Designation: F 738M 02

METRIC

Standard Specification for

Stainless Steel Metric Bolts, Screws, and Studs1

This standard is issued under the fixed designation F 738M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.

its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to

establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1. Scope
1.1 This specification covers the chemical and mechanical
requirements for stainless steel metric bolts, screws, and studs
with nominal thread diameters M1.6 through M36 and is
intended for use in engineering applications requiring general
corrosion resistance.
1.2 Eight groups of stainless steel alloys are covered,
including three austenitic (Grades A1, A2, and A4), one ferritic
(Grade F1), three martensitic (Grades C1, C3, and C4), and one
precipitation hardening (Grade P1).
1.3 Twenty property classes are covered, including nine
austenitic, two ferritic, eight martensitic, and one precipitation
hardening. The property classes with the permissible alloys for
each are listed in Table 1.
1.4 This specification is based in concept and content on
ISO 3506. The chemical and mechanical requirements specified for all property classes, except as given in 1.4.1, are
essentially identical with classes of the same designation in
ISO 3506.
1.4.1 This specification includes all of the property classes
covered in ISO 3506. Additionally, it includes property classes
A1-70, A2-70, A4-70, A1-80, A2-80, and A4-80 for products
with nominal thread diameters larger than M20; and four
non-ISO property classes, C1-110, C4-110, C3-120; and P1-90.
1.5 Supplementary requirements of an optional nature are
provided, applicable only when agreed upon between the
manufacturer and the purchaser at the time of the inquiry and
order.
1.6 Suitable nuts for use with bolts, screws, and studs
included in this specification are covered by Specification
F 836M.
1.7 The following safety hazards caveat pertains only to
the test method described in this specification. This standard
does not purport to address the safety problems associated with

2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
A 276 Specification for Stainless Steel Bars and Shapes2
A 342/A 342M Test Methods for Permeability of Feebly
Magnetic Materials3
A 380 Practice for Cleaning, Descaling, and Passivation of
Stainless Steel Parts, Equipment, and Systems2
A 484/A 484M Specification for General Requirements for
Stainless Steel Bars, Billets, and Forgings2
A 493 Specification for Stainless Steel Wire and Wire Rods
for Cold Heading and Cold Forging 2
A 555/A 555M Specification for General Requirements for
Stainless Steel Wire and Wire Rods2
A 564/A564M Specification for Hot-Rolled and ColdFinished Age-Hardening Stainless Steel Bars and Shapes3
A 582/A 582M Specification for Free-Machining Stainless
Steel Bars3
A 751 Test Methods, Practices, and Terminology for
Chemical Analysis of Steel Products2
D 3951 Practice for Commercial Packaging4
E 29 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to
Determine Conformance with Specifications5
E 353 Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Stainless,
Heat-Resisting, Maraging, and Other Similar ChromiumNickel-Iron Alloys6
F 606M Test Methods for Determining the Mechanical
Properties of Externally and Internally Threaded Fasteners,
Washers, and Rivets [Metric]7
F 836M Specification for Style 1 Stainless Steel Metric
Nuts7

Annual
Annual
4
Annual
5
Annual
6
Annual
7
Annual

This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F16 on

Fasteners and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F16.04 on Nonferrous
Fasteners.
Current edition approved April 10, 2002. Published May 2002. Originally
published as F 738 81. Last previous edition F 738M 01.

Book
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Book
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Book

of
of
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ASTM
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ASTM
ASTM

Copyright ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.

Standards,
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Standards,
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01.03.
03.04.
15.09.
14.02.
03.05.
01.08.

F 738M
TABLE 1 Property Classes of Stainless Steel Bolts, Screws, and
Studs
Property Class

