BOLTMASTERS PTY LTD

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The Nuts & Bolts of it July

July
ly09
For the first time four in a row for the Maroons in the State of Origin.
Our four Queensland branches are over the moon Melbourne are
just over it.

Bolting Classes & Grades

The Metric system of Classes is more self explanatory than the

Imperial system of Grades. In the Metric system the figure
before the decimal point in the Class is 1/100th of the minimum
Tensile Strength expressed in MPa. The (decimal point &)
second digit indicates the proportion of Yield Strength to
Tensile Strength.
For example a Class 8.8 bolt has a minimum Tensile Strength
of 8 X 100 = 800 MPa, and its Yield Strength is 0.8 X 800 =
640 MPa.
Metric nuts have a single number Product Class which
indicates the bolt Class they are appropriate for. A Class 5 nut
suits a Class 4.6 or 4.8 Bolt; a Class 8 nut a Class 8.8 Bolt; a
Class 10 nut a Class 10.9 Bolt; etc.
All but mild steel bolts must have a unique manufacturers
mark. In the picture below, showing Head markings,
equivalents are alongside each other.
BM

BM

Metric
Class 8.8
(High Tensile)

Imperial
SAE Grade 5
(High Tensile)

Metric
Class 10.9
(Higher Tensile)

Imperial
SAE Grade 8
(Higher Tensile)

Metric
Class 4.6
(Mild Steel)

BM
8.8

Imperial
Grade 2
(Mild Steel)

BM

BM
BM

10.9

BM

BM
Metric
Class 8.8
(Structural)

Imperial
HS

8.8

Although it has been over 30 years since fasteners were

metricated it is apparent there is still considerable confusion
over Grades and Classes, and just what is equivalent to what.
Lets try to clarify things. Firstly in the Metric System Bolts
and Nuts have strength Classes, while in the Imperial system
they are Grades. We are continually amused to see
Engineering Drawings from reputable companies incorrectly
specify fasteners. e.g. Grade 8.8 bolts Class 8.8 or Grade 8?
This has at times led to inappropriate product being used. The
writer believes that cutting & pasting is a prime cause of the
problem, in that it can perpetuate errors.
Often on a bolting specification you will see letters
immediately after the Product Class. These do not refer to the
strength, but rather the type of joint or connection and the way
the bolts are to be tightened.
S, after the bolt class (e.g. 4.6S) means the bolt is to be
snug tight. Snug tight is defined as the tightness attained by
the full effort of a man on a standard length podger spanner; or
that attained by a few solid impacts of an impact wrench.
Where 8.8S is specified, a standard high tensile bolt may be
used.
TB, after the bolt class (e.g. 8.8TB) means the bolt is to be
fully tensioned, in a bearing application. This designation
always means an AS.1252 High Strength Structural Bolts, and
unless a Load Indicator Washer is specified, Part Turn
tightening is the only acceptable method of tightening.
TF, after the bolt class (e.g. 8.8TF) means the bolt is to be
fully tensioned in a friction type application. This designation
always means an AS.1252 High Strength Structural Bolts, and
therefore the comment above about tightening remains true.
Recently we have been asked to quote on AS.1252 Class
8.8/TF cast in holding down bolts. 8.8, makes sense, but
TF is illogical, as is the Standard quoted.
If America had only followed the rest of the world in going
metric a great deal of confusion would have been avoided. For
some reason the S.A.E. terminology has remained ingrained.

In all cases there are equivalent Metric Product Classes to the

Imperial Grades, but the terminology appears to confuse.

(Structural)

Have a look at the Technical Section on our new improved

website for some useful tables.

Branches in Brisbane, Cairns, Rockhampton, & Melbourne.

and in New Zealand: Auckland, Whangarei, Napier, & Palmerston North

Visit our web-site at www.boltmasters.com.au