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Galvanizing High Strength Bolts
QCan high strength bolts be hot-dip galvanized?

A Some high strength bolts can be galvanized while others cannot. In the construction fastener industry, typically the
phrase “high strength” refers to bolts that have been quenched and tempered (heat treated) to develop the proper
strength requirements of a given specification. In many cases, low alloy steels like ASTM A572g50 or F1554g55 are
called “high strength”. There are no issues galvanizing those low alloy grades. However, for the purposes of this FAQ, we
are only discussing quench and tempered fasteners. Two separate issues are involved in determining whether or not a
high strength bolt can be galvanized.
Hydrogen Embrittlement Concerns

The first issue involves a phenomenon called hydrogen embrittlement which may occur when atomic hydrogen is ab-
sorbed by the steel during the acid pickling process that takes place prior to galvanizing. This embrittlement can poten-
tially lead to the loss or partial loss of ductility in the steel and consequently result in the premature failure of the fastener
in the field.
According to specification ASTM A143 – Safeguarding Against Embrittlement of Hot-Dip Galvanized Structural Steel
Products and Procedure for Detecting Embrittlement:
“ “In practice hydrogen embrittlement of galvanized steel is usually of concern only if the steel exceeds approximately
150 ksi (1100 MPa) in ultimate tensile strength.”
Additionally, section 7.2.2 of specification ASTM F2329 – Zinc Coating, Hot-Dip, Requirements for Application to Car-
bon and Alloy Steel Bolts, Screws, Washers, Nuts, and Special Threaded Fasteners reads as follows:
“ “For high strength fasteners (having a specified minimum product hardness of 33 HRC), there is a risk of internal
hydrogen embrittlement.”
By reviewing Table 1 below, it is clear that specifications ASTM A490, ASTM A354 grade BD, and SAE J429 grade 8
are all potentially susceptible to hydrogen embrittlement and should therefore not be hot-dip galvanized. This is further
reinforced by specific references found in both the ASTM F3125/A490 specification and the ASTM A354 specification.
According to F3125 Annex A1 and Table A1.1 – Permitted Coatings, for grade A490 bolts both mechanical galvanizing
per B695 and hot dip galvanizing per F2329 are “Not Qualified” meaning that those two coatings are currently prohibited
on A490 grade fasteners.
Additionally, A354 in Section 4.3.5, Note 4 references ISO TR 20491, “Fundamentals of Hydrogen Embrittlement in Steel
Fasteners”. Although this is well short of a specific prohibition, it is clear that the authors of A354 want to make sure that
the user fully understands the potential pitfalls of hot dip galvanizing bolts of this grade.
This information taken directly from the ASTM specifications supports our belief that hot-dip galvanizing of ASTM A490,
ASTM A354 grade BD, and SAE J429 grade 8 should be avoided due to the risk of hydrogen embrittlement.
https://www.portlandbolt.com/technical/faqs/galvanizing-high-strength-bolts/ 23/12/19
Can I Galva- Nominal Minimum Yield Minimum Ten- Minimum

Grade Raw material
nize? Size Strength sile Strength Hardness
ASTM F1554 1
Yes Low Alloy Steel ⁄2" - 4" 55 75 -
Grade 55
ASTM 1
Yes ⁄2" - 11⁄2" 92 120 C25
F3125/A325
Medium Carbon 1
⁄4" - 1" 92 120 C25
Steel,
ASTM A449 Yes 1 ⁄8" - 11⁄2"
1
81 105 C19
Quenched and
15⁄8" - 3" 58 90 B91
Tempered
1
SAE J429 Grade ⁄4" - 1" 92 120 C25
Yes
5 11⁄8" - 11⁄2" 81 105 C19
1
ASTM A193 ⁄4" - 21⁄2" 105 125
Yes NA
Grade B7 25⁄8" - 4" 95 115
1
ASTM A354 ⁄4" - 21⁄2" 109 125 C26
Yes
Grade BC 25⁄8" - 4" 99 115 C22
ASTM F1554 1
Yes ⁄2" - 3" 105 125 NA
Grade 105
Medium Carbon
ASTM A320 Alloy Steel, 1
Yes ⁄4" - 21⁄2" 105 125 NA
Grade L7 Quenched and
Tempered
ASTM 1
No ⁄2" - 11⁄2" 130 150 C33
F3125/A490
ASTM A354 1
No ⁄2" - 4" 130 150 C33
Grade BD
SAE J429 Grade 1