Permissible Alloys

A1-50
A1-70
A1-80

304, 304L, 305A

384, 189LW, 302HQ

A2-50
A2-70
A2-80

321, 347

A4-50
A4-70
A4-80

316, 316L

F1-45
F1-60
C1-50
C1-70
C1-110
C3-80
C3-120

4. Ordering Information
4.1 Orders for bolts, screws and studs under this specification shall include the following:
4.1.1 Quantity (number of pieces of each item).
4.1.2 Name of item (bolt, screw, stud, etc.; specific type and
style; and reference to dimensional standard when appropriate).
4.1.3 Size (nominal diameter, thread pitch, length).
4.1.4 Property class.
4.1.5 ASTM designation and date of issue. When date of
issue is not specified, fasteners shall be furnished to the latest
issue.
4.1.6 Supplementary requirements, if any (S1 through S5).
4.1.7 Additional requirements, if any, to be specified on the
purchase order:
4.1.7.1 Forming (5.2.1).
4.1.7.2 Threading (5.2.2).
4.1.7.3 Alloy condition (5.2.3).
4.1.7.4 Protective finish (5.2.5).
4.1.7.5 Alloy selection (7.2).
4.1.7.6 Test report (9.2).
4.1.7.7 Heat number (9.1.1).
4.1.7.8 Additional testing (9.3).
4.1.7.9 Inspection (11.1).
4.1.7.10 Rejection (12.1).
4.1.7.11 Certification (13.1).
4.1.7.12 Marking (14.1.3 and 14.1.4).

430B

410

431

C4-50
C4-70
C4-110

416, 416Se

P1-90

630

When approved by the purchaser, Alloys 303, 303Se, or XM1 may be

furnished.
B
When approved by the purchaser, Alloy 430F may be furnished.

F 1470 Guide for Fastener Sampling for Specified Mechanical Properties and Performance Inspection7
2.2 ISO Standard:
ISO 3506 Corrosion-Resistant Stainless Steel Fasteners8

NOTE 1Examples:
10 000 hex-cap screws, ANSI B18.2.3.1M, M12 3 1.75 3 50, Class
A270, furnish test report, ASTM F 738, dated _____.
15 000 oval-head machine screws, Type 1 recess, ANSI B18.6.7M, M3
3 0.5 3 25, Class C4-70, 416Se, Supplementary Requirement S2, ASTM
F 738, dated _____.

3. Classification
3.1 The designation of each property class is composed of
three parts: a letter, followed by a single digit, followed by
either two or three digits.
3.1.1 The letter indicates the general composition type of
stainless steel as follows:
3.1.1.1 A for austenitic steels,
3.1.1.2 F for ferritic steels,
3.1.1.3 C for martensitic steels, and
3.1.1.4 P for precipitation-hardening steel.
3.1.2 The first digit (1, 2, 3, or 4) indicates the alloy group.
The permissible alloys within each group are given in Table 1.
3.1.3 The last two or three digits (50, 70, 110, etc.) indicate
10 % of the specified minimum tensile strength of the property
class.
3.1.4 For example, Class A1-50 is an austenitic steel of any
one of six permitted alloys, and the manufactured fastener has
a minimum tensile strength of 500 MPa.

5. Materials and Manufacture

5.1 Materials:
5.1.1 Specifications A 276, A 493, A 564/A 564M, and
A 582/A 582M are noted for information only as suitable
sources of material for the manufacture of bolts, hex cap
screws, and studs to this specification.
5.2 Manufacture:
5.2.1 FormingUnless otherwise specified, fasteners shall
be cold-formed, hot-formed, or machined, at the option of the
manufacturer.
5.2.2 ThreadsUnless otherwise specified, threads shall be
rolled or cut at the option of the manufacturer.
5.2.3 ConditionFasteners shall be furnished in the condition specified for the property class in Table 2. If other
conditions are required, the condition and resultant mechanical
properties shall be as agreed upon between the manufacturer
and the purchaser.
5.2.4 Surface FinishFasteners shall have a surface finish

8
Available from American National Standards Institute, 11 West 42nd Street,
13th Floor, New York, NY 10036.

F 738M
TABLE 2 Mechanical Property Requirements
Property CondiAlloy/
Class
tionA Mechanical
Property
Marking

Nominal Product
Thread LengthB
Diameter

min

min

min

min

min

min

min

min

max

min

max

A1-50

F 738A

M1.6M5

all

500

...

...

Table 6

...

...

...

...

165

...

B85

F 738B
F 738C

M6M36

all

500

210

0.6D

...

500

210

30

...

165

...

B85

F 738D
F 738E
F 738F

M1.6M5
M6M20
over
M20M36

8D
8D
8D

700
700
550

...
450
300

...
0.4D
0.2D
x

Table 6
...
...

