000
6F Type 416 S41600
6F Type 416 Se S41623
7A, 7MA Type 4140 / AISI 4142 / AISI 4145, 4140H, 4142H, 4145H -
8, 8A Type 304 S30400
8C, 8CA Type 347 S34700
8CLN, 8CLNA Type 347LN S34751
8M, 8MA Type 316 S31600
8T, 8TA Type 321 S32100
8F, 8FA Type 303 S30300
8F, 8FA Type 303Se S30323
8P, 8PA Type 305 S30500
8N, 8NA Type 304N S30451
8LN, 8LNA Type 304LN S30453
8MN, 8MNA Type 316N S31651
8MLN, 8MLNA Type 316LN S31653
8R, 8RA XM19 S20910
8S, 8SA - S21800
8MLCuN, 8MLCuNA S31254 S31254
B8ML4CuN S31730 S31730
9C, 9CA N08367 N08367
16 Chromium Molybdenum Vanadium -
A - Grade 4 has been withdrawn (in 2017). Grade 7 is an acceptable substitute for Grade 4.

For information on chemical requirements (chemical composition) of various grades, please

the specification.

Hardness Requirements

All nuts shall meet the hardness requirements (for completed nuts) as per the following
table.

Grade and Type Brinell Rockwell Hardness

Hardness C Scale B Scale
1 121 min - 70 min
2 159 to 352 - 84 min
2H to 11⁄2 in. or M36, incl. 248 to 327 24 to 35 -
2H over 11⁄2 in. or M36 212 to 327 35 max 95 min
2HM and 7M 159 to 235 - 84 to 99
3, 7, and 16 248 to 327 24 to 35 -
6 and 6F 228 to 271 20 to 28 -

64 Mechanical Properties and Identification Markings for Threaded Fasteners

www.practicalmaintenance.net
8, 8C, 8CLN, 8M, 8T, 8F, 8P, 8N, 8MN, 8LN, 8MLN, 8MLCuN, 126 to 300 32 max 60 min
8ML4CuN, and 9C
8A, 8CA, 8CLNA, 8MA, 8TA, 8FA, 8PA, 8NA, 8MNA, 8LNA, 126 to 192 - 60 to 90
8MLNA, 8MLCuNA, 8ML4CuNA, and 9CA
8R, 8RA, 8S, and 8SA 183 to 271 25 max 88 min
Note: Where dash (-) appear in above, table there is no requirement.

Proof Load Test

The nuts shall be capable of withstanding the proof loads as per stress specified in the
following table. It may be noted that proof loads are not design loads.

Grade Proof Load Stress, psi

Heavy Hex Hex
1 130 000 120 000
2, 2HM, 6, 6F, 7M 150 000 135 000
2H, 3, 7, 16 175 000 150 000
All Types of Grade 8, Grades 9C and 9CA 80 000 75 000
Note: For proof loads of various nominal size of nuts, please see the specification.

Product Marking

Nuts shall be legibly marked on one face with marking representing the grade, type, and
applicable manufacturing process as per the following table (only common nut grades are
shown in the table). Other less common grades exist, but are not listed here.

Marking of Common Nut Grades - ASTM A194/A194M

Grade and Type Nuts Hot Forged or Nuts Machined from Nuts Manufactured
Cold Punched Bar Stock in Accordance with 6.6#
2 2 2B -
2HA 2H 2HB -
2HMA 2HM 2HMB -
7 7 7B -
7MA 7M 7MB -
8 8 8B 8A
8MA 8M 8MB 8MA
A The letters H and M indicate heat-treated nuts.
# As per section 6.6 of the specification (ASTM A194/A194M), grades 8A, 8CA, 8CLNA, 8MA, 8TA,

8FA, 8PA, 8NA, 8MNA, 8RA, 8SA, 8LNA, 8MLNA, 8MLCuNA, 8ML4CuNA and 9CA nuts shall be hot-
or cold-forged or shall be machined from hot-forged, hot-rolled, or cold-drawn bars and the nuts shall
subsequently be carbide-solution treated by heating them for a sufficient time at a temperature to
dissolve chromium carbides followed by cooling at a rate sufficient to prevent reprecipitation of the
carbides.

Nuts coated with zinc shall have ZN marked after the grade symbol. Nuts coated with
cadmium shall have CD marked after the grade symbol. As an example, the marking for
zinc-coated 2H bolting components will be 2HZN rather than 2H.

In addition to marking for grade, type, and applicable manufacturing, all nuts shall bear the
manufacturer’s identification mark.

Dimensions

Nuts shall be hexagonal in shape, and in accordance with the dimensions for the hex or
heavy hex series, as required, by ASME B 18.2.2, ASME B 18.2.4.6M, and ISO 4033.
Unless otherwise specified, the American National Standard Heavy Hex Series shall be

65 Mechanical Properties and Identification Markings for Threaded Fasteners

www.practicalmaintenance.net
used. Nuts up to and including 1 in. nominal size shall be UNC Series Class 2B fit. Nuts over
1 in. nominal size shall be either UNC Series Class 2B fit or 8 UN Series Class 2B fit. Unless
otherwise specified, the 8 UN series shall be furnished.

It may be noted that ASTM A194 grade 2H nuts are common in the marketplace and are
often substituted for ASTM A563 grade DH nuts due to the limited availability of DH nuts in
certain diameters and finishes.

Supplementary Requirements

Supplementary requirements of an optional nature are provided in the specification. For

information on them, please see the specification. These shall apply only when specified in
the inquiry, contract, and order.

ASTM A320/A320M: Alloy-Steel and Stainless Steel Bolting for Low-

Temperature Service

ASTM A320/A320M covers alloy steel bolting materials and bolting components for pressure
vessels, valves, flanges, and fittings for low-temperature service. Several grades are
covered, including both ferritic and austenitic steels. Selection will depend on design, service
conditions, mechanical properties, and low-temperature characteristics.

Mechanical Properties

Following table indicate the diameters for which the minimum mechanical properties apply to
the various grades and classes.

Mechanical Requirements
Class and Grade Diameter, in [mm] Tensile Yield Strength, Hardness
Strength, min, ksi [MPa] max
min, ksi [MPa] (0.2 % offset)
Ferritic Steels
L7, L7A, L7B, L7C, 21⁄2 [65] and under 125 [860] 105 [725] 321 HBW or 35 HRC
L70, L71, L72, L73
L43 4 [100] and under 125 [860] 105 [725] 321 HBW or 35 HRC
L7M 21⁄2 [65] and under 100 [690] 80 [550] 235 HBW A or 99 HRB
L1 1 [25] and under 125 [860] 105 [725] -
Austenitic SteelsB
Class 1: B8, B8C, All Diameters 75 [515] 30 [205] 223 HBW C or 96 HRB
B8M, B8P, B8F,
B8T, B8LN, B8MLN,
Class 1A: B8A, All Diameters 75 [515] 30 [205] 192 HBW or 90 HRB
B8CA, B8MA, B8PA,
B8FA, B8TA,
B8LNA, B8MLNA,
3⁄
Class 2: B8, B8C, 4 [20] and under 125 [860] 100[690] 321 HBW or 35 HRC
B8P, B8F, B8T: over 3⁄4 to 1 [20 to 25], incl 115 [795] 80 [550] 321 HBW or 35 HRC
over 1 to 11⁄4 [25 to 32], incl 105 [725] 65 [450] 321 HBW or 35 HRC
over 11⁄4 to 11⁄2 [32 to 40], incl 100 [690] 50 [345] 321 HBW or 35 HRC
3⁄ [20] and under
Class 2: B8M: 4 110 [760] 95 [655] 321 HBW or 35 HRC
over 3⁄4 to 1 [20 to 25], incl 100 [690] 80 [550] 321 HBW or 35 HRC
over 1 to 11⁄4 [25 to 32], incl 95 [655] 65 [450] 321 HBW or 35 HRC
over 11⁄4 to 11⁄2 [32 to 40], incl 90 [620] 50 [345] 321 HBW or 35 HRC
A - To meet the tensile requirements, the Brinell hardness shall not be less than 200 HBW or 93 HRB.
B - Class 1 products are made from solution-treated material. Class 1A products are solution treated in the

finished condition for corrosion resistance; heat treatment is critical for enhancing this physical property and
meeting the mechanical property requirements. Class 2 products are made from solution-treated material that
has been strain hardened. Austenitic steels in the strain-hardened condition may not show uniform properties
throughout the cross section, particularly in sizes over 3⁄4 in. [20 mm] in diameter.
C - For sizes 3⁄ in. [20 mm] in diameter and smaller, a maximum hardness of 241 HBW (100 HRB) is permitted.
4

66 Mechanical Properties and Identification Markings for Threaded Fasteners

www.practicalmaintenance.net
The following table shows type, grade and description / UNS designation of various alloys.

Type Grade Description / UNS Designation

Ferritic Steels L7, L7M, L70 Chromium-MolybdenumA
L7A, L71 Carbon-Molybdenum (AISI 4037)
L7B, L72 Chromium-Molybdenum (AISI 4137)
L7C, L73 Nickel-Chromium-Molybdenum (AISI 8740)
L43 Nickel-Chromium-Molybdenum (AISI 4340)
L1 Low-Carbon Boron
Austenitic Steels, B8, B8A S 30400 (304)
Classes 1, 1A, and 2 B8C, B8CA S 34700 (347)
B8T, B8TA S 32100 (321)
B8P, B8PA S 30500
B8F, B8FA S 30300 (303) and S 30323 (303Se)
B8M, B8MA S 31600 (316)
Austenitic Steels, B8LN, B8LNA S 30453
Classes 1 and 1A B8MLN, B8MLNA S 31653
A - Typical steel compositions used for this grade include 4140, 4142, 4145, 4140H, 4142H, and

4145H.

For information on chemical composition, please see the specification.

Impact tests are required for the grades shown in above table. However, Class 1, 1A, and 2
austenitic steels for temperatures above −325 °F [−200 °C]; Class 1 and 1A austenitic
Grades B8, B8A, B8P, B8PA, B8C, B8CA, B8LN, and B8LNA above −425 °F [−255 °C]; and
ferritic or austenitic bolting 1⁄2 in. (12.5 mm) and smaller, are exempt from impact testing,
unless Supplementary Requirement S1 is specified in the purchase order. All other material
furnished under this specification shall be tested. Material of Grades L7, L7A, L7B, L7C,
L7M, L43, L70, L71, L72, and L73 shall show a minimum impact energy absorption of 20 ft
lbf [27 J] and of Grade L1 a minimum impact energy absorption of 40 ft lbf [54 J] at the test
temperature when tested by the procedure specified in the applicable portions of Sections 19
to 28 of ASTM A 370: Standard Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing of
Steel Products.

The hardness shall conform to the requirements prescribed in the Table for Mechanical
Requirements.

Product Marking

The grade symbol of above table shall be used as the identification symbol. In the case of
Class 2, Grades B8, B8C, B8M, B8P, B8F, and B8T strain hardened (as provided in the
Table for Mechanical Requirements), a line shall be stamped under the grade symbol in
order to distinguish it from Class 1 and Class 1A bolting which has not been strain hardened.