No ⁄4" - 11⁄2" 130 150 C33
8
Effect of Heat on Quenched and Tempered Fasteners

The second issue of concern when considering hot-dip galvanizing high strength fasteners is potentially reducing the me-
chanical strengths due to the introduction of heat during the hot-dip galvanizing process. Portland Bolt operates its hot-
dip galvanizing tank at 840° Fahrenheit. Is this enough heat to potentially alter the strength of a quenched and tempered
fastener? In theory, the amount of heat that a high strength fastener is exposed to during the hot-dip galvanizing process
should not alter its mechanical properties.
It is obvious that the application of heat to a bolt that develops its strength through a heat treating process could adverse-
ly affect the strength of the fastener. The question is, how much heat is necessary to potentially change the mechanical
properties? On page 4-4 of the Ninth Edition of the AISC Manual (American Institute of Steel Construction), the following
statement occurs:
“ “Anchor bolt material that is quenched and tempered (heat treated) should not be welded or heated.”
However, it does not address the amount of heat that should be avoided. Welding obviously applies a tremendous
amount of heat to the components being welded, whereas hot-dip galvanizing is performed at significantly lower temper-
atures. Another reference that addresses the heating of high strength bolts (which occurs during hot-dip galvanizing) can
be found in the ASTM F1554 specification. Section 6.5.3 of the ASTM F1554 specification states:
“ “The maximum hot bending temperature for heat treated anchor bolts shall be less than….1000F for grade 105.
Anchor bolts shall be allowed to air cool after bending.”
Although this statement refers to hot bending, it implies that any process (including galvanizing) that applies heat ap-
proaching or exceeding the tempering temperature of a high strength bolt may potentially alter the mechanical properties
of the fastener and should therefore be avoided. However, galvanized bolts only remain in the zinc tank for a few minutes
and even though the surface temperature may approach 840°, it is unlikely that the entire fastener is heated to that tem-
perature. The most relevant reference found in any ASTM specification addressing the possibility of the hot-dip galvaniz-
ing process altering the mechanical properties of a high strength fastener is found in section 7.2.1.2 of the new hot-dip
galvanizing specification ASTM F2329 which states:
“ “Testing for mechanical properties is not necessary if the galvanizing process is carried out at a lower temperature
than the stress relief or tempering temperature of the fasteners.”
This implies that the mechanical properties have the potential to be altered only if high strength bolts are tempered at
temperatures at or below the 840° temperature that the bolts are subjected to during hot-dip galvanizing. As Table 2 indi-
cates below, the minimum tempering temperature for both ASTM A193 grade B7 and ASTM F1554 grade 105 is 1100°
Fahrenheit. Therefore, it is not possible for the galvanizing temperatures to exceed the tempering temperature for these
specifications. Although in theory it is possible for the other specifications to be tempered below the galvanizing tempera-
ture, recent records indicate that the minimum tempering temperature used for any of these grades listed in Table 2 that
Portland Bolt has manufactured is 950°. Therefore, hot-dip galvanizing performed by Portland Bolt on any of the high
strength bolt specifications listed in Table 2 will not adversely affect the strength of these fasteners.
Minimum Tempering Temperatures

ASTM Grade Minimum Tempering Temperature, Fahrenheit
A325 800°
A449 800°
A354 Grade BC 800°
A320 Grade L7 No Requirement
A193 Grade B7 1100°
F1554 Grade 105 1100°
Share  
Written October 24, 2011, modified January 15, 2019
Dane McKinnon
Phone: 503.219.6991
Email: dane@portlandbolt.com
92 comments
Khan
June 24, 2019 at 8:27 am
ASTM A354 BD high strength cap screw are not to be hot dipped galvanized –
1) What coating option can be used on these high strength bolts? Plain / Black finish rust over time.
Dane McKinnon
June 27, 2019 at 7:38 am
@Khan- there are many types of alternative coatings in the marketplace, like Geomet, Magni, etc. We don’t have
a lot of experience with these other coatings, so we are unable to make any recommendations for one vs the
other.
Bhoopathi
October 28, 2018 at 10:16 pm
Can you please explain to me that the SAE J429 Grade 8 bolt is the same of SAE 5140 grade 8.8?
Is there any possibility to use SAE 5140 Grade 8.8 as anchor rod in the place of Grade A490?
please give me the guidance.
Dane McKinnon
October 29, 2018 at 3:26 pm
@Bhoopathi- Bolts manufactured to grade 8.8 are not equivalent to SAE grade 8 nor to ASTM A490. Grade 8.8
fasteners have a minimum tensile strength of 830MPa, whereas SAE gr.8 and A490 bolts have a minimum ten-
sile strength of about 1040MPa. You would need to get the project engineer’s approval to make that substitution.
However, as noted above, 8.8 bolts are not as strong as grade 8 or A490 bolts.
Jason Que
February 22, 2018 at 11:36 pm
Will Hot dip galvanized 2h nuts have the same HRB as the Black finished Nuts?
Dane McKinnon
February 23, 2018 at 7:14 am
@Jason- The hardness requirements for A194 2H nuts is the same regardless of finish.
DARREL
Can A325-TC bolt be galvanize?
Dane McKinnon
@Darrel – A325?F1852 graded TC bolts are available mechanically galvanized, but not hot dip galvanized.
A490/F2280 TC bolts are prohibited to be galvanized by either method.
Sourabh
November 8, 2017 at 11:01 am
We are unable to galvnize 8.8 grade bolt as we are facing problem of zinc flaking.
Tell me the exact process.
Temp range of zinc bath kettle,quenching water temp,
Dane McKinnon
November 8, 2017 at 12:10 pm