...
650
520

...
400
270

...
20
25

220
220
160

330
330
310

B96
B96
B83

C33
C33
C31

M1.6M5
M6M20
over
M20M24
over
M24M30
over
M30M36

8D
8D
8D

800
800
700

...
600
500

...
0.3D
0.2D

Table 6
...
...

...
780
680

...
600
480

...
12
15

240
240
220

350
350
330

C23
C23
B96

C36
C36
C33

8D

650

400

0.2D

...

620

370

20

200

310

B93

C30

8D

600

300

0.2D

...

570

270

28

180

285

B89

C28

A2-50
A4-50
A1-70
A2-70
A4-70

A1-80
A2-80

AF

CW

SH

A4-80

F 738G
F 738H
F 738J

Full Size Product Tests

Yield
Tensile
Strength, Strength,
C
MPaC,D
MPa

ExtensionE

Machined Specimen Tests

Torsional Tensile
Yield
Strength, Strength, Strength,
F
Nm
MPa
MPa

Elongagation,
%

Hardness
Vickers

Rockwell

F1-45

AF

F 738K

M1.6M5
M6M36

all
all

450
450

...
250

...
0.2D

...
...

...
450

...
250

...
25

...
...

165
165

...
...

B85
B85

F1-60

CW

F 738L

M1.6M5
M6M36

8D
8D

600
600

...
410

...
0.2D

...
...

...
550

...
360

...
20

180
180

285
285

B89
B89

C28
C28

C1-50
C4-50

F 738M
F 738N

M1.6M5
M6M36

all
all

500
500

...
250

...
0.2D

...
...

...
500

...
250

...
20

...
...

165
165

...
...

B85
B85

C1-70
C4-70

F 738P
F 738R

M1.6M5
M6M36

all
all

700
700

...
410

...
0.2D

...
...

...
700

...
410

...
18

220
220

330
330

B96
B96

C34
C34

C1-110
C4-110

HT

F 738S
F 738T

M1.6M5
M6M36

all
all

1100
1100

...
820

...
0.2D

...
...

...
1100

...
820

...
12

350
350

440
440

C36
C36

C45
C45

C3-80

F 738U

M1.6M5
M6M36

all
all

800
800

...
640

...
0.2D

...
...

...
800

...
640

...
15

240
240

340
340

C23
C23

C35
C35

C3-120

HT

F 738V

M1.6M5
M6M36

all
all

1200
1200

...
950

...
0.2D

...
...

...
1200

...
950

...
10

380
380

480
480

C39
C39

C48
C48

P1-90

AH

F 738W

M1.6M5
M6M36

all
all

900
900

...
700

...
0.2D

...
...

...
900

...
700

...
16

285
285

370
370

C28
C28

C38
C38

A
Legend of conditions:
AF headed and rolled from annealed stock and then reannealed.
CW headed and rolled from annealed stock, thus acquiring a degree of cold work; products with nominal thread diameters larger than M20 may be hot-worked and
solution annealed.
SH machined from strain-hardened stock or cold worked to develop the specified properties.
A machined from annealed or solution-annealed stock, thus retaining the properties of the original material.
H hardened and tempered at 565C minimum.
HT hardened and tempered at 275C minimum.
AH solution-annealed and age-hardened after forming.
B
For product lengths:
all means all lengths
8D means 8 times nominal diameter maximum.
C
Tensile strength and yield strength values for full-size products of each property class are given in table on yield and tensile strength.
D
Yield strength is the stress at which an offset of 0.2 % gage lingth occurs.
E
Extension measurement is determined in accordance with the test procedure specified in 10.2.3.
F
Torsional strength requirements apply only to austenitic steel fasteners with nominal thread diameters M5 and smaller. Values are given in table on torsional strength.

produced in accordance with Practice A 380.

5.2.5 Protective FinishesUnless otherwise specified, fasteners shall be furnished without an additive chemical or
metallic finish.

6.1.1 When Condition AF is specified, the fasteners, following manufacture, shall be annealed by heating to 1040 6 30C,
at which time the chromium carbide will go into solution. The
fasteners shall be held for a sufficient time and then cooled at
a rate sufficient to prevent precipitation of the carbide and to
provide the properties specified in Table 2.