In the case of Class 1A, the marking B8A, B8CA, B8MA, B8PA, B8FA, B8TA, B8LNA, and
B8MLNA identifies the material as being in the solution-treated condition in the finished
state.

Grade L7M shall be 100 % evaluated in conformance with this specification (As per the
specification the maximum hardness of Grade L7M shall be 235 HBW or 99 HRB. Minimum
hardness shall not be less than 200 HBW or 93 HRB. Conformance to this hardness shall be
ensured by testing each bolt or stud by Brinell or Rockwell B methods.) and shall have a line
under the grade symbol.

Nuts from materials that have been impact tested shall be marked with the letter “L.”

67 Mechanical Properties and Identification Markings for Threaded Fasteners

www.practicalmaintenance.net
Nuts and Washers

Bolts, studs, and stud bolts of Grades L7, L7A, L7B, L7C, L43, L1, L70, L71, L72, and L73
shall be equipped with ferritic alloy nuts conforming to Grade 7 of specification A194/A194M
or a grade of steel similar to the studs.

Grade 7M nuts at a hardness not exceeding 235 HBW (or equivalent) shall be used with
Grade L7M bolts, studs, and stud bolts.

Bolts, studs, and stud bolts of Grades B8, B8C, B8T, B8P, B8F, B8M, B8LN, and B8MLN
shall be equipped with austenitic alloy nuts conforming to Grades 8, 8C, 8T, 8F, 8M, 8LN,
and 8MLN for specification A194/A194M.

Washers for use with ferritic steel bolting shall conform to ASTM F436.

Washers for use with austenitic steel bolting shall be made of austenitic steel as agreed
upon between the manufacturer and purchaser.

Washer dimensions shall be in accordance with requirements of ASME B18.22.1, unless

otherwise specified in the purchase order.

Supplementary Requirements

The supplementary requirements shall apply only when specified by the purchaser in the
inquiry, contract, and order. For information on supplementary requirements, please see the
specification.

ASTM A437/A437M: Stainless and Alloy-Steel Turbine-Type Bolting Specially

Heat Treated for High-Temperature Service

ASTM A437/A437M covers stainless and alloy-steel bolting specially heat treated for high-
temperature service, such as steam turbine, gas turbine, and similar uses. The high-
temperature properties of the bolting covered by this specification are dependent upon
special heat treatment, which is required. Three levels of bolting strength are covered,
designated Grades B4B, B4C, and B4D.

Mechanical Properties

Material shall conform to the requirements as to tensile properties, impact requirements and
hardness as pre the following tables at room temperature after heat treatment.

Grade Diameter, in. [mm] Tensile Strength, Yield Strength

min, ksi [MPa] (0.2 % offset) min, ksi [MPa]
B4B - 145 [1000] 105 [720]
B4C - 115 [790] 85 [585]
B4D 21⁄2 [65] and under 125 [860] 105 [720]
over 21⁄2 to 4 [65 to 100] 110 [760] 95 [655]
over 4 to 7 [100 to 180] 100 [690] 85 [585]

Grade Minimum Impact Value, ft·lbf [J]

B4B 10 [14]
B4C 25 [34]
B4D, for bars over 5-in. [127-mm] diameter only 25 [34]

68 Mechanical Properties and Identification Markings for Threaded Fasteners

www.practicalmaintenance.net
Grade Bolts and Studs Nuts and Washers
Brinell Hardness Number, max Brinell Hardness Number Rockwell Hardness Number
B4B 331 293 to 341 C 31 to 37
B4C 277 229 to 277 C 21 to 29
B4D 302 263 to 311 C 27 to 33

Threads

All threads shall be formed after heat treatment.

Nondestructive Inspection

Each bar or forged blank of starting material shall be subjected to NDE following final heat
treatment and shall fulfill inspection requirements as per the specification.

Product Marking

The grade symbol shown in the above table shall be used for the product marking.

Supplementary Requirements

Supplementary requirements are provided for use at the option of the purchaser. The
supplementary requirements shall apply only when specified individually by the purchaser in
the purchase order or contract.

ASTM A453/A453M: High-Temperature Bolting, with Expansion Coefficients

Comparable to Austenitic Stainless Steels

ASTM A453/A453M covers four grades of bolting materials with ten classes of yield strength
ranging from 50 to 120 ksi [345 to 827 MPa] for use in high-temperature service such as
fasteners for pressure vessel and valve flanges.

The bolting materials shall conform to the room-temperature tensile and hardness
requirements as per the following table. For approximate Rockwell Hardness and stress-
rupture requirements, please see the specification.

Grade Class Tensile strength, min Yield Strength (0.2 % Offset), min Brinell Hardness
ksi [MPa] ksi [MPa] Number
660 A, B and C 130 [895] 85 [585] 248 - 341
D 130 [895] 105 [725] 248 - 321
651 A 100 [690] 70A [485] 217 - 277
60B [415]
B 95 [655] 60A [415] 212 - 269
50B [345]
662 A 130 [895] 85 [585] 248 - 321
B 125 [860] 80 [550] 248 - 321
665 A 170 [1170] 120 [830] 311 - 388
B 155 [1070] 120 [830] 311 - 388
A - Material sizes 3 in. [76 mm] and under in diameter.
B - Material sizes over 3 in. [76 mm] in diameter.

Marking

Product shall be marked by grade and class shown in above table. The type designation (for
finishing process - for detail see the specification) shall also appear on all bolting material.
Grade 660 Class D does not require stress-rupture and shall be additionally stamped NR.

69 Mechanical Properties and Identification Markings for Threaded Fasteners

www.practicalmaintenance.net
ASTM A540/A540M: Alloy-Steel Bolting for Special Applications

ASTM A540/A540M covers regular and special-quality alloy steel bolting that may be used
for nuclear and other special applications. There are five grades of bolting materials with
twenty-three classes of yield strength ranging from 105 to 150 ksi as per the following table.

Grade Symbol Description Class

B21 (Cr-Mo-V) Chromium-Molybdenum-Vanadium 1 to 5
B22 (4142-H) Chromium-Molybdenum 1 to 5
B23 (E-4340-H) Chromium-Nickel-Molybdenum 1 to 5
B24 (4340 Mod.) Chromium-Nickel-Molybdenum 1 to 5
B24V (4340V Mod.) Chromium-Nickel-Molybdenum-Vanadium 1 to 3

ASTM A1014/A1014M: Precipitation-Hardening Bolting (UNS N07718) for High

Temperature Service

ASTM A1014/A1014M covers precipitation hardening bolting material (UNS N07718) and
bolting components for high temperature service.

Tensile and hardness testing shall be performed after aging. The test specimens shall meet
the tensile and hardness requirements as per the following.

Tensile strength, min, ksi [Mpa]: 185 [1275]

Yield Strength, min, ksi, [Mpa] 0.2 % offset: 150 [1035]
Hardness, Brinell: 331 - 444

For information on requirements of other mechanical properties (stress rupture requirements

and elevated tensile requirements) and metallography, please see the specification.

Bolting components shall be marked with “718” and the manufacturer’s identification symbol.

ASTM A1082/A1082M: High Strength Precipitation Hardening and Duplex

Stainless Steel Bolting for Special Purpose Applications

ASTM A1082/A1082M covers high strength stainless steel bolting materials and bolting
components for special purpose applications such as pressure vessels. Several grades of
precipitation-hardened and duplex (ferritic-austenitic) stainless steels are covered as listed
below. Selection will depend upon design, service conditions, mechanical properties and
characteristics related to the application.

Duplex (Ferritic-Austenitic) Grades, UNS Designation (Type):

S31100
S31260
S31803
S32101
S32202
S32205 (2205)
S32304 (2304)
S32506
S32550 (255)
S32750 (2507)
S32760
S32906

70 Mechanical Properties and Identification Markings for Threaded Fasteners

www.practicalmaintenance.net
S32950
S39277

Precipitation Hardening Grades, UNS Designation (Type):

S15700 (632)
S17400 (630)
S17600 (635)
S17700 (631)
S35500 (634)

For information on chemical composition, heat treatment, mechanical properties and product
marking, please see the specification.

Many stainless steel bolts and nuts are simply marked “304” or “316”. These markings do
not indicate compliance with any particular industrial standard. They do not assure the
purchaser of any chemistry, strength, or performance characteristics as are spelled out in
the ASTM standards. The markings imply that the chemistry meets the requirements of the
UNS S30400 or S31600 material, but that is not assured or mandated by any standards
body like SAE or ASTM. Bolts and nuts marked in this way may meet all of the requirements
of one or more of the ASTM standards, but since these are not the markings required by
ASTM, there is no indication or assurance of such compliance. In view of this, to assure that
ordered stainless steel fasteners intended for general purpose usage will provide specific
chemistry and physical characteristics, it is recommended that ASTM F593 should be
specified for bolts and ASTM F594 should be specified for nuts.

ASTM F593: Stainless Steel Bolts, Hex Cap Screws, and Studs

ASTM F593 covers the requirements for stainless steel bolts, hex cap screws, and studs
0.25 to 1.50 in., inclusive, in nominal diameter in a number of alloys in common use and
intended for service applications requiring general corrosion resistance (general purpose
usage).

Seven groups of stainless steel alloys are covered, including thirteen austenitic, two ferritic,
four martensitic, and one precipitation hardening as shown in the following table.

It may be noted that unless otherwise specified on the inquiry and order, the choice of an
alloy from within a group shall be at the discretion of the fastener manufacturer.

Group Alloys Condition Furnished Optional

Unless Otherwise Conditions (must
Specified be specified)
1 304, 305, 384, 304 L, 18-9LW, 302HQB (CW) cold workedA AF, A, SH
2 316, 316 L (CW) cold workedA
3 321, 347 (CW) cold workedA
4 430 (CW) cold workedA A
5 410D (H) hardened and tempered HT
6 431 (H) hardened and tempered HT
7 630 (AH) age hardened none
A - Sizes 0.75 in. and larger may be hot worked and solution annealed, provided the bolts comply with

the cold worked (CW) mechanical property requirements.

B - When approved by the purchaser, Alloys 303, 303Se, or XM1 may be furnished.
C - When approved by the purchaser, Alloy 430F may be furnished.
D - When approved by the purchaser, Alloys 416 or 416Se may be furnished.

71 Mechanical Properties and Identification Markings for Threaded Fasteners

www.practicalmaintenance.net
Where (Legend for optional conditions),

A - Machined from annealed or solution-annealed stock thus retaining the properties of the
original material; or hot-formed and solution annealed.
AF - Headed and rolled from annealed stock and then reannealed.
AH - Solution-annealed and age-hardened after forming.
CW - Headed and rolled from annealed stock thus acquiring a degree of cold work. Sizes
0.75 in. and larger may be hot-worked and solution annealed.
H - Hardened and tempered at 1050°F (565°C) minimum.
HT - Hardened and tempered at 525°F (274°C) minimum.
SH - Machined from strain-hardened stock or cold-worked to develop the specific properties.

Supplementary requirements of an optional nature are provided in the specification and are
applicable only when agreed upon between the manufacturer and the purchaser at the time
of the inquiry and order.