@Sourabh- You are able to find many of the details on the American Galvanizers Association website, as well
as in the ASTM A153 and F2329 standards. We are unable to provide the specific details of our processes.
R. K. Singh
Nowdays,it is seen that Geomat coating are used on Gr 10.9 HSFG Bolt. What type of coating were done on Gr
10.9 HSFG Bolt in International major bridges made before 2005?
Dane McKinnon
@R.K.- Sorry, but we are not familiar with what coating was used on international bridge jobs prior to 2005. We
manufacture and supply bolts made per ASTM standards, so we are less familiar with the international stand-
ards.
Hisham
January 22, 2017 at 8:36 pm
Hello,
Could we use washer of 10.9 grade with ASTM A325 bolt? or there is compatibility issue and only washer of 8.8
grade with ASTM A325 bolt could be used?
Thanks
Dane McKinnon
January 30, 2017 at 7:54 am
@Hisham- The washer required with A325 bolts is an ASTM F436 washer. A 10.9 or 8.8 washer may work for
the application, but you would need to get the substitution approved by the project engineer.
Bhoopathi
August 9, 2016 at 11:59 pm
Hi,
Can you please explain me that the SAE J429 Grade 8 bolt is the same of SAE 5140 grade 8.8?
Is there any possibility to use SAE 5140 Grade 8.8 as anchor rod in the place of Bs 3692?
I aware portland bolt is not manufacturing thi SAE 5140 GRade 8.8. However, please give me the guidance.
Dane McKinnon
August 10, 2016 at 2:48 pm
@Bhoopathi- I am sorry, but we are not familiar with SAE 5140 nor BS 3692, so we cannot speak to the require-
ments of those grades. Apologies.
Kris Kelly
August 9, 2016 at 11:32 am