6. Heat Treatment
6.1 Austenitic Alloys, Grades A1, A2, and A4
3

F 738M
least 1 h, and then air-cooling to provide the properties
specified in Table 2.
6.4 Precipitation-Hardening Alloy, Grade P1When Condition AH is specified, the fasteners shall be solution-annealed
and aged by heating to 1040 6 15C, holding for at least 12 h,
rapid air- or oil-quenching to 27C maximum, reheating to 620
6 10C minimum, holding for 4 h, and then air-cooling to
provide the properties specified in Table 2.

6.1.2 When Condition CW is specified, the austenitic alloy

shall be annealed as specified in 6.1.1, generally by the raw
material manufacturer, and then cold-worked to develop the
properties specified in Table 2.
6.2 Ferritic Alloys, Grade F1
6.2.1 When Condition AF is specified, the ferritic alloy shall
be heated to a temperature of 790 6 30C, held for an
appropriate time, and then air-cooled to provide the properties
specified in Table 2.
6.2.2 When Condition CW is specified, the ferritic alloy
shall be annealed as specified in 6.2.1, generally by the raw
material manufacturer and then cold-worked to develop the
properties specified in Table 2.
6.3 Martensitic Alloys, Grades C1, C3, and C4
6.3.1 When Condition A is specified, the fasteners, following manufacture, shall be annealed to provide the properties
specified in Table 2.
6.3.2 When Condition H is specified, the fasteners shall be
hardened and tempered by heating to 1010 6 30C sufficient
for austenitization, holding for at least 12 h, rapid air- or
oil-quenching, reheating to 565C minimum, and holding for at
least 1 h and then air-cooling to provide the properties specified
in Table 2.
6.3.3 When Condition HT is specified, the fasteners shall be
hardened and tempered by heating to 1010 6 30C sufficient
for austenitization, holding for at least 12 h, rapid air- or
oil-quenching, reheating to 275C minimum, holding for at

7. Chemical Composition
7.1 It is the intent of this specification that fasteners shall be
ordered by property class.
7.2 Unless otherwise specified in the inquiry and purchase
order (see Supplementary Requirement S2), when two or more
alloys are permitted for fasteners of a specified property class,
the choice of alloy to be used shall be that of the fastener
manufacturer as determined by his fastener fabrication methods and material availability. The specific alloy used by the
manufacturer shall be clearly identified on any certification
required in the purchase order and shall have a chemical
composition conforming to the limits specified in Table 3.
7.2.1 When the purchaser specifies that a specific alloy be
used, the alloy shall have a chemical composition conforming
to the limits specified in Table 3.
7.3 Product analysis may be made by the purchaser from
finished fasteners representing each lot. The chemical composition thus determined shall conform to the limits specified in