Suitable nuts for use with bolts, hex cap screws, and studs included in this specification are
covered by ASTM F594. Unless otherwise specified, all nuts used on these fasteners shall
conform to the requirements of ASTM F594 and shall be of the same alloy group.

Following table shows UNS designation for the alloys covered by this specification.

Alloy Group Alloy UNS Designation Alloy Type

1 303 S30300 Austenitic Alloy
1 303 Se S30323
1 304 S30400
1 304 L S30403
1 305 S30500
1 384 S38400
1 XM1 S20300
1 18–9LW S30430
1 302HQ S30433
2 316 S31600
2 316 L S31603
3 321 S32100
3 347 S34700
4 430 S43000 Ferritic Alloy
4 430F S43020
5 410 S41000 Martensitic Alloy
5 416 S41600
5 416 Se S41623
6 431 S43100
7 630 S17400 Precipitation Hardening Alloy

Mechanical Properties

The finished fasteners shall meet the applicable mechanical property and test requirements
of as appropriate for the specified alloy group and condition and shall be tested for
conformance to the mechanical property requirements as specified in the specification.

Following table shows tensile strength, yield strength and hardness requirements (full-size
tests) for commonly used alloy groups 1 and 2. Information about mechanical property
marking is also included in the table. For information on other groups of alloys, please see
the specification.

72 Mechanical Properties and Identification Markings for Threaded Fasteners

www.practicalmaintenance.net
 Alloy Condition Alloy Nominal Tensile Yield Rockwell
Group Mechanical Diameter, Strength Strength, Hardness
(Alloys) Property in. ksi (0.2 % Offset),
Marking ksi
1 (303, AF F593A 1⁄ to 11⁄2, incl 65 to 85 20 B85 max
4
1⁄
304, 304 4 to 1 ⁄2, incl
A F593B 1 75 to 100 30 B65 to 95
L, 305, CW1 F593C 1⁄ to 5⁄ , incl 100 to 150 65 B95 to C32
4 8
384, CW2 F593D 3⁄ to 11⁄ , incl 85 to 140 45 B80 to C32
4 2
XM1, SH1 F593A 1⁄ to 5⁄ , incl
4 8 120 to 160 95 C24 to C36
18-9LW, SH2 F593B 3⁄ to 1, incl
4 110 to 150 75 C20 to C32
302HQ, SH3 F593C 1 ⁄8 to 11⁄4, incl
1 100 to 140 60 B95 to C30
303Se) SH4 F593D 13⁄8 to 11⁄2, incl 95 to 130 45 B90 to C28
2 (316, AF F593E 1⁄ to 11⁄ , incl 65 to 85 20 B85 max
4 2
316L) A F593F 1⁄ to 11⁄ , incl 75 to 100 30 B65 to 95
4 2
CW1 F593G 1⁄ to 5⁄ , incl 100 to 150 65 B95 to C32
4 8
CW2 F593H 3⁄ to 11⁄ , incl 85 to 140 45 B80 to C32
4 2
SH1 F593E 1⁄ to 5⁄ , incl 120 to 160 95 C24 to C36
4 8
SH2 F593F 3⁄ to 1, incl 110 to 150 75 C20 to C32
4
SH3 F593G 1 ⁄8 to 11⁄4, incl
1 100 to 140 60 B95 to C30
SH4 F593H 13⁄8 to 11⁄2, incl 95 to 130 45 B90 to C28

Product Marking

All products except studs 3⁄8 in. in diameter and smaller shall be marked with a symbol
identifying the manufacturer. In addition, they shall be marked with the alloy/mechanical
property marking in accordance with above table.

ASTM F594: Stainless Steel Nuts

ASTM F594 covers the requirements for stainless steel nuts 0.25 to 1.50 in., inclusive, in
nominal diameter in a number of alloys in common use and intended for service applications
requiring general corrosion resistance (general purpose usage). Seven groups of stainless
steel alloys are covered, as per the following table.

These nuts are for use with fasteners conforming to ASTM F593.

Alloy Group Alloys Alloy Type

1 303, 304, 304L, 305, 384, XM1, 18-9LW, 302HQ, 303 Se Austenitic
2 316, 316L Austenitic
3 321, 347 Austenitic
4 430, 430F Ferritic
5 410, 416, 416 Se Martensitic
6 431 Martensitic
7 630 Precipitation Hardening

It may be noted that unless otherwise specified on the inquiry and order, the choice of an
alloy from within a group shall be at the discretion of the fastener manufacturer.

Mechanical Properties

Following table shows mechanical property requirements for commonly used alloy groups 1
and 2. Information about mechanical property marking is also included in the table. For
information on other groups of alloys, please see the specification.

73 Mechanical Properties and Identification Markings for Threaded Fasteners

www.practicalmaintenance.net
 Alloy Condition Mech. Nominal Proof Stress, Proof Stress, Rockwell
Group Property Diameter, in. Hex Nuts, Heavy Hex Nuts, Hardness
Marking ksi, min ksi, min
1 AF F594A 1⁄ to 11⁄ , incl 70 76 B85 max
4 2
A F594B 1⁄ to 11⁄ , incl 75 81 B65 to 95, incl
4 2
CW1 F594C 1⁄ to 5⁄ , incl 100 108 B95 to C35, incl
4 8
CW2 F594D 3⁄ to 11⁄ , incl 85 92 B80 to C35, incl
4 2
SH1 F594A 1⁄ to 5⁄ , incl 120 130 C24 to C36, incl
4 8
SH2 F594B 3⁄ to 1, incl 110 119 C20 to C32, incl
4
SH3 F594C 1 ⁄8 to 11⁄4, incl
1 100 108 B95 to C30, incl
SH4 F594D 13⁄8 to 11⁄2, incl 85 92 B90 to C28, incl
2 AF F594E 1⁄ to 11⁄ , incl 70 76 B85 max
4 2
A F594F 1⁄ to 11⁄ , incl 75 81 B65 to 95, incl
4 2
CW1 F594G 1⁄ to 5⁄ , incl 100 108 B95 to C35, incl
4 8
CW2 F594H 3⁄ to 11⁄ , incl 85 92 B80 to C35, incl
4 2
SH1 F594E 1⁄ to 5⁄ , incl 120 130 C24 to C36, incl
4 8
SH2 F594F 3⁄ to 1, incl 110 119 C20 to C32, incl
4
SH3 F594G 1 ⁄8 to 11⁄4, incl
1 100 108 B95 to C30, incl
SH4 F594H 13⁄8 to 11⁄2, incl 85 92 B90 to C28, incl
Note: For legend of conditions please see the specification.

Product Marking

All products shall be marked with a symbol identifying the manufacturer. In addition, they
shall be marked with the alloy/mechanical property marking as per above table. The marking
shall be on the top of the nut or on one of the wrenching flats.

ASTM F837: Stainless Steel Socket Head Cap Screws

ASTM F837 covers the chemical and mechanical requirements for stainless steel inch
socket head cap screw (SHCS) with nominal thread 0.060 through 1.500 in. and intended for
use in applications requiring general corrosion resistance.

Three groups of stainless steel alloys are covered, austenitic Group 1 and 2 and martensitic
Group 5.

Four property conditions are covered: austenitic Alloy Groups 1 and 2 in an annealed
condition (AF) at 85 ksi maximum, in two cold worked conditions (CW) at 80 ksi minimum,
(CW1) at 102 ksi minimum, and martensitic Alloy Group 5 in a heat treated condition (HT) at
160 ksi minimum.

Classification

The austenitic stainless steel socket head cap screw shall be designated F837 Group 1 or 2
Condition AF, F837 Group 1 or 2 Condition CW, or F837 Group 1 or 2 Condition CW1.

The martensitic stainless steel socket head cap screw shall be designated F837 Group 5
Condition HT.

Mechanical Properties

Screws shall meet the mechanical requirements as per the following table. Marking for alloy
mechanical property is also shown in the table.

74 Mechanical Properties and Identification Markings for Threaded Fasteners

www.practicalmaintenance.net
Alloy Condition Alloy Nominal Full-Size Product Machine Specimen Core
Group Mech. Thread Tensile Strength, Tensile Yield HardnessA
Property Diameter ksi Strength, Strength, Rockwell
Marking ksi ksi
1 AF F837A 0.060–1.500 85 max 85 max 55 max 95 HRB max
1 CW F837B 0.060–0.750 80 min 80 min 40 min 50 HRA min
1 CW1 F837C 0.060–0.750 102 min 87 min 65 min 59 HRA min
2 AF F837D 0.060–1.500 85 max 85 max 55 max 95 HRB max
2 CW F837E 0.060–0.750 80 min 80 min 40 min 50 HRA min
2 CW1 F837F 0.060–0.750 102 min 87 min 65 min 59 HRA min
5 HT F837G 0.060–0.190 180 min - - 36 - 43 HRC
5 HT F837H 0.250–1.500 180 min 160 min 120 min 36 - 43 HRC
A - Core hardness is only required when full-size product tensile testing cannot be accomplished.

ASTM F879: Stainless Steel Socket Button and Flat Countersunk Head Cap
Screws

ASTM F879 covers the chemical and mechanical requirements for stainless steel inch
hexagon socket button (SBHCS) and flat countersunk (SFHCS) head cap screws with
nominal thread 0.060 through 0.625 in. intended for use in applications requiring general
corrosion resistance. Three conditions of austenitic stainless steel alloys covered are:

1. Austenitic alloy group 1 AF in an annealed condition at 85 ksi maximum,

2. Austenitic alloy group 1 CW in a cold-worked condition at 80 ksi minimum, and
3. Austenitic alloy group 1 condition CW1 in a cold worked condition at 102 ksi minimum.

For more information, please see the specification.

ASTM F880: Stainless Steel Socket, Square Head, and Slotted Headless-Set
Screws

This specification covers the requirements for austenitic grade stainless steel socket-set
screws (SSS) sizes 0.060 through 1.000 in. square head set screws (SHSS) sizes 0.190
through 1.500 in., and slotted headless set screws (HSS) 0.060 through 0.750 in., in two
conditions, AF (solution annealed) and CW (cold worked). For more information on them,
please see the specification.

ASTM F2281: Standard Specification for Stainless Steel and Nickel Alloy Bolts, Hex
Cap Screws, and Studs, for Heat Resistance and High Temperature Applications

ASTM F2281 covers the chemical and mechanical requirements for stainless steel and
nickel alloy bolts, hex cap screws, and studs, 1⁄4 in. diameter and larger, intended for use in
applications where resistance to heat and the effects of high temperature are to be
considered. Three types of materials covered in this specification are: Type I-heat resisting
alloys for continuous service applications; Type II-heat resisting alloys for continuous and
intermittent service applications; and Type III-high temperature alloys for continuous and
intermittent service applications. Type I is classified further into Class A-austenitic grades,
Class B-martensitic grades, and Class C-ferritic grades. Type III is also classified further into
Class A-nickel based alloy, Class B-precipitation hardened alloy, and Class C-precipitation
hardened alloy. For the chemical and mechanical requirements, please see the specification.

75 Mechanical Properties and Identification Markings for Threaded Fasteners

www.practicalmaintenance.net
 Threaded Fasteners as per SAE International
Information about two SAE International (Society of Automotive Engineers) standards on
threaded fasteners, SAE J429 and SAE J995 is given in this chapter.