Can Class 8.8, 10.9 and 12.9 steel bolts be hot dip galvanized?
Dane McKinnon
August 10, 2016 at 2:44 pm
@Kris- Class 8.8 bolts are ok to galvanize, but the 10.9 and 12.9 will be high enough in strength that they will
run the risk of hydrogen embrittlement. We’d recommend against galvanizing them.
Mohamed irfan
December 26, 2016 at 9:57 pm
Hi sir ,
Based on which standard we can say that 10.9 is not possible to hot dip galvanized
Dane McKinnon
@Mohamed- I do not have any published information to say that 10.9 cannot be galvanized, however, ASTM
grades of similar strength (A490, A354 BD) either prohibit, or caution against hot dip galvanizing. We have cho-
sen to use that same caution for 10.9 fasteners.
behrouz vali
August 5, 2016 at 9:47 pm
urgent answer pleas :
I do not know whether the documents in accordance with the standard screws made of weathering steel ( a325
type 3 ) can be hot-dip galvanizing. with regard to the impact of high temperatures in hot-dip galvanizing process
whereby the Embrittlement .
tanks
Dane McKinnon
August 10, 2016 at 2:42 pm
@Behrouz- Normally speaking A325 type 1 or type 3 bolts can be galvanized without rick of hydrogen embrittle-
ment. However, there is no benefit to galvanizing type 3 materials, since they are inherently corrosion resistant.
If galvanized fasteners are required, type 1 will be commonly available and much less expensive than trying to
galvanize type 3 bolts.
wilfredo Espino
June 12, 2016 at 11:26 am
Dear Dane,
The ASTM A490 is on the project specification but this material is not available i can recommend to use the
F10T .Are these two materials same characteristics for using to boiler structural beam?
Thank you
Wifredo Espino
Dane McKinnon
June 13, 2016 at 7:48 am
@Wilfredo- I am sorry, but I do not know much about F10T bolts. They appear to be similar, but if you want to
make a substitution, you will need to consult with the project engineer..
dady
May I know value torque bolt gr 8.8 ( JIS ) hotdip galvanized , because the nut must oversize, so the value
torque can’ t use same with bolt gr 8.8 black ( plain ), thx
Dane McKinnon
March 4, 2016 at 8:37 am
@Dady- We do not have any torque values for metric grades, but I can tell you that galvanized torque values are
typically about 25% higher than plain finish torque values.
Phil Coleman
December 17, 2015 at 7:30 am
Are there any changes to torque spec for galvanized B7 stud bolts? Thanks,
Dane McKinnon
@Phil- The torque chart we have is applicable for your item as long as one end is restrained from rotating during
tightening.
Matteo Toselli
October 13, 2015 at 5:47 am
Dear Dane,
if hot dip galvanizing is not accepted by customer specification, which kind of coating is suggested for A193
Gr.B7 bolts at ambient temperature, indoor application but with occasional presence of water and/or petroleum?
Dane McKinnon
October 13, 2015 at 11:31 am
@Matteo- There are many kinds of special and proprietary coatings available in the marketplace, but we are not
familiar enough with the pros and cons of each to make any sort of recommendation.
Partha
September 2, 2015 at 9:56 am
Hi Dane,
Galvanized Bolts: Hot Dip vs. Mechanically galvanized.
Question: What is typically specified? Hot dip or Mechanically galvanized? What are the situations to use Me-
chanically galvanized. What are the precautions to use either of them. What is approximately the price differ-
ence.
Thanks,
Partha
Dane McKinnon
@Partha- Hot dip galvanizing is much more common in our industry. We don’t do much with mechanical galva-
nizing, and I am not certain why it would be specified versus hot dip. Cost-wise, it will depend on the item and
quantity. For us, hot dip galvanizing is less expensive, but it will depend on the specifics of your inquiry. For
more technical information, you may want to contact the American Galvanizing Association.
ary
July 1, 2015 at 2:54 am
If i use A490 ungalvanized as AISC, will it get Enviromental Hydrogent Embrittlement or not?
How to procure Dacromet in the bridge project.
Dane McKinnon
July 6, 2015 at 10:36 am
@Ary- You may run the risk of environmental hydrogen embrittlement, it would depend on the atmosphere. You
would need to consult an engineer familiar with the job to get that question properly answered. As for the
Dacromet coating there are a few suppliers who specialize in having that coating applied. You would need to
contact one of them to walk you through the process.
Gajendra Kumar
April 8, 2015 at 7:56 pm
I can use Bolt grade 8.8 or 10.9 instead of ASTM A193 Grade B7 or let me know equivalent grade for ASTM
A193 Grade B7.
Dane McKinnon
April 10, 2015 at 10:58 am
@Gajendra- No, A193 B7 is a special grade used for high temperature applications. Bolt grades 8.8 and 10.9
are for general purpose applications. I am not aware of any high temperature equivalent to A193 B7.
RAYNA
March 13, 2015 at 4:33 am
Hi Dane help……. Im quoting on a large quote for Studs & Nuts A193 grd B8M class 1 and 2 they want it Hot dip
Galvanised the bolts are imperial sizes and S.A. dont stock the taps to clean out the threads after plating.. my
ques is do these bolts need to be stree relieved after plating? and what is the implications of Hot dip galvanising
this ?
Dane McKinnon
March 13, 2015 at 8:09 am
@Rayna- A193 B8M is stainless steel 316, so you cannot hot dip galvanize them. Stainless 316 is corrosion re-
sistant by itself, so not only would galvanizing be a waste of time and money from a corrosion standpoint, but the
zinc will not adhere to the steel.
jakrin.s
January 23, 2015 at 9:25 pm
Can high strength bolt F10T (JIS B1186) be hot dip galvanized or not?
Bolts F10T / Tensile strength : 1000 – 1200 N/mm2, HRC 27 – 38
Bolts F10T / Yield strength : 900 N/mm2 min.
Nut F10 : HRC 35 max.
Washer F35 : HRC 35 – 45
Dane McKinnon