TABLE 3 Chemical Requirements

Alloy
Group

Alloy

UNS
Designation

Composition, % maximum except as shown

Carbon

Manganese

Phosphorus

0.20
0.20
0.045
0.045
0.045
0.045
0.040

Sulfur

Silicon

Chromium

Nickel

Copper

Molybdenum

Others

Austenitic Alloys
A1
A1
A1
A1
A1
A1
A1

303
303Se
304
304L
305
384
XM1

S30300
S30323
S30400
S30403
S30500
S38400
S20300

0.15
0.15
0.08
0.03
0.12
0.08
0.08

A1
A1

189LW
302HQ

S30430
S30433

0.10
0.03

2.00
2.00
2.00
2.00
2.00
2.00
5.0 to
6.5
2.00
2.00

A4
A4

316
316L

S31600
S31603

0.08
0.03

A2

321

S32100

A2

347

F1
F1

430
430F

0.60 maxA

1.00
1.00
1.00
1.00
1.00
1.00
1.00

17.019.0
17.019.0
18.020.0
18.020.0
17.019.0
15.017.0
16.018.0

8.010.0
8.010.0
8.010.5
8.012.0
10.513.0
17.019.0
5.06.5

1.00
1.00
1.00

0.045
0.045

0.15 min
0.060
0.030
0.030
0.030
0.030
0.18 to
0.35
0.030
0.030

1.00
1.00

17.019.0
17.019.0

8.010.0
8.010.0

3.04.0
3.04.0

2.00
2.00

0.045
0.045

0.030
0.030

1.00
1.00

16.018.0
16.018.0

10.014.0
10.014.0

0.08

2.00

0.045

0.030

1.00

17.019.0

9.012.0

S34700

0.08

2.00

0.045

0.030

1.00

17.019.0

9.013.0

S43000
S43020

0.12
0.12

1.00
1.25

0.040
0.060

0.030
0.15 min

Se 0.15 min

1.752.25 0.50 maxA

2.003.00
2.003.00
Ti 5 3 C
min
Cb + Ta 10
3 C min

Ferritic Alloys
1.00
1.00

16.018.0
16.018.0

0.60 maxA

Martensitic Alloys
C1

410

S41000

0.15

1.00

0.040

0.030

1.00

11.513.5

C4
C4

416
416Se

S41600
S41623

0.15
0.15

1.25
1.25

0.060
0.060

0.15 min
0.060

1.00
1.00

12.014.0
12.014.0

C3

431

S43100

0.20

1.00

0.040

0.030

1.00

15.017.0

1.252.50

P1

630

S17400

0.07

1.00

0.040

15.017.5

3.05.0

0.60 maxA
Se 0.15 min

Precipitation Hardening Alloy

0.030

1.00

At manufacturers option, determined only when intentionally added.

3.05.0

Cb + Ta
0.150.45

F 738M
Table 3 for the specific alloy within the product analysis
tolerances specified in Specification A 555/A 555M.
7.3.1 In the event of discrepancy, a referee analysis of
samples for each lot shall be made in accordance with 9.3.1.

take precedence over low hardness readings.

9. Number of Tests and Retests
9.1 The requirements of this specification shall be met in
continuous mass production for stock and the manufacturer
shall make sample inspections to ensure that the product
conforms to the specified requirements. Additional tests of
individual shipments of material are not ordinarily necessary.
9.1.1 Individual heats of steel are not identified in the
finished product. When specified in the purchase order that the
heat number shall be identified for the products in an individual
shipment, the manufacturer shall control the product by heat
analysis and additionally shall conduct the testing program
specified in 9.3.1.

8. Mechanical Properties
8.1 Bolts, screws, and studs shall be tested in accordance
with the mechanical testing requirements for the applicable
product type, property class, nominal thread diameter, length,
and specified minimum tensile strength as specified in Table 4,
and shall meet the mechanical requirements specified for that
product in Tables 2-6.
8.2 For products on which both hardness and tension tests
are performed, acceptance based on tensile requirements shall

TABLE 4 Mechanical Testing Requirements for Bolts, Screws, and StudsA

F 738M
TABLE 5 Yield and Tensile Strength Values for Full-Size Fasteners, kN
Nominal Size
and Thread
Pitch

Stress Area,A
mm2

M1.6 3 0.35
M2 3 0.4
M2.5 3 0.45
M3 3 0.5
M4 3 0.7
M5 3 0.8
M6 3 1
M8 3 1.25
M10 3 1.5
M12 3 1.75
M16 3 2
M20 3 2.5
M24 3 3
M30 3 3.5
M36 3 4

1.27
2.07
3.39
5.03
8.78
14.2
20.1
36.6
58.0
84.3
157
245
353
561
817

Nominal Size
and Thread
Pitch

Stress Area,
mm2

M1.6 3 0.35
M2 3 0.4
M2.5 3 0.45
M3 3 0.5
M4 3 0.7
M5 3 0.8
M6 3 1
M8 3 1.25
M10 3 1.5
M12 3 1.75
M16 3 2
M20 3 2.5
M24 3 3
M30 3 3.5
M36 3 4