SAE J429: Mechanical and Material Requirements for Externally Threaded

Fasteners

SAE J429 covers the mechanical and material requirements for inch-series steel bolts,
screws, studs, sems, and U-bolts used in automotive and related industries in sizes to 1-1/2
in inclusive.

Designations and Mechanical Requirements

Designation System: Grades are designated by numbers where increasing numbers

represent increasing tensile strength and by decimals of whole numbers where decimals
represent variations at the same strength level. The grade designations and important
mechanical properties are given in the following table.

Grades: Bolts and screws are normally available only in Grades 1, 2, 5, 5.2, 8, and 8.2.
Studs are normally available only in Grades 1, 2, 4, 5, 8 and 8.1. Grade 5.1 is applicable to
sems (screw and washer assemblies) which may be heat treated following assembly of the
washer on the screw and to products without assembled washer.

Grade Products Nominal Size, Full Size1 Full Size Machine Test Core Hardness
Designation Diameter, in. Fasteners Fasteners Specimens Rockwell
Proof Load Tensile Yield Min Max
(Stress) Strength Strength2
psi (Stress) (Stress)
Min, psi Min, psi
1 Bolts, Screws, Studs 1⁄4 thru 11⁄2 33000 60000 36000 B70 B100
2 Bolts, Screws, Studs 1⁄4 thru 3⁄4 55000 74000 57000 B80 B100
Over 3⁄4 thru 11⁄2 33000 60000 36000 B70 B100
1⁄ thru 11⁄
4 Studs 4 2 65000 115000 100000 C22 C32
5 Bolts, Screws, Studs 1⁄4 thru 1 85000 120000 92000 C25 C34
Over 1 thru 11⁄2 74000 105000 81000 C19 C30
5.1 Sems No. 4 thru 5⁄8 85000 120000 - C25 C40
1⁄ thru 1
5.2 Bolts, Screws 4 85000 120000 92000 C26 C36
8 Bolts, Screws, Studs 1⁄4 thru 11⁄2 120000 150000 130000 C33 C39
1⁄ thru 11⁄
8.1 Studs 4 2 120000 150000 130000 C33 C39
1⁄ thru 1
8.2 Bolts, Screws 4 120000 150000 130000 C33 C39
1 - "Full Size" means a tension test specimen consisting of a completed fastener for testing in the ready to use

condition without alteration.

2 - Yield strength is stress at which a permanent set of 0.2% of gage length occurs.

The hardness of bolts, screws, studs, and sems shall be determined at mid-radius of a
transverse section through the threaded portion of the product taken at a distance of one
diameter from the end of the product. The reported hardness shall be the average of four
hardness readings located at 90 degrees to one another. The preparation of test specimens
and the performance of hardness tests shall be in conformity with the requirements of SAE
J417.

Product Marking - Bolts and Screws

Internal drive screws of all sizes and other screws and bolts of sizes smaller than 1⁄4 in. need
not be marked. All other screws and bolts of sizes 1⁄4 in. and larger shall be marked
permanently and clearly to identify the strength grade and the manufacturer.

76 Mechanical Properties and Identification Markings for Threaded Fasteners

www.practicalmaintenance.net
The grade identification symbols shall be as shown in above figure. Markings shall be
located on the top of the head and may be either raised or depressed. For hex head
products, the markings may be indented on the side of the head. Studs need not be marked.

Alternate Grades

For fasteners larger than 11⁄2 in. diameter, it is recommended to consider the following ASTM
grades.

SAE Grade ASTM Equivalent

1 ASTM A307 Grade A or B
2 ASTM A307 Grade A or B
5 ASTM A449
8 ASTM A354 Grade BD

SAE J995: Mechanical and Material Requirements for Steel Nuts

SAE J995 covers the mechanical and material requirements for three grades of steel nuts
suitable for use in automotive and related engineering applications, in sizes 1⁄4 to 11⁄2 in,
inclusive, and with dimensions conforming with the requirements of the latest issue of SAE
J482 or ASME B18.2.2, except for machine screw nuts which are not covered in the
standard. The three grades of nuts are designated Grades 2, 5 and 8.

Mechanical Requirements

The nuts shall withstand the proof load stress specified in the following table for the nut
grade, size, and thread series.

Nut Grade 2 5 8
Nut Size 1
⁄4 thru 11⁄2 1⁄4 thru 11⁄2 1⁄4 thru 1 1
⁄4 thru 1 Over 1 thru 11⁄2 Over 1 thru 11⁄2 1⁄4 thru 11⁄2 1⁄4 thru 11⁄2
Thread Series UNC and UNF, 12UN UNC and UNF, 12UN UNC and 8UN UNF, 12UN and UNC and UNF, 12UN
8UN and Finer 8UN and Finer Finer 8UN and Finer
Nut Type Proof load Proof load Proof load Proof load Proof load Proof load Proof load Proof load
stress, psi stress, psi stress, psi stress, psi stress, psi stress, psi stress, psi stress, psi
Hex 90000 80000 120000 109000 105000 94000 150000 150000
Hex Flange 90000 80000 120000 109000 105000 94000 150000 150000
Hex Jam 54000 48000 72000 65000 63000 57000 90000 90000
Heavy Hex Jam 54000 48000 72000 65000 63000 57000 90000 90000
Hex Slotted 71000 65000 96000 87000 84000 75000 120000 120000
Heavy Hex 100000 90000 133000 120000 116000 105000 165000 150000
Heavy Thick 100000 90000 133000 120000 116000 105000 165000 150000
Heavy Thick 79000 71000 105000 96000 92000 84000 132000 120000
Slotted
Hex High 100000 90000 133000 120000 116000 105000 165000 150000
Hex High Slotted 79000 71000 105000 96000 92000 84000 132000 120000
Square 90000 80000 105000 96000 92000 84000 132000 120000
Heavy Square 100000 90000 133000 120000 116000 105000 165000 150000

77 Mechanical Properties and Identification Markings for Threaded Fasteners

www.practicalmaintenance.net
The proof load in pounds for nuts is computed by multiplying the proof load stress, in psi
(lbf/in2), for the nut grade, size, thread series, and type, as shown in above table, and tensile
stress area in square in (in2), for the applicable size and thread series.

Nuts shall have hardness within the limits specified in the following table.

Nut Grade Nominal Size Hardness

2 1⁄ thru 11⁄ 32 HRC max
4 2
5 1⁄ thru 11⁄ 32 HRC max
4 2
8 1⁄ thru 5⁄ 24 - 32 HRC
4 8
Over 5⁄8 thru 1 26 - 34 HRC
Over 1 thru 11⁄2 26 - 36 HRC

Marking

Three “styles” of grade marking are acceptable. Style A is applicable to all types and sizes of
nuts. Style B is applicable to hex nuts of sizes 5⁄8 in. and larger; but may be used for smaller
sizes or other types of nuts only when authorized by the purchaser. Style C is applicable to
nuts that are fabricated by cutting from hex bar. In the following figures, manufacturer’s mark
is represented by “X”.

Style A marking shall be depressed on the top surface of the nut on a circular line or path
approximately midway between hole diameter and hex flat diameter, or, for hex flange nuts
at the supplier’s option, raised or depressed on top of the flange, and shall consist of no
marks (a single circumferential line if specified by purchaser) for Grade 2 nuts; two
circumferential lines 120 degrees apart for Grade 5 nuts; and two circumferential lines 60
degrees apart for Grade 8 nuts as shown in above figure.

Style B marking shall be raised or depressed on the chamfer surface of the top of the nut
corners, and shall consist of no marks (one circumferential line on one corner if specified by
purchaser) on Grade 2 nuts; one circumferential line on each of two corners 120 degrees
apart for grade 5 nuts; and one circumferential line on each of two corners 60 degrees apart
for Grade 8 nuts as shown in above figure.

Style C marking shall consist of notches at the hexagon corners, one notch at each corner
for Grade 5 nuts, and two notches at each corner for Grade 8 nuts as shown in the following
figure.

78 Mechanical Properties and Identification Markings for Threaded Fasteners

www.practicalmaintenance.net
Grade 2 nuts are not required to be marked for grade or source identification.

Grade 5 and Grade 8 hex and hex flange nuts, sizes 1⁄4 through 11⁄2, shall be marked for
grade identification and for source identification. Grade 5 and Grade 8 hex jam, heavy hex
jam, hex slotted, heavy hex slotted, hex thick slotted, hex thick and heavy hex nuts are not
required to be marked for grade or source identification, unless specified by the purchaser. If
marked, Grade 5 and Grade 8 hex jam, heavy hex jam, hex slotted, heavy hex slotted, hex
thick slotted, hex thick and heavy hex nuts shall be marked with grade and source
identification marks.

SAE Grade 8 and ISO Class 8.8

Please note that ISO Class 8.8 bolt DOES NOT have the same strength as a SAE Grade 8
bolt because minimum tensile strength of SAE Grade 8 bolt is 150000 psi (1034 N/mm 2)
whereas tensile strength of ISO Class 8.8 bolt is 800 N/mm2.

In view of above, if one wants to use bolt as per ISO class, class 10.9 bolt having minimum
tensile strength of 1040 N/mm2 (Nominal tensile strength of 1000 N/mm2) may be used as a
substitute for SAE Grade 8 bolt.

79 Mechanical Properties and Identification Markings for Threaded Fasteners

www.practicalmaintenance.net
 ASTM Standards for Nonferrous Threaded Fasteners
Nonferrous materials are those materials that do not contain any significant amounts of iron,
except in trace amounts that are unintentionally present. There are many nonferrous
fastener materials which can provide outstanding corrosion resistance in applications which
would rapidly destroy more common ferrous materials. Super alloys, or high performance
alloys are used in wide range of environments and applications like corrosion and oxidation
resistance in both aqueous and high temperature, excellent strength at elevated
temperature, and ductility and toughness at low temperatures. Following materials are used
for nonferrous fasteners.

Copper and its alloys are designated by the prefix letter C in the UNS (Unified Numbering
System). There are many alloys of copper, ranging from brass, bronze, silicon bronze and
cupro-nickel. For example, Brass alloy 260 has a UNS number of C26000. Copper is mainly
alloyed with zinc. Some alloys include aluminum, manganese, silicon, nickel and lead. These
alloys have excellent corrosion resistance to sea water. Silicon bronze 651 is most
frequently used for general fasteners.

The UNS designation for nickel begins with the prefix letter N such as N04400 for alloy 400.
Nickel is a versatile element that when alloyed with other elements such as chromium (Cr),
molybdenum (Mo), copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), cobalt (Co) or tungsten (W), it generates a
category called “super alloys.” The term "super alloy" was first used shortly after World War
Il to describe a group of alloys developed for use in turbo superchargers and aircraft turbine
engines that required high performance at elevated temperatures. However, it should be
noted that these super alloys, for examples Inconel® and Hastelloy® are for highly
specialized applications and are very expensive. See Specification B574 for nickel alloys.