January 26, 2015 at 12:16 pm
@Jakrin – We do not know if JIS B1186 specifically allows or prohibits hot dip galvanizing, but the rough ASTM
equivalents that fall in that same strength range are not permitted to be galvanized due to hydrogen embrittle-
ment concerns.
Gulsum
I want to obtain infromation about hydrogen embrittlement . First , in cleaning and pickling section of ISO 10684 :
Unless otherwise agreed, parts heat treated or work hardened to a hardness of ≥ 320 HV shall be cleaning using
an inhibited acid ,alkaline or mechanical process . Immersion time in the inhibited acid depends on the as –re-
ceived surface condition and should be of minimum duration .
So ,
– Does still increases the risk of hydrogen embrittlement, immersed of material in an acid bath established be-
tween 5 and 10 percent after mechanical blasting ?
– What should be phosphorus and silicon ratio of used steel ?
– Must we need to use low rigidity or high resistant alloys ?
– What should be our material selection ? (High and low alloy chrome molybdenum steel ??? )
– What do we need to pay attention during manufacturing process of bolts ? So What do the risks posed by forg-
ing process for hydrogen embrittlement ??
In brief , can you give to general information about the risks posed of manufacturing process ,heat treatment and
hot dip galvanizing proces for hydrogen embrittlement ??
Dane McKinnon
@Gulsum – I am sorry, but your questions are beyond the range of our expertise. You will need to contact an
engineer or metallurgist who specializes in hydrogen embrittlement.
Raj D.
dear sir, astm a193 gr.b7m & a194 gr.2hm studs nuts are hot dip galvanised with a range 150 to 200 microns
coating.
min requirement is 70 microns. Does it make any effect in workability of products? iS IT ACCEPTABLE TECHNI-
CALLY?
Dane McKinnon
@Raj – You are correct, there is no maximum coating thickness in the F2329 galvanizing standard. The only is-
sue with the coating being too thick is if the nut will not mate to the bolt. Otherwise, if the nut threads on, there is
no downside to having more zinc thickness.
ibrahim gomaa
September 28, 2014 at 1:08 pm
thank u for this excellent website.
high strength bolt A490 shouldnot be galvanized because of pickling but if i make blasting cleaning in stead of
pickling, in this case A490 can be galvanized?
Dane McKinnon
@Ibrahim – No, the ASTM A490 standard specifically prohibits any non-approved coating, regardless of how the
bolts are prepared. At this time, galvanizing is still not permitted.
NAVEED
June 16, 2014 at 12:52 am
CAN WE USE 10.9 GRADE BOLT (ASTM 490) IN PLACE OF 8.8 GRADE BOLT (ASTM 325)IN STRUCTURE
Dane McKinnon
July 2, 2014 at 6:24 am
@Naveed – You will need to consult an engineer for any substitutions like this, we cannot make those recom-
mendations.
Rahul Sinnarkar
April 28, 2014 at 10:40 pm
Please confirm as per code whether Hot dip galvanizing of SA 193 Gr.B16 bolts and SA 194 Gr. 4 nuts is recom-
mended or not.
Dane McKinnon
April 29, 2014 at 10:44 am
@Rahul – ASME SA193 B16 bolts are designed for high temperature service. Hot dip zinc is not designed for
high temperature service, in fact ASTM A194 Appendix X2 cautions using zinc coated fasteners above 390F.
So, it seems wasteful to use a high cost bolt like B16 when you aren’t getting the high temperature usage you
are paying for. As for whether it is “per code”, I guess it depend on what code you are talking about. ASTM does
not limit coatings on any A193 fasteners, and I am not familiar enough with other “codes” to know what may or
may not be prohibited or recommended.
Gilbert
March 14, 2014 at 7:16 am
Thank you very much for the information! I am looking to use an A490 blot nut assembly and protection the the
bolt with another protection than the hot-dip galvanization. But, is the hot-dip galvanization of an A563DH nut
could cause hydrogen embrittlement problems? Do the nuts have to be galvanized in accordance with the ASTM
A143?
Thank you very much!
Dane McKinnon
March 17, 2014 at 8:44 am
@Gilbert – There should be no issues with hot dip galvanizing A563DH nuts, it is done all the time. They are gal-
vanized per ASTM A153 and F2329. However, you should be careful using galvanized nuts with A490s that are
coated with something else. Galvanized nuts are tapped oversize to allow for the zinc coating thickness, they
may not fit properly with bolts that are coated with something other than hot dipped zinc.
Guy
Dane – since a ASTM A563 – DH nut can have a tensile strength up to approximately 171ksi, why is it not sus-
ceptible to hydrogen embrittlement?
Dane McKinnon
September 9, 2016 at 12:18 pm
@Guy- We are not certain why HBE is not an issue for A563DH nuts. Perhaps is it due to the tapping being per-
formed after galvanizing, so the hydrogen does not get trapped? Or perhaps it is because the galvanized nuts
are not typically used in super high tension applications, like A490 bolts (with plain nuts) would be? We are not
certain, but can say that the issue has not ever been raised at any of the HBE discussions we’ve been a part of
at ASTM meetings.
ToddAnderson
in the prep before galvanizing of A193 B7 is it better to acid etch the material or sandblast?
Dane McKinnon
@ToddAnderson – I can’t say if one method is better than the other, just different. Which method works better
will likely depend on the item being galvanized – the type of steel, size, shape, capabilities of the galvanizer, etc.
Baw
Hi, projects specs were referring to HDG A490 bolts which we already purchased; now site consultant has re-
jected those bolts for being HDG!
consultant requested us to perform tensile strength on the galvanized bolts and results were found satisfactory.
however; bolts are already installed, is there a way to get it approved?
Dane McKinnon