1.27
2.07
3.39
5.03
8.78
14.2
20.1
36.6
58.0
84.3
157
245
353
561
817

Yield or Tensile Stress, MPa

210

250

300

400

410

450

500

550

600

...
...
...
...
...
...
4.22
7.69
12.2
17.7
33.0
51.5
74.1
118
172

...
...
...
...
...
...
5.03
9.15
14.5
21.1
39.3
61.3
88.3
140
204

...
...
...
...
...
...
6.03
11.0
17.4
25.3
47.1
73.5
106
168
245

...
...
...
...
...
...
8.04
14.6
23.2
33.7
62.8
98.0
141
224
327

...
...
...
...
...
...
8.24
15.0
23.8
34.6
64.4
100
145
230
335

0.57
0.93
1.52
2.26
3.95
6.39
9.05
16.5
26.1
37.9
70.7
110
159
252
368

0.64
1.04
1.70
2.52
4.39
7.10
10.1
18.3
29.0
42.2
78.5
123
177
281
409

...
...
...
...
...
...
11.1
20.1
31.9
46.4
86.4
135
194
309
449

0.76
1.24
2.03
3.02
5.27
8.52
12.1
22.0
34.8
50.6
94.2
147
212
337
490

640

650

700

800

820

900

950

1100

1200

...
...
...
...
...
...
12.9
23.4
37.1
54.0
100
157
226
359
523

...
...
...
...
...
...
13.1
23.8
37.7
54.8
102
159
229
365
531

0.89
1.45
2.37
3.52
6.15
9.94
14.1
25.6
40.6
59.0
110
172
247
393
572

1.02
1.66
2.71
4.02
7.02
11.4
16.1
29.3
46.4
67.4
126
196
282
449
654

...
...
...
...
...
...
16.5
30.0
47.6
69.1
129
201
289
460
670

...
...
...
...
...
...
18.1
32.9
52.2
75.9
141
221
318
505
735

...
...
...
...
...
...
19.1
34.8
55.1
80.1
149
233
335
533
776

1.40
2.28
3.73
5.53
9.66
15.6
22.1
40.3
63.8
92.7
173
270
388
617
899

1.52
2.48
4.07
6.04
10.5
17.0
24.1
43.9
69.6
101
188
294
424
673
980

Yield or Tensile Stress, MPa

A
Stress area = 0.7854 ( D 0.9382 P)2
where:
D = nominal size, mm, and
P = thread pitch, mm.

TABLE 6 Values for Length x

Nominal Thread Diameter
M1.6
M2
M2.5
M3
M4
M5
M6
M8
M10
M12
M16
M20
M24 and larger
A

including the sampling plan and basis of acceptance, in the

inquiry and purchase order.
9.3.1 When the purchaser does not specify the sampling
plan and basis of acceptance the following shall apply:
9.3.1.1 The lot, for purposes of selecting samples, shall
consist of all products offered for inspection and testing, at one
time, that are the same type, style, nominal diameter, thread
pitch, nominal length, material (alloy), property class, and
surface finish.
9.3.1.2 From each lot, samples shall be selected at random
and tested for each requirement in accordance with the
following plan:

x, mm
4
5
6
8
10
12
14
20
25
30
40
45
3D

Number of
Pieces in Lot

x equals the minimum length of product subject to tension testing.

800 and less

801 to 8000
8001 to
22 000
Over 22 000

9.2 When specified in the purchase order, the manufacturer

shall furnish a test report certified to be the last complete set of
chemical analysis and mechanical tests for each stock size in
each shipment.
9.3 When the purchaser requires that additional tests be
performed by the manufacturer to determine that the properties
of products in an individual shipment are within specified
limits, the purchaser shall specify the testing requirements,

Number
of Tests

Acceptance Criteria
Acceptance
Number

Rejection
Number

1
2
3

0
0
0

1
1
1

9.3.1.3 If the failure of a test specimen is due to improper

preparation of the specimen or to incorrect testing technique,
the specimen shall be discarded and another test specimen
substituted.
6

F 738M
extension equals or exceeds the minimum value for extension
specified in Table 2.
10.2.4 Torsional Strength Test:
10.2.4.1 Clamp the sample screw or stud securely by
suitable means (Fig. 2) such that the threads in the clamped
length are not damaged, and that at least two full threads
project above the clamping device, and that a length equal to
one nominal diameter, exclusive of point is held within the
clamping device. A blind hole may be used in place of a
threaded-clamping device, provided the hole depth is such as to
ensure that breakage will occur beyond the point. By means of
a suitably calibrated torque-measuring device, apply torque to
the product until failure occurs. The product is acceptable
when the torque required to cause failure equals or exceeds the
minimum torsional strength specified in Table 7.
10.2.4.2 The calibrated-torque measuring device shall have
a measuring range not exceeding five times and an accuracy of
67 % of the specified minimum torque value (Table 7) of the
product being tested.
10.2.5 For the purposes of determining compliance with the
specified limits for properties listed in this specification, an
observed value or calculated value shall be rounded in accordance with Practice E 29.