Aluminum has a UNS designation of the prefix A, such as A 92024 for alloy 2024. Aluminum
has good electrical and thermal conductivity. It is resistant to oxidation and is lightweight but
not strong. It is used to join other aluminum parts to avoid galvanic corrosion with dissimilar
metals.

Titanium is recognized by the UNS prefix of R, such as R56401 for alloy 23, which is Ti-6Al-
4V ELI (extra low interstitials). Lower interstitials provide improved ductility and better
fracture toughness. Titanium has the highest strength to weight ratio of any metal. Without
any benefit of an alloy, it is as strong as most steels but 45 percent lighter. Alloys can
achieve tensile strengths of 200ksi (1400 Mpa) but will begin to lose strength when exposed
to temperatures above 800°F (430°C). Titanium has excellent corrosion and fatigue
resistance, along with high crack resistance. It also has the ability to withstand moderate
temperature increases without experiencing creep. Besides being able to withstand elevated
temperatures, it also exhibits excellent cryogenic properties.

ASTM has two standards for nonferrous threaded fasteners intended for general service
applications. ASTM F468 and F468M, inch and metric, respectively are Standard
Specification for Nonferrous Bolts, Hex Cap Screws, Socket Head Cap Screws, and Studs
for General Use and ASTM F467 and F467M, inch and metric, respectively are Standard
Specification for Nonferrous Nuts for General Use.

Following table gives UNS Designation Number, Alloy, General Name, Tensile Strength,
Yield Strength and Hardness for nonferrous threaded fasteners as per ASTM F468. For
information on Chemical Composition, Mechanical Property Marking, Ordering Information,
Supplementary Requirements, etc. please see ASTM F468. For information on nonferrous
nuts, please see ASTM F467.

80 Mechanical Properties and Identification Markings for Threaded Fasteners

www.practicalmaintenance.net
 UNS Alloy General Name Full - Size Tests Hardness
Designation Tensile Yield
Number Strength, Strength,
ksi min, ksi
Copper and Copper-Base Alloys
C11000 Cu 110 ETP copper 30–50 10 65 - 90 HRF
C26000 Cu 260 brass 60–90 50 55–80 HRF
C27000 Cu 270 brass 60–90 50 55–80 HRF
C46200 Cu 462 naval brass 50–80 25 65–90 HRB
C46400 Cu 464 naval brass 50–80 15 55–75 HRB
C51000 Cu 510 phosphor bronze 60–90 35 60–95 HRB
C61300 Cu 613 aluminum bronze 80–110 50 70–95 HRB
Dia., 0.250 - 0.500 in.
aluminum bronze 75–105 45 70–95 HRB
Dia., 0.625 - 1.500 in.
C61400 Cu 614 aluminum bronze 75–110 35 70–95 HRB
C63000 Cu 630 aluminum bronze 100–130 50 85 - 100 HRB
C64200 Cu 642 aluminum silicon bronze 75–110 35 75–95 HRB
C65100 Cu 651 silicon bronze 70–100 55 75–95 HRB
Dia., 0.250 - 0.750 in.
silicon bronze 55–90 40 70–95 HRB
Dia., 0.875 - 1.500 in.
C65500 Cu 655 silicon bronze 50–80 20 60–80 HRB
C66100 Cu 661 silicon bronze 70–100 35 75–95 HRB
C67500 Cu 675 manganese bronze 55–85 25 60–90 HRB
C71000 Cu 710 cupro-nickel 45–75 15 50–85 HRB
C71500 Cu 715 cupro-nickel 55–85 20 60–95 HRB
Nickel and Nickel-Base Alloys
N06059 Ni 59 Grade 1 Ni-Cr-Mo 120–165 85 21–45 HRC
Ni 59 Grade 2 135–185 125 23–47 HRC
Ni 59 Grade 3 160–200 150 25–49 HRC
Ni 59 Grade 4 100–145 45 80 HRB - 25 HRC
N10001 Ni 335 Ni-Mo 115–145 45 20–32 HRC
N10276 Ni 276 Ni-Mo-Cr 110–140 45 20–32 HRC
N04400 Ni 400 Ni-Cu Class A 80–130 40 75 HRB–25 HRC
Dia., 0.250 to 0.750 in.
Ni 400 Ni-Cu Class A 70–130 30 60 HRB–25 HRC
Dia., 0.875 to 1.500 in.
Ni 400 HF Ni-Cu Class A, hot-formed 70–120 30 60–95 HRB
N04405 Ni 405 Ni-Cu Class B 70–125 30 60 HRB–20 HRC
N05500 Ni 500 Ni-Cu-Al 130–180 90 24–37 HRC
Dia., 0.250 to 0.875 in.
Ni 500 Ni-Cu-Al 130–180 85 24–37 HRC
Dia., 1.000 to 1.500 in.
N06625 Ni 625 Ni-Cr-Mo-Cb 120 60 85 HRB–35 HRC
N06686 Ni 686 Grade 1 Ni-Cr-Mo-W 120–165 85 21–45 HRC
Ni 686 Grade 2 135–185 125 23–47 HRC
Ni 686 Grade 3 160–200 150 25–49 HRC
Ni 686 Grade 4 100–145 45 65 HRB–25 HRC
Aluminum-Base Alloys
A92024 Al 2024–T4 Aluminum 2024 55–70 36 70–85 HRB
A96061 Al 6061–T6 Aluminum 6061 37–52 31 40–50 HRB
A97075 Al 7075–T73 Aluminum 7075 61–76 50 80–90 HRB
Titanium and Titanium-Base Alloys
R50250 Ti 1 Titanium Gr 1 35–70 30 140–160 HV
R50400 Ti 2 Titanium Gr 2 50–85 45 160–180 HV
R50700 Ti 4 Titanium Gr 4 80–115 75 200–220 HV
R56400 Ti 5 Class A Titanium Gr 5 130–165 125 30–39 HRC
Ti 5 Class B 130–165 125 30–39 HRC
R52400 Ti 7 Titanium Gr 7 50–85 45 160–180 HV
R58640 Ti 19 Titanium Ti-38-6-44 115–150 115 24–38 HRC
R56401 Ti 23 Titanium Ti-6Al-4V ELI 120–165 110 25–36 HRC
R55111 32 Titanium Ti-5-1-1-1 105–150 90 24–38 HRC

81 Mechanical Properties and Identification Markings for Threaded Fasteners

www.practicalmaintenance.net
 Washers
Many times a washer is used either under the head of the fastener, bolt or screw, or under
the nut. A washer is used to spread the clamp load over a larger surface area, to cover an
oversize or elongated hole, to reduce the friction of the rotated component and to protect the
work piece surface from damage by the rotated component. Information about requirement
of mechanical properties of washers as per ASTM specifications and ISO specifications is
given in this chapter.

ASTM F 436

ASTM F 436 covers the chemical, mechanical, and dimensional requirements for hardened
steel washers for use with fasteners having nominal thread diameters of 1⁄4 through 4 in.
These washers are intended for general-purpose mechanical and structural use with bolts,
nuts, studs, and other internally and externally threaded fasteners. These washers are
suitable for use with fasteners covered in Specifications A 354, A 449, A563 and F3125.
Additionally, they are used with bolts as per A193, A320, F1554 and whenever specified.
ASTM specification F 436M is the metric counterpart of ASTM F 436.

The washers are designated by type denoting the material and by style denoting the shape.

The types of washers covered are:

 Type 1 - Carbon steel and

 Type 3 - Weathering steel.

The styles of washers covered are:

 Circular - Circular washers in nominal bolt sizes 1⁄4 through 4 in.

 Beveled - Beveled washers are square or rectangular, in nominal sizes 1⁄2 through 11⁄2 in.,
with a beveled slop 1 in 6 for use with American standard beams and channels.
 Clipped - Clipped washers are circular or beveled for use where space limitations
necessitate that one side be clipped.

Orders for hardened steel washers under this specification shall include the zinc coating
process if required, for example, hot-dip, mechanically deposited, or no preference.

Mechanical Properties

Through hardened washers shall have a hardness of 38 to 45 HRC, except when zinc-
coated by the hot-dip process, in which case they shall have a hardness of 26 to 45 HRC.

Product Marking

Washers shall be marked with a symbol, or other distinguishing marks, to identify the
manufacturer or private label distributor, as appropriate. Additionally, Type 3 weathering
steel washers shall be identified with the symbol “3”.

ASTM F 844

ASTM F 844 covers round and miscellaneous shape steel plain (flat) washers furnished in
an unhardened condition. These washers typically have a larger outside diameter than F436

82 Mechanical Properties and Identification Markings for Threaded Fasteners

www.practicalmaintenance.net
structural washers and are for general purpose use. They are suitable for use with A307
fasteners and whenever specified.

Unless otherwise specified, the washers are furnished plain, with no protective finish other
than oil to minimize rusting. When coated washers are required, the purchaser shall specify
the protective coating and coating process.

Mechanical Properties

Unless otherwise specified, the washers are not furnished to mechanical requirements.
When required and specified, the washers shall conform to the specified hardness.

Individual washers are not required to be marked.

ISO 7089

ISO 7089: Plain washers - Normal series - Product grade A, specifies the characteristics of
normal-series, product-grade-A plain washers in the 200 HV and 300 HV hardness classes
and of nominal sizes (nominal thread diameters) ranging from 1.6 mm to 64 mm inclusive.

Washers of hardness class 200 HV are suitable for hexagon bolts and screws of product
grades A and B in property classes up to and including 8.8; hexagon nuts of product grades
A and B in property classes up to and including 8; hexagon bolts, screws and nuts of
stainless steel of similar chemical composition and case-hardened thread rolling screws.

Washers of hardness class 300 HV are suitable for hexagon bolts and screws of product
grades A and B in property classes up to and including 10.9 and hexagon nuts of product
grades A and B in property classes up to and including 10.

Mechanical Properties

Washers shall meet the mechanical requirements as per the following table.

MaterialA Steel Stainless Steel

Grade A2, A4, F1
C1, C4
International ISO 3506-1
Standard
Mechanical Hardness 200 HV 300 HVB 200 HV
Properties Class
Hardness 200 HV to 300 HV 300 HV to 370 HV 200 HV to
Range 300 HV
A
Other metallic materials as agreed between customer and supplier.
B
Hardened and tempered.

Designation Example

A normal-series, product-grade-A plain washer made of grade A4 stainless steel, of nominal

size 8 mm and hardness class 200 HV is designated as: Washer ISO 7089-8-200 HV-A4.

Note: Type 1 - washers as per ASTM F 436M may be used with property class 12.9
fasteners.

83 Mechanical Properties and Identification Markings for Threaded Fasteners

www.practicalmaintenance.net
ISO 7091

ISO 7091: Plain washers - Normal series - Product grade C, specifies the characteristics of
normal-series, product-grade-C plain washers in the 100 HV hardness class and of nominal
sizes (nominal thread diameters) ranging from 1.6 mm to 64 mm inclusive.

Washers of hardness class 100 HV are suitable for hexagon bolts and screws of product
grade C in property classes up to and including 6.8; hexagon nuts of product grade C in
property classes up to and including 6 and case-hardened thread rolling screws.

Mechanical Properties

Hardness: 100 HV minimum.

Following are other ISO standards on washers.