@Baw – ASTM specifically prohibits galvanizing on A490 bolts due to hydrogen embrittlement concerns. If the
site consultant has rejected them, I do not know of any information you could use to overturn that. ASTM is very
specific about not allowing HDG on A490s.
Zam
Can we use 8.8 Grade instead of ASTM A193-B7 ? What is the differece between the two ?
Dane McKinnon
@Zam – A193 B7 is designed for high temperature and high pressure applications. Grade 8.8 is more for gen-
eral purpose use, and would not perform well in high temperature/pressure applications. Depending on your use,
any substitution would need to be approved by an engineer. A193 B7 is an alloy steel, heat treated to withstand
high heat. Grade 8.8 can be a number of different steel chemistries, and is heat treated at a lower temperature
for general purpose use.
Sridhar
November 12, 2013 at 9:44 pm
Dear All,
Can we use A 193 B7 INSTEAD OF A 325.
Dane McKinnon
November 13, 2013 at 10:15 am
@Sridhar – You will need to get any grade substitutions approved by the project engineer, we cannot make
those kinds of recommendations.
Andis Eglitis
August 14, 2013 at 3:26 am
Why bolts DIN933 DIN931 property class 10.9 can not be hot dip galvanized but bolts DIN6914 can?
Dane McKinnon
August 15, 2013 at 7:53 am
@Andis Eglitis – I am sorry, but we are not familiar with the various DIN standards, so are unable to answer.
Apologies.
Clarke Johnston
June 23, 2013 at 7:58 pm
I found this very informative page while researching bolts, the galvanizing process, and hydrogen embrittlement.
Did anyone at CalTrans or working on the new SF Bay Bridge project even do this level of inquiry? From one
taxpayer who doesn’t trust the PR spin that CalTrans is putting out. No.
Hitender Negi
June 11, 2013 at 1:31 am
can we use Gr. 8.8 bolt in place of SA 193 Gr. B7
Dane McKinnon
June 14, 2013 at 3:08 pm
@Hitender – That is a question you need to pose to your project engineer. A193 B7 bolts are rated for high tem-
perature and high pressure applications, whereas grade 8.8 are not. Your engineer would need to sign off of any
grade changes.
Arnold
May 2, 2013 at 4:44 pm
After galvanizing the ASTM A325 bolts, is the allowable tensile stress and allowable shear stress on bolts re-
duced?
Thanks
Dane McKinnon
May 6, 2013 at 12:47 pm
@Arnold – the AISC Steel Construction Manual, 13th Edition, makes no distinction between plain and galva-
nized bolts in the allowable tensile and shear stress tables, so it is our interpretation that the values are not re-
duced.
emad
Hi, Could you please give me some clarifications about the normal/common galvanizing thickness for bolts ? and
what is the problems/risks of using high galvanization thickness ?
Thanks.
Dane McKinnon
@Emad – In our galvanizing line, we typically get thicknesses ranging from 2-5 mils (0.002-0.005 in). With
threaded fasteners, the risk of extra thick coating thicknesses would be that the thread fit tolerances would be
too tight. Normal hot dip galvanized nuts are tapped a bit oversize in order to accommodate the thickness of the
zinc on the threads. If the zinc thickness is very high, the nut would likely not fit onto the bolt. ASTM A563 gives
the maximum overtapping tolerances for hex nuts, so additional overtapping is not allowed.
Gulsum
June 16, 2012 at 12:07 am
Thank you for response Dane.
I have one more question.What should to be cooling water temperature for quality 10.9 bolts after galvanizing
process?
So Is there a standard about it??
Dane McKinnon
June 19, 2012 at 6:37 am
@Gulsum – Apologies, but I do not have that information. ASTM does not make any references to cooling baths
after galvanizing. I am not familiar enough with ISO or any of the metric standard organizations to know if they
make such a recommendation.
Gulsum
April 30, 2012 at 1:02 pm
1)What should temperature galvanizing of boron steels be for not decrease of hardness?
2)Is Grade 530 problem for temperature of galvanizing?
(Quality of bolt is 10.9 and diameter of bolt is 20 metric.)
Dane McKinnon
April 30, 2012 at 1:52 pm
@Gulsum – Yes, boron steels can react differently when hot dip galvanized than non boron steels. Exactly how
is dependent on the chemistry of the steel and the temperature of the zinc bath. Apologies, but we cannot an-
swer this question precisely since we do not have any metallurgists on staff.
Carl Wang
ASTM A325 High Strength bolts can be galvanized by either the hot-dip (A153 Class C) or mechanical (B695
Class 50) process.
Steve Huppert
Hi,
Thanks for an excellent and informative website.
We are an Australian firm engaged in design and manufacture of architectural tension fabric structures.
We have designed several large architectural structures in Australia and overseas, including the USA. We are
currently engaging some local (USA) fabricators but designing and specifying the structuture here (down-under)
to AISC specs (as best we can).
We commonly specify metric HD galvanised grade 8.8 bolts here in Aus but we are unsure of the specs for high
strength galvanised bolts in the USA.
I’ve checked several references on your website but I’m still not perfectly clear on what is ok and what is not.
The client has queried the fact that we have specified HD gal finish (for outdoor corrosion protection) with ASTM
A-325 bolts. The bolts are primarily in shear and friction grip type are not required, so the gal coating is not an is-
sue in this regard.
Can you please clarify what is available or approved within the range of high strength bolts.
The client is suggesting the use of stainless steel as an alternative, but we’d like to be properly informed for fu-
ture projects.
Thanks.
Dane McKinnon
Hot dip galvanized A325s are very common here in the US and would be roughly equivalent to 8.8 bolts in terms
of chemistry and mechanical properties. If the galvanized coating is not necessary, another option (besides plain
finish A325s) would be SAE J429 grade 5 bolts. These are also mechanically equivalent to 8.8 and A325, but
are used more for general purpose applications. As for stainless, there are sizes and grades (A193 B8/B8M or
F593) that are somewhat available, but they would not be nearly as strong as the heat treated carbon steel bolts,
and they would be considerably more expensive.
Sam Kinnis
August 19, 2011 at 6:46 am
I am so thankful that I found you guys on Google. The table presented here has been instrumental in choosing
the right steel to use for our project.
Thanks for providing accurate information regarding hydrogen embitterment. My boss is always concerned about
that, and even though I am new to this, it is actually starting to make sense.
Sam Kinnis
Peter
July 15, 2011 at 12:03 am
Thanks for providing accurate information regarding hydrogen embrittlement. It’s always the main concern when
it comes to steel. This table would surely be a great help in choosing which steel to use for our project.
Peter Simmons
Hasan Siddiqui
March 16, 2011 at 3:28 pm
The tensile strentgth of ASTM A193 Gr. B7 studs is 125 KSI (860 Mpa) and not 155 KSI as mentioned above by
Adam Oakley. Therefore, the upper threshold of 150 KSI for hot-dip galvanizing will not be applicable to ASTM
A193 Gr. B7 studs.
Dane McKinnon
October 4, 2010 at 1:14 pm
@Jason Hughes – You are correct in your observations. B7 fasteners that are hot dip galvanized should not be
subjected to applications in excess of 390F unless approved by an engineer. Typically speaking, fasteners that
are hot dip galvanized are usually being used in marine or outdoor applications, where temperatures are not
usually that high. I think that what usually happens is that an engineer will specify B7 in a non-high temp applica-
tion, like construction, because it is a common material and a known quantity. It was not really ever meant to be
used outside in general purpose applications, but because of its availability and versatility, it gets spec’d in
where other materials might be more suitable but harder to find. As far as the issues with liquid or solid embrittle-
ment, I am not sure. We don’t usually have B7 embrittlement issues with our hot dip galvanizing because B7
does not fall into the high strength range of 150ksi tensile and above where embrittlement can be an issue. What
I do not know is if embrittlement can be an issue at higher temperature applications as you approach and pass
390F. Our products are not typically used in those applications so I do not have any relevant experience. I also
have to plead ignorance with respect to cadmium plating. It is not a plating type that we usually deal with, so I do
not know what issues may be associated with cadmium.
Jason Hughes
I didn’t see any comments regarding solid or liquid metal embrittlement concerns with coated A 193 B7 studs
used at temperatures within the allowable range for the bolt material. ASTM A 193 Appendix X2 indicates that
coatings are not recommended particularly at temperatures above 1/2 the melting temperature of the coating.
Based on this, a coated A 193 B7 stud no longer meets the full range of temperatures that are associated with
the bolt material alone.
Cunha
August 18, 2010 at 5:46 am
For ASTM A193 B7 bolts we used to bake after galvanising, according to ASTM B633, that sends to B850
Follow link below…
https://www.nhml.com/newsletters/HydrogenEmbrittlement&ASTMB633.pdf
PIO RILLER
August 16, 2010 at 7:46 am
THANK YOU FOR THE INFORMATION, I WILL PASS IT ON TO MY BOSES, IT WILL HELP US IN DECIDING
IF
THEY WILL GO THROUGH USING B7 HOT DIP GALV. OR TO USE ANOTHER TYPE OF BOLT.
LZ
May 4, 2010 at 9:34 am
Your chart is misleading with regard to the A193 B7 bolts in that it implies they can always be galvanized. As
Adam Oakley pointed out, the tensile strength of this material can be well above the 150ksi range since there is
no upper tensile limit in the specification. I am aware of one situation where a refinery galvanized some B7’s for
a pipr flange with difficult access, and they ended up on the ground. The F1554 Grade 105 places an upside lim-
it on the tensile strength just for this reason.
Jonathan Waltner
May 18, 2010 at 9:58 am
@LZ – Thank you for your concern with regard to the accuracy of information on the topic of hydrogen embrittle-
ment provided on our website. The information Adam provided previously is accurate, however his interpretation
of the data may be a bit misleading. The fact that A193 grade B7 has no maximum tensile strength requirement
provides no insurance that the actual strength of a given bolt (or lot of bolts) could exceed 150 ksi in ultimate
tensile strength. However, the fact that the specification carries a maximum Rockwell C35 value in theory will
limit the tensile strength to somewhere in the mid 150 ksi range. There is no magical line at 150 ksi tensile
strength where if a bolt exceeds that value, it is automatically going to be susceptible to hydrogen embrittlement.
On the contrary, you will see that based on a couple references I will present, the point at which hydrogen em-
brittlement may occur when a quenched and tempered medium carbon alloy fastener is galvanized appears to
be at a much higher tensile strength than 150 ksi.
According to the National Physical Laboratory, in their Guide to Good Practice in Corrosion Control, they state
the following:
“ “There is no hard-and-fast limit for the strength level above which problems will be experienced, as this will
be a function of the amount of hydrogen in the steel, the applied stress, the severity of the stress
concentration and the composition and microstructure of the steel. As a rough guide hydrogen embrittlement
is unlikely for modern steels with yield strengths below 600 MPa (87ksi), and is likely to become a major