ISO 7090: Plain washers, chamfered - Normal series - Product grade A

ISO 7092: Plain washers - Small series - Product grade A
ISO 7093-1: Plain washers - Large series - Part 1: Product grade A
ISO 7093-2: Plain washers - Large series - Part 2: Product grade C
ISO 7094: Plain washers - Extra large series - Product grade C

Note
It may be noted that though information on washer dimensions is given in above washer
specifications, information about requirement of mechanical properties of washers is only
given in this chapter. Information on washer dimensions is covered in the product standards
for fasteners.

84 Mechanical Properties and Identification Markings for Threaded Fasteners

www.practicalmaintenance.net
IS 1367: Technical Supply Conditions for Threaded Steel Fasteners
Indian Standard, IS 1367: Technical Supply Conditions for Threaded Steel Fasteners is
published in many parts. Part 1 of it deals with general requirements for bolts, screws, studs
and nuts. In view of this, information on general requirements for Part 1 of IS 1367 is given in
this chapter. Many parts of this standard are adopted from standards issued by the
International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Information about most of these ISO
standards is already given in this booklet. In view of this, all other parts of IS 1367 are only
listed in this chapter. The list will be helpful to specify various specific requirements for
fasteners as per IS standard.

IS 1367: Part 1: 2014/ISO 8992: 2005

As shown in the standard number, ISO 8992: 2005 is adopted by the Bureau of Indian
Standards for the Part 1 of IS 1367.

This International Standard specifies the general requirements for standardized bolts,
screws, studs and nuts, but is also recommended for these non-standardized fasteners. It is
intended to be used with reference to the related International Standards (ISO Standards) on
tolerances, mechanical and performance characteristics, geometrical features (thread,
driving features, ends of parts, countersunk head, other features), surface discontinuities,
surface finishes and quality aspects. For information on the various ISO Standards to be
used, please see the standard.

General Requirements

Standardized bolts, screws, studs and nuts are defined by the following elements:

 Mechanical properties (property class, material);

 Product grade (tolerances);
 Standardized geometrical features (if any);
 Surface coatings (if required);
 Special requirements (if agreed).

All information relates to fully manufactured products. The product shall have intact surfaces
and edges and shall be free of burrs consistent with the manufacturing methods used. It is
not generally required that small burrs due to manufacturing be removed. However, any burr
which influences the performance of the product or would be a safety hazard when handled
shall be removed.

Unless a surface coating is agreed, the surface finish of the products shall be as processed
for steel products, or plain for products made of stainless steel or non-ferrous metal. Bolts,
screws, studs and nuts shall be delivered in a clean condition and lightly oiled, if no other
conditions have been agreed.

Parts of IS 1367

Following table lists the various parts of IS 1367. The list gives information on the ISO
Standard adopted for the various parts of IS 1367. The list will be helpful in identification of a
standard to be referred to specify technical supply condition for threaded steel fasteners.

85 Mechanical Properties and Identification Markings for Threaded Fasteners

www.practicalmaintenance.net
 IS Number Title
IS 1367: Part 1: 2014/ISO Technical supply conditions for threaded steel fasteners: Part 1 general
8992: 2005 requirements for bolts, screws, studs and nuts (Fourth Revision)
IS 1367: Part 2: 2002/ISO Technical supply conditions for threaded steel fasteners: Part 2
4759-1:2000 tolerances for fasteners - Bolts, screws, studs and nuts - Product grades
A, B and C (Third Revision)
IS 1367: Part 3:2017/ISO Technical supply conditions for threaded steel fasteners: Part 3
898-1: 2013 mechanical properties of fasteners made of carbon steel and bolts,
screws and studs (Fifth Revision)
IS 1367: Part 5: 2018/ISO Technical supply conditions for threaded steel fasteners: Part 5
898-5: 2012 mechanical properties of fasteners made of carbon steel and alloy steel -
Set screws and similar threaded fasteners with specified hardness
classes - Coarse thread and fine pitch thread (Fourth Revision)
IS 1367: Part 6: 2018/ISO Technical supply conditions for threaded steel fasteners: Part 6
898-2: 2012 mechanical properties of fasteners made of carbon steel and alloy steel -
Nuts with specified property classes - Coarse thread and fine pitch
thread (Fourth Revision)
IS 1367: Part 7: 1980 Technical supply conditions for threaded steel fasteners: Part 7
mechanical properties and test methods for nuts without specified proof
loads (Second Revision)
IS 1367: Part 8: 2014/ISO Technical supply conditions for threaded steel fasteners: Part 8
2320: 2015 prevailing torque type steel nuts - Mechanical and performance
properties (Fourth Revision)
IS 1367: Part 9: Sec 1: Technical supply conditions for threaded steel fasteners: Part 9 surface
1993/ISO 6157-1:1988 discontinuities Section 1 bolts, screws and studs for general applications
(Third Revision)
IS 1367: Part 9: Sec 2: Technical supply conditions for threaded steel fasteners: Part 9 surface
1993/ISO 6167-3: 1988 discontinuities Section 2 bolts, screws and studs for special applications
(Third Revision)
IS 1367: Part 10: Technical supply conditions for threaded steel fasteners: Part 10 surface
2002/ISO 6157-2: 1995 discontinuities - Nuts (Third Revision)
IS 1367: Part 11: Technical supply conditions for threaded steel fasteners: Part 11
2002/ISO 4042: 2018 electroplated coatings (Third Revision)
IS 1367: Part 12: 1981 Technical supply conditions for threaded steel fasteners: Part 12
phosphate coatings on threaded fasteners (Second Revision)
IS 1367: Part 13: Technical supply conditions for threaded steel fasteners: Part 13 hot - dip
1983/ISO 10684: 2004 galvanized coatings on threaded fasteners (Second Revision)
IS 1367: Part 14: Sec 1: Technical supply conditions for threaded steel fasteners: Part 14
2018/ISO 3506-1: 2009 mechanical properties of corrosion resistant stainless steel fasteners
Section 1 bolts, screws and studs (Fourth Revision)
IS 1367: Part 14: Sec 2: Technical supply conditions for threaded steel fasteners Part 14
2018/ISO 3506-2: 2009 mechanical properties of corrosion resistant stainless steel fasteners
Section 2 Nuts (Fourth Revision)
IS 1367: Part 14: Sec 3: Technical supply conditions for threaded steel fasteners: Part 14
2018/ISO 3506-3: 2009 mechanical properties of corrosion resistant stainless steel fasteners
Section 3 set screws and similar fasteners not under tensile stress
(Fourth Revision)
IS 1367: Part 16: Technical supply conditions for threaded steel fasteners: Part 16
2002/ISO 8991: 1986 designation system for fasteners (Third Revision)
IS 1367: Part 17: Technical supply conditions for threaded steel fasteners: Part 17
2005/ISO 3269: 2000 inspections, sampling and acceptance procedure (Fourth Revision)
IS 1367: Part 18: 1996 Industrial fasteners - Threaded steel fasteners - Technical supply
conditions: Part 18 packaging (Third Revision)
IS 1367: Part 19: Industrial fasteners - Threaded steel fasteners - Technical supply
1997/ISO 3800: 1993 conditions: Part 19 axial load fatigue testing of bolts, screws and studs
IS 1367: Part 20 : Industrial fasteners - Threaded steel fasteners - Technical supply
1996/ISO 896-7: 1992 conditions - Mechanical properties: Part 20 Torsional test and minimum
torques for bolts and screws with nominal diameters 1 mm to 10 mm

86 Mechanical Properties and Identification Markings for Threaded Fasteners

www.practicalmaintenance.net
 Selection of Fastener Material
Fasteners are manufactured from a variety of materials such as steel, stainless steel,
aluminum, brass, bronze, copper, nickel, titanium and other non-ferrous metals and plastics.
For selecting the right fastener material from the vast array of materials available, careful
consideration should be given to strength, brittleness, temperature, corrosion, fatigue,
weight, cost and many other variables. In view of this information about various materials is
given in this chapter.

Carbon Steel

Over 90% of fasteners are made from carbon steel because of its inherent strength
properties, excellent workability and relative cheapness as compared to other materials. The
mechanical properties of carbon steel are sensitive to the carbon content, which is normally
less than 1.0%. The more common steels used to manufacture fasteners are generally
classified into 3 types: low carbon, medium carbon and alloy steel.

Low Carbon Steels

Low carbon steels generally contain less than 0.25% carbon and cannot be strengthened by
heat treatment. Strengthening may only be carried out through cold working. The low carbon
material is relatively soft and weak, but has outstanding ductility and toughness; in addition,
it is easily machinable, weldable and is relatively inexpensive to produce. Typically, low
carbon material has a tensile strength between 60,000 and 80,000 psi (410 MPa to 550
MPa). The most commonly used chemical analyses include AISI 1006, 1008, 1016, 1018,
1021, and 1022. SAE J429 Grade 1 & Grade 2, ASTM A307 Grade A & Grade B and Metric
Property Class 4.6, 4.8 & 5.8 fasteners are generally made from low carbon steel.

ASTM A307 Grade B is a special low carbon steel grade of bolt used in piping and flange
work. Its properties are very similar to Grade A except that it has added the requirement of a
specified maximum tensile strength. The reason for this is that to make sure that if a bolt is
inadvertently overtightened during installation, it will fracture prior to breaking the cast iron
flange, valve, pump, or expensive length of pipe.

Medium Carbon Steels

Medium carbon steels have carbon content between about 0.25% and 0.60%. These steels
are heat treated to improve their mechanical properties. Medium carbon steels have a
tensile strength between 90,000 psi and 120,000 psi. The plain medium carbon steels have
low hardenabilities and can be successfully heat treated only in thin sections and with rapid
quenching rates. As large diameters don’t get fully hardened in the center, smaller diameters
do; large diameters have lower average tensile strengths. This means that the end
properties of the fastener are subject to size effect. This is the reason for the strength
properties to “step down” as the diameters increase. The most commonly used chemical
analyses include AISI grades 1030, 1035, 1038, and 1541. SAE J429 Grade 5, ASTM A325,
ASTM A449 and Metric Property Class 8.8 fasteners are generally made from medium
carbon steel.

Alloy Steels

Carbon steel can be classified as an alloy steel when the manganese content exceeds
1.65%, when silicon or copper exceeds 0.60% or when chromium is less than 4%. Carbon
steel can also be classified as an alloy steel if a specified minimum content of molybdenum,
aluminum, titanium, vanadium, nickel or any other element has been added to achieve

87 Mechanical Properties and Identification Markings for Threaded Fasteners

www.practicalmaintenance.net
specific results. Additions of chromium, nickel and molybdenum improve the capacity of the
alloys to be heat treated, giving rise to a wide variety of strength to ductility combinations.
Alloy steels have tensile strength in excess of 120,000 psi (about 150,000 psi). The most
commonly used chemical analyses include AISI grades 4137, 4140, 4340 and 5140. SAE
J429 Grade 8, ASTM A354 Grade BD, ASTM A490, ASTM A193 B7, Metric Property
Classes 10.9 & 12.9 are all common examples of alloy steel fasteners.