problem above 1000 MPa (145ksi).”
I have converted the MPa values to relative ksi and added them above.
High strength alloy steels with a 1000 MPa yield strength would likely correlate to a tensile strength in the range
of 165 ksi to 170 ksi. Therefore, it is the opinion of the National Physical Laboratory that hydrogen embrittlement
may begin to occur at tensile strengths significantly higher than 150 ksi.
Another reference on this subject can be found in the Research Council on Structural Connections’ Specification
for Structural Joints Using ASTM A325 or A490 Bolts (June 30, 2004). This document states the following:
“ “Steels in the 200 ksi and higher tensile-strength range are subject to embrittlement if hydrogen is permitted
to remain in the steel and the steel is subjected to high tensile stress. The minimum tensile strength of ASTM
A325 bolts is 105 ksi or 120 ksi, depending upon the diameter, and maximum hardness limits result in
production tensile strengths well below the critical range. The maximum tensile strength for ASTM A490 bolts
was set at 170 ksi to provide a little more than a ten-percent margin below 200 ksi”
(Note: since 2004, the maximum tensile strength requirement for A490 bolts has been moved to 173 ksi).
This RCSC and National Physical Laboratory data both imply that embrittlement has the potential to occur at
tensile strength levels significantly higher than 150 ksi.
The final argument backing our stance that A193 grade B7 bolts can indeed be galvanized is that ASTM does
not restrict this practice within the specification. ASTM makes it very clear that hot-dip galvanizing should not be
performed on A490 bolts and on A354 grade BD bolts, but does not restrict this practice on any other common
ASTM fastener specification including A354 grade BC which has an identical minimum tensile strength as A193
grade B7 (125 ksi) but an even higher yield (109 ksi vs. 105 ksi) and a higher maximum Rockwell hardness re-
quirement (C36 vs. C35).
In summary, these supporting documents combined with the fact that ASTM does not restrict the practice of hot-
dip galvanizing within the A193 specification leads us to believe that there is no potential for hydrogen embrittle-
ment when galvanizing A193 grade B7 bolts.
Julie Blouin
April 1, 2009 at 9:48 am
What is the safiest alternative (without modifying the strenth) to protect a A490 bolt from corrosion if those treat-
ments (galvanazing and all)is not recommended?
Adam Oakley
April 9, 2009 at 9:38 am
See this FAQ for details on corrosion protection options for high strength bolts.
Bill King
I agree with Adam on this issue. Grade 8 bolts should not be galvanized. I am not aware of anyone stocking gal-
vanized grade 8 bolts. It may be possible the word “galvanize” used for grade 8 bolts actually refers to the older
term “electro-galvanize”, which is actually standard zinc plating, not hot-dip galvanize. Zinc plating is fine for
Grade 8 bolts.
Adam Oakley
@Michael Nietch: Thanks for your input regarding this topic. Galvanizing high strength bolts is a complicated
subject and the discussion helps to better clarify the issues.
1. Hardness is a rough estimate of tensile. Generally speaking a 34 Rockwell equals 150 ksi tensile. The chart
above doesn’t include A193 B7 hardness, since it has no minimum. There is slight overlap between the mini-
mum Grade 8 hardness and maximum A193 B7 hardness. Technically a B7 bolt could have a tensile in the 155
ksi range. In that case, hot-dip galvanizing would not be recommended. The upper threshold for hot-dip galva-
nizing is material with 150 ksi tensile. B7 bolts will occasionally be above 150 ksi, but are typically well below it,
whereas Grade 8 bolts have a minimum tensile of 150 ksi so are always above it. I’m not aware of a SAE stand-
ard that addresses hot-dip galvanizing, since they are fasteners designed for automotive and OEM applications.
Neither ASTM A354 grade BD or A490, which are both 150 ksi minimum tensile bolts and are chemically and
mechanically identical to SAE grade 8, allow galvanizing. It is best to analyze this issue based on tensile and
tempering temperatures, rather than hardness.
2. I would question anyone supplying galvanized grade 8 bolts. Because of the reasons stated above the me-
chanical properties of these bolts are greatly compromised through the galvanizing preparation process. The
reason galvanized B7 bolts are difficult to find is more application than function. They are typically used for high
temperature-high pressure designs.
Michael Nietch
1. Have you excluded SAE J429 Grade 8 from “capable of galvanizing” list specifically because hardness mini-
mum is >= 33 HRC and included A193 B7 because the specification doesn’t have a minimum? If yes, I question
the reasoning since the maximum hardness of A193 B7 is 35 HRC at less than 4″ and therefore a A193 B7 and
SAE J429 Gr. 8 fastener may have identical hardness.
2. Why is it easy to find stock galvanized SAE J429 Grade 8 bolts (most suppliers) and impossible to find stock
galvanized A193 B7 bolts?

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Galvanizing High Strength Bolts - Portland Bolt Page 1 of 18

Galvanizing High Strength Bolts

QCan high strength bolts be hot-dip galvanized?

Hydrogen Embrittlement Concerns

Can I Galva- Nominal Minimum Yield Minimum Ten- Minimum

SAE J429 Grade 1

Effect of Heat on Quenched and Tempered Fasteners

Minimum Tempering Temperatures

A354 Grade BC 800°

A320 Grade L7 No Requirement

A193 Grade B7 1100°

F1554 Grade 105 1100°

November 8, 2017 at 12:10 pm

August 9, 2016 at 11:32 am

Can we use A 193 B7 INSTEAD OF A 325.

Thanks for an excellent and informative website.

Follow link below…

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