Elements such as manganese, phosphorus and sulphur are found in all grades of steel;
manganese provides beneficial effects but phosphorus and sulphur are detrimental to steel's
properties. However, sulphur is sometimes added to the steel to improve its machining
performance.

Along with carbon and alloy steel, there are Carbon-Boron steels. Small amounts of boron
allow steels to be heat treated to high strengths without the cost penalty of other alloying
elements. The properties of carbon-boron steels are not as good as alloy steels but they give
a reasonable compromise between cost and improved properties benefits.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is a family of iron-based alloys that must contain at least 10.5% chromium.
The chromium reacts with the oxygen to form a complex chrome-oxide, an invisible surface
layer/film that resists further oxidation and makes the material “passive” or corrosion
resistant. If the surface layer is damaged, it rebuilds itself (self-repairs) in the presence of
oxygen. Other elements, such as nickel or molybdenum are added to increase corrosion
resistance, strength or heat resistance.

Stainless steels are logically divided into three classes/categories based on their
microstructure: Austenitic, Martensitic and Ferritic.

Austenitic Stainless Steels

Austenitic stainless steels contain higher amounts of chromium and nickel than the other
types. They are not hardenable by heat treatment and offer a high degree of corrosion
resistance. Primarily, they are nonmagnetic. However, some parts may become slightly
magnetic after cold working. The tensile strength of austenitic stainless steel varies from
75,000 to 105,000 psi. The B8 grade of alloys in the ASTM Specifications A193, A320 and
alloy groups 1, 2 and 3 of ASTM Specification F593 are austenitic stainless steels.

18-8 stainless steel is a type of austenitic stainless steel that contains approximately 18%
chromium and 8% nickel. 18-8 stainless steel include AISI types, but not limited to; 302, 303,
304 and 316.

Type 302, general purpose stainless retains untarnished surface finish under most
atmospheric conditions and offers high strength at reasonably elevated temperatures. It is
commonly used for flat washers.

Type 304 is a low carbon-higher chromium stainless steel with improved corrosion
resistance when compared to type 302. Type 304 is the most popular stainless steel for hex
head cap screws. It is used for cold heading and often for hot heading of large diameter or
long bolts.

Type 304L is a lower carbon content version of 304, and therefore contains slightly lower
strength characteristics. The low carbon content increases the corrosion resistance and
welding capacity of 304L.

88 Mechanical Properties and Identification Markings for Threaded Fasteners

www.practicalmaintenance.net
Type 316 has significantly improved corrosion resistance especially when exposed to
seawater and many types of chemicals. It contains molybdenum, which gives the steel better
resistance to surface pitting. Type 316 stainless steel has higher tensile and creep strengths
at elevated temperatures than other austenitic alloys.

Austenitic stainless steels are suitable only for low concentrations of reducing acids. Very
high levels of halide ions, especially the chloride ion can also break down the passive
surface film.

Martensitic Stainless Steels

Martensitic stainless steels contain 11.5 to 18% chromium and up to 1.0% carbon. The
carbon allows them to be hardened/strengthened by heat treatment. Martensitic stainless
steels have poor welding characteristics and are considered magnetic. The tensile strength
of martensitic stainless steel is approximately 70,000 to 145,000 psi. This type of stainless
steel should only be used in mild corrosive environments. Martensitic stainless steels include
AISI types 410, 416 and 431. Type 410 is commonly used for tapping screws.

Ferritic Stainless Steels

Ferritic stainless steels contain 12 to 18% chromium but have less than 0.2% carbon. This
type of steel is magnetic, non-hardenable by heat treatment, only slightly strengthened by
cold working and has very poor weld characteristics. They should not be used in situations of
high corrosion resistance requirements. ASIS type 430 is typical of this group.

Precipitation Hardening Stainless Steels

Precipitation hardening stainless steels are hardenable by a combination of low-temperature

aging treatment and cold working. The AISI types are identified by UNS numbers only, e.g.
Type S17400, although many are referred to in literature by proprietary trade names such as
17-4 PH. The precipitation hardening stainless steels are especially useful because
fabrication can be completed in an annealed condition and uniform hardening achieved
without a high-temperature treatment that may result in distortion and scaling. 17-4 PH, is
one of the most widely used precipitated hardened steels for fasteners. They have relatively
high tensile strengths and good ductility. The relative service performance in both low and
high temperatures is reasonably good.

Duplex Stainless Steels

Duplex stainless steels are characterized by their 50% austenitic and 50% ferritic structures
which allow these materials to offer the corrosion resistance for the austenitic grades of
material while providing higher design properties. Grade 2205, UNS Designation S32205
(ASTM A276 and ASTM A479) is typical of this group.

Stainless steels for handling corrosion resistance can be summarized as follows:

Category Type Corrosion Resistance

Austenitic 316 Superior
304 Excellent
Martensitic 410 Fair
Ferritic 430 Good
Precipitation Hardened 17-4 PH Excellent
Duplex 2205 Superior

89 Mechanical Properties and Identification Markings for Threaded Fasteners

www.practicalmaintenance.net
In cases where a joint must be taken apart and reassembled, the corrosion resistance of the
fastener is particularly important so that corrosion will in no way hamper or prevent its
removal. The cost of removing rusty bolts, and replacing them with new ones, is more
expensive than using corrosion resistant fasteners to begin with.

Copper and Copper Alloys

Copper

Copper has a high degree of electrical & thermal conductivity and corrosion resistance. It is
non-magnetic and can be hardened by cold working. The tensile strength of pure copper is
about 30,000 psi and yield strength is about 10,000 psi.

Brass

Brass is composed of copper and zinc and is the most common copper-based alloy. Brass is
approximately 65% Copper and 35% Zinc. Brass retain most of the favorable characteristics
of pure copper, and generally cost less. The amount of copper content is important. Brass
alloys with less copper are generally stronger and harder, but less ductile.

Naval Brass

Sometimes called Naval Bronze, Naval Brass is similar to brass but has additional qualities
of resistance to saline elements. This is accomplished by changing the proportions of brass
by adding a little tin (0.5% to 1.0%). This alloy has derived its name from its ability to survive
the corroding action of salt water.

Silicon Bronze

Silicon bronze is the generic term for various types of copper-silicon alloys. Most are
basically composed of high percentages of copper and a small amount of silicon.
Manganese or aluminum is added for strength. Lead is also added for free machining
qualities where required. In general silicon bronze is composed of approximately 94-96%
Copper, 0.8-3.8% Silicon, 1.5% Zinc and 0.7-1.5% Manganese. Silicon bronze possesses
high tensile strength (superior to mild steel). With its high corrosion resistance and non-
magnetic properties, this alloy is ideally suited for naval construction.

Aluminum

Aluminum is a lightweight metal that has a high strength to weight ratio, good corrosion
resistance in most environments, excellent electrical and thermal conductivity, is easily cold
formed or hot forged and easily machinable. As aluminum’s corrosion resistance is inherent
to the material, scratching will not affect the corrosion resistance. Aluminum fasteners weigh
about 1/3 those of steel. Pure aluminum has a tensile strength of about 13,000 psi. The
strength properties of the more commonly used aluminum alloys are quite high and can
actually approach that of mild steel. High strength aluminium fasteners are made from a
variety of aluminium alloys like AISI grades 2024, 6061 and 7075. Aluminium fasteners are
sometimes specified in automobile applications where light component construction is
required.

Titanium

As compared to aluminum, titanium has superior strength to weight ratios, excellent

corrosion resistance, good high temperature performance, and is therefore extensively used

90 Mechanical Properties and Identification Markings for Threaded Fasteners

www.practicalmaintenance.net
in the aerospace industry. Due to corrosion resistance, they are also used in marine,
saltwater applications and in the chemical industry. However, the extremely high cost of this
material prevents its wider use.

Nickel and Nickel Alloys

Nickel and nickel alloys offer some remarkable combinations of performance capabilities.
Mechanically they have good strength properties, exceptional toughness and ductility, and
are generally immune to stress corrosion. Their corrosion resistance properties and
performance characteristics in both elevated and subzero temperatures is superior.
Unfortunately, nickel based alloys are relatively expensive. Following are the most popular
nickel alloys. These alloys are often referred to as super alloys because of their ability to
perform in extremes of temperature or possess extremely high strength qualities as
compared to standard fastener materials.

Monel® 400 (UNS N04400)

Monel® is the trademark of Special Metals Corporation. Monel 400 is the most commonly
used nickel-copper alloy (Ni 65.1, Cu 32.0, Fe 1.6, Mn 1.1). This alloy is hardened by cold
working only. It is an alloy with high strength and toughness over a wide temperature range
and excellent resistance to a range of media including seawater, hydrofluoric & sulfuric acids
and alkalies. The tensile strength is 80,000 psi (550 Mpa) and yield strength is 35,000 psi
(240 Mpa). Monel 400 is used in marine and offshore engineering, and chemical and
hydrocarbon processing. Typical applications are valves, pumps, propeller shafts marine
fixtures and fasteners, springs, chemical processing equipment, etc.

Monel® K-500 (UNS N05500)

Monel® K-500 (Ni 64.7, Cu 30.2, Al 2.7, Fe 1.0, Ti 0.6) is Similar to Monel 400 but age-
hardenable for improved strength and hardness as a result of added aluminum and titanium.
The tensile strength is 160,000 psi (1100 Mpa) and yield strength is 115,000 psi (790 Mpa).
Typical applications are pump shafts, oil well tools, doctor blades, springs, fasteners and
marine propeller shafts.

Inconel®

Inconel®, Incoloy® and Nimonic® are registered trademark of Special Metals Corporation.
Inconel® is a family of austenitic nickel-chromium based super alloys; for example, Inconel
600, Inconel 625, Inconel 718, etc.; are used for corrosion resistance and high temperatures.
The nickel content may vary from 44 to 72 percent. Inconel® Alloy 625 (UNS N06625) is
resistance to severely corrosive environments, particularly to pitting, crevice corrosion and
high-temperature oxidation, and with high strength from cryogenic temperatures up to
1500°F (815°C). Alloy 625 is used in aerospace engineering, gas turbines, chemical
processing, oil and gas extraction, pollution control, and marine and nuclear engineering.

For more information on Monel and Inconel, please visit website of Special Metals, A PCC
(Precision Castparts Corporation) Company: www.specialmetals.com/tech-center/alloys

Hastelloy®

HASTELLOY® is a registered trademark (brand) of Haynes International. It represents a

group of super alloys with many designation numbers; for examples, HASTELLOY® B-3®
alloy UNS N10675, HASTELLOY® C-276 alloy UNS N10276, HASTELLOY® G-30® alloy
UNS N06030, etc.; to identify different physical characteristics. They are used for high stress

91 Mechanical Properties and Identification Markings for Threaded Fasteners

www.practicalmaintenance.net
and elevated temperature applications. They have excellent corrosion resistance, especially
to acids, and is used in many chemical plants. Their high-temperature family of alloys are
generally distinguished by the HAYNES® brand. For more information on HASTELLOY®
and HAYNES® alloys, please visit website of Haynes International: www.haynesintl.com.

Waspaloy Alloy

HAYNES® Waspaloy alloy (UNS N07001) is an age-hardenable, nickel-based super alloy

with very good strength at temperatures up to about 1800°F (980°C). It is widely used as a
wrought material for forged and fabricated gas turbine and aerospace components.
Waspaloy alloy is now being replaced in many applications by HAYNES® 282® alloy, due to
the superior fabricability and creep-strength of 282® alloy.

Note:

Industries often specify alloys by a UNS designation, unaware that such alloy specifications
only address issues of chemical composition, not corrosion or heat resistance. Branded
alloys protect the alloys’ quality and assure their performance by focusing on precise control
of chemical composition and thermo-mechanical processing, in addition to systematic
testing.

Plastic

Plastics Fasteners are manufactured from various plastic compounds the most popular nylon
6/6 have low strength characteristics but are quite suitable for applications where lightness
or electrical non-conductivity is important. Various plastic materials are used to give a wide
variety of properties. The more commonly used grades are nylon, polycarbonate and high-
density polyethylene. Nylon is also used as an insert into nylon insert nuts and other
internally threaded fasteners to give a locking feature.

Selection of Fasteners for High and Low Temperatures.

Selection of fasteners require careful consideration of temperature. Some material become

brittle at lower temperatures. Whereas material perform satisfactory up to certain
temperature above room temperature. Following table shows the recommended temperature
range of various fastener materials. It may be noted that the bolt plating material is usually
the limiting factor on maximum service temperature.

Material Surface Treatment Design Temperature Limit, °F (°C)

Carbon steel Zinc plated −65 to 250 (−54 to 121)
Alloy steels Cadmium plated, nickel plated, −65 to limiting temperature of plating
zinc plated, or chromium plated
A193 Grade B6 None −65 to 932 (−54 to 500)
A193 Gr. B7, A320 Gr. L7 None −148 to 752 (−100 to 400)
A193 Grade B8 None −423 to 1067 (−253 to 575)
A193 Grade B16 None −65 to 968 (−54 to 520)
17-4 PH stainless None −300 to 600 (−184 to 316)
17-4 PH stainless Passivated −200 to 600 (−129 to 316)
300 series stainless Furnace oxidized (oxidizing −423 to 800 (−253 to 427)
reduces galling)
410, 416, and 430 stainless Passivated −250 to 1200 (−157 to 649)
Inconel 718 Passivated or cadmium plated −423 to 900 or cadmium plate limit
Inconel X-750 None −320 to 1200 (−196 to 649)
Waspaloy None −423 to 1800 (−253 to 982)

92 Mechanical Properties and Identification Markings for Threaded Fasteners

www.practicalmaintenance.net
It may be noted that a material may be suitable for high temperature application but its
strength gets reduced with increase in service temperature. For example, following table
shows HAYNES® Waspaloy alloy’s ultimate tensile strength and yield strength at various
temperatures.

Typical Tensile Properties of HAYNES® Waspaloy alloy

Test Temperature 0.2% Yield Strength Ultimate Tensile Strength
°F °C ksi MPa ksi MPa
RT RT 130.4 899 189.2 1304
400 204 118.9* 820* 183.2* 1263*
800 427 120.4* 830* 171.6* 1183*
1000 538 117.8 812 170.4 1175
1200 649 113.8 784 164.9 1137
1400 760 102.4 706 119.2 822
1500 816 75.0 517 91.9 633
1600 871 51.8 357 66.2 456
1700 927 30.5 210 43.1 297
1800 982 19.2 132 25.2 174
* Limited data

93 Mechanical Properties and Identification Markings for Threaded Fasteners

www.practicalmaintenance.net
 Mechanical Properties and Grade Marking
as per ASTM and SAE Specifications
In this chapter, as a ready reference, mechanical properties and grade marking
requirements for externally threaded fasteners is presented in a tabular form for common
fasteners as per ASTM and SAE specifications. Information about compatible/suitable nuts
to be used with the fasteners is also given the table.
Grade Specificatio Material and Nominal Proof Yield Tensile Hardness Compatible Nut
Marking n Treatment Size (in.) Load Strength Strength Rockwell
Min. Min. Min. Min. Max.
(ksi) (ksi) (ksi)
Marking SAE J429 Low or Medium ⁄4 to 11⁄2
1
33 36 60 B70 B100 SAE J995 Gr. 2 or
Not Grade 1 Carbon Steel ASTM A563
Required Grade A Hex
Marking SAE J429 Low or Medium 1⁄4 to 3⁄4 55 57 74 B80 B100 SAE J995 Gr. 2 or
Not Grade 2 Carbon Steel over 3⁄4 thru 33 36 60 B70 B100 ASTM A563
Required 11⁄2 Grade A Hex
SAE J429 Medium Carbon 1⁄4 to 1 85 92 120 C25 C34 SAE J995
Grade 5 Steel over 1 thru 11⁄2 74 81 105 C19 C30 Grade 5 Hex

SAE J429 Medium Carbon ⁄4 to 11⁄2

1
120 130 150 C33 C39 SAE J995
Grade 8 Alloy Steel Grade 8 Hex

307A ASTM A307 Low or Medium ⁄4 to 4

1
- - 60 B69 B100 ASTM A563
Grade A Carbon Steel Grade A
Hex up to 11⁄2,
over Heavy Hex
307B ASTM A307 Low or Medium ⁄4 to 4
1
- - 60 min. B69 B95 ASTM A563
Grade B Carbon Steel 100 max. Grade A
Heavy Hex
A325 ASTM F3125 Carbon Steel or ⁄2 to 11⁄2
1
85 92 120 C25 C34 ASTM A563
Grade A325 Alloy Steel Grade DH
Type 1
A325 ASTM F3125 Weathering ⁄2 to 11⁄2
1
85 92 120 C25 C34 ASTM A563
Grade A325 Steel Grade DH3
Type 3
A490 ASTM F3125 Alloy Steel ⁄2 to 11⁄2
1
120 130 150 min. C33 C38 ASTM A563
Grade A490 173 max. Grade DH
Type 1
A490 ASTM F3125 Weathering ⁄2 to 11⁄2
1
120 130 150 min. C33 C38 ASTM A563
Grade A490 Steel 173 max. Grade DH3
Type 3
A449 ASTM A449 Carbon Steel or over 1⁄4 to 1, 85 92 120 C25 C34 ASTM A563
Type 1 Alloy Steel incl. For Plain:
over 1 to 11⁄2, 74 81 105 C19 C30 1
⁄4 to 11⁄2 - B Hex
incl. 11⁄2 to 3 -
over 11⁄2 to 3, 55 58 90 Bri- Bri- A Heavy Hex.
incl. nell nell For zinc-coated.:
183 235 DH Heavy Hex
A449 ASTM A449 Weathering over 1⁄4 to 1, 85 92 120 C25 C34 ASTM A563
Type 3 Steel incl. C3, DH3
over 1 to 11⁄2, 74 81 105 C19 C30 Heavy Hex
incl.
over 11⁄2 to 3, 55 58 90 Bri- Bri-
incl. nell nell
183 235
BC ASTM A354 Alloy Steel 1
⁄4 to 21⁄2 105 109 125 C26 C36 ASTM A563
Grade BC over 21⁄2 to 4, 95 99 115 C22 C33 For Plain:
incl. C Heavy Hex
For zinc-coated:
DH Heavy Hex
BD or ASTM A354 Alloy Steel 1
⁄4 to 21⁄2 120 130 150 C33 C39 ASTM A563
Six Radial Grade BD over 21⁄2 to 4, 105 115 140 C31 C39 For all finishes:
Lines incl. DH Heavy Hex
B5 ASTM A193 Ferritic Steel, up to 4, incl - 80 100 - - ASTM A194
Grade B5 5% Chromium Grade 3

94 Mechanical Properties and Identification Markings for Threaded Fasteners

www.practicalmaintenance.net
B6 ASTM A193 Ferritic Steel, up to 4, incl - 85 110 - - ASTM A194
Grade B6 12% Chromium Grade 6
B7 ASTM A193 Ferritic Steel, 21⁄2 and under - 105 125 - C35 ASTM A194
Grade B7 Chromium- over 21⁄2 to 4 - 95 115 Grade 2H, 7
Molybdenum over 4 to 7 - 75 100
B7M ASTM A193 Ferritic Steel, 4 and under - 80 100 - B99 ASTM A194
Grade B7M Chrom-Moly over 4 to 7 - 75 100 Grade 2HM
B16 ASTM A193 Ferritic Steel, 21⁄2 and under - 105 125 - C35 ASTM A194
Grade B16 Chrom-Moly- over 21⁄2 to 4 - 95 110 Grade 7
Vanadium over 4 to 8 - 85 100
B8 ASTM Stainless Steel All Sizes - 30 75 - B96 ASTM A194
A193/320 AISI 304 Grade 8
Grade B8
Class 1
B8SH for ASTM Stainless Steel 3
⁄4 and under - 100 125 - C35 ASTM A194
A193 and A193/A320 AISI 304 over 3⁄4 to 1, - 80 115 Grade 8, Strain
B8 for Grade B8 Strain incl. Hardened
A320 Class 2 Hardened over 1 to 11⁄4, - 65 105
incl.
over 11⁄4 to - 50 100
11⁄2, incl.
B8M ASTM Stainless Steel All Sizes - 30 75 - B96 ASTM A194
A193/320 AISI 316 Grade 8M
Grade B8M
Class 1
B8MSH for ASTM Stainless Steel 3
⁄4 and under - 95 110 - C35 ASTM A194
A193 and A193/A320 AISI 316 over 3⁄4 to 1, - 80 100 Grade 8M, Strain
B8M for Grade B8M Strain incl. Hardened
A320 Class 2 Hardened over 1 to 11⁄4, - 65 95
incl.
over 11⁄4 to - 50 90
11⁄2, incl.
L7 ASTM A320 AISI 4140, 1
⁄4 to 21⁄2 - 105 125 - - ASTM A194
Grade L7 4142, or 4145 Grade 7

Note:
It may be noted that fasteners as per ASTM A193 B8 class 1 and ASTM A193 B8M class 1
have lower yield strength than the ASTM A193 B8 class 2 and ASTM A193 B8M class 2
respectively (strength of B8 class 1 and B8 class 2 are not same). This difference is
frequently not recognized and has been the cause of failures. In view of this, while
ordering/replacing fasteners, take care to specify/replace class 2 fastener if required.

Approximate Metric - Imperial Equivalency Chart

Metric Bolt Class SAE J429 Grades ASTM Grades

4.6 1 A307, Grade A
5.6 2 -
5.8 2 -
8.8 5 A449; F3125, Grade 325,
10.9 8 A354, Grade BD; F3125, Grade 490
12.9 - A574

95 Mechanical Properties and Identification Markings for Threaded Fasteners

www.practicalmaintenance.net
 References
Fastener Design Manual by Richard T. Barrett, NASA Reference Publication 1228, 1990

Fastenal Technical Reference Guide (S7028) by Fastenal Company (www.fastenal.com)

Technical information by Portland Bolt & Mfg. Co. (www.portlandbolt.com)

Technical information by FABORY (www.fabory.com)

Internet: www.fastenerdata.co.uk

96 Mechanical Properties and Identification Markings for Threaded Fasteners

www.practicalmaintenance.net