10. Test Methods

10.1 Chemical AnalysisThe chemical composition shall
be determined by any recognized commercial test method. In
the event of discrepancy, Test Methods E 353 shall be used for
referee purposes.
10.2 Mechanical Tests:
10.2.1 Bolts, screws, and studs are to be tested full size as
determined by Table 4 for wedge tensile strength, axial tensile
strength, yield strength at 0.2 % offset, and hardness in
accordance with the methods described in Test Methods
F 606M.
10.2.1.1 Test bolts, screws, and studs subject to wedge
tension testing using hardened wedges based on the design
described in Test Methods F 606M. The wedge shall be 10
when testing hex bolts and screws of nominal thread diameters
M20 and smaller and 6 for sizes larger than M20; 6 when
testing studs and hex flange screws of nominal thread diameters M20 and smaller and 4 for sizes larger than M20.
10.2.2 Test machined test specimens tested for tensile
strength, yield strength, and elongation in accordance with the
methods described in Test Methods F 606M.
10.2.3 Extension TestThe extension test is applicable only
to full-size products. Measure the overall length of the test
specimen (L1). Assemble the specimen into a threaded adapter
to a depth of one nominal diameter and then tension-test to
failure. Fit the two broken pieces closely together and measure
the overall length (L2) again. Compute the total extension by
subtracting the original overall length from the length following fracture (Fig. 1). The product is acceptable when the

11. Inspection
11.1 If the inspection described in 11.2 is required by the
purchaser, it shall be specified in the inquiry, order, or contract.
11.2 The inspector representing the purchaser shall have
free entry to all parts of the manufacturers works that concern

FIG. 1 Test Specimen-Extension Test

F 738M
tion that the product was manufactured and tested in accordance with the specification and the customers order, and
conforms to all specified requirements.
13.2 Test ReportsWhen specified on the order, the manufacturer shall furnish a test report showing the chemical
analysis of the fasteners and the results of the last completed
set of mechanical tests for each lot of fasteners in the shipment.
14. Product Marking
14.1 Bolts, Screws, and Studs:
14.1.1 Unless otherwise specified, bolts and screws of
nominal thread diameters smaller than M5, and studs M10 and
smaller need not be marked. Additionally, slotted and recessed
screws of nominal thread diameters M5 and larger need not be
marked.
14.1.2 Bolts and screws of nominal thread diameters M5
and larger, and studs larger than M10 shall be marked with a
symbol identifying the manufacturer. In addition, they shall be
marked with the alloy/mechanical property marking specified
in Table 2. The markings shall be raised or depressed at the
option of the manufacturer.
14.1.3 When specified on the purchase order, other studs,
bolts, and screws shall be marked. Markings shall be in
accordance with 14.1.2 or as otherwise ordered by the purchaser.
14.1.4 Markings shall be located on the top of the head and
either be raised or depressed at the option of the manufacturer.

FIG. 2 Torque-Measuring Device

TABLE 7 Torsional StrengthA of Screws
0.63
Nominal Size
and Thread
Pitch
M1.6 3 0.35
M2 3 0.4
M2.5 3 0.45
M3 3 0.5
M3.5 3 0.6
M4 3 0.7
M5 3 0.8

Torsional Strength, min Grades A1, A2, A4

Class 50
Nm

Class 70
Nm

Class 80
Nm

0.15
0.30
0.60
1.10
1.80
2.70
5.50

0.20
0.40
0.90
1.60
2.50
3.80
7.80

0.27
0.56
1.20
2.10
3.20
4.90
10.00

15. Packaging and Package Marking

15.1 Packaging:
15.1.1 Unless otherwise specified packaging shall be in
accordance with Practice D 3951.
15.1.2 When special packaging requirements are required
by the purchaser, they shall be defined at the time of inquiry
and order.
15.2 Package MarkingEach shipping unit shall include or
be plainly marked with the following:
15.2.1 ASTM specification,
15.2.2 Alloy number,
15.2.3 Alloy/mechanical property marking,
15.2.4 Size,
15.2.5 Name and brand or trademark of the manufacturer,
15.2.6 Number of pieces,
15.2.7 Country of origin,
15.2.8 Purchase order number, and
15.2.9 Lot number, if applicable.

A
Torsional strength requirements apply only to austenitic steel screws and studs
with nominal thread diameters M5 and smaller.

the manufacture of the material ordered. The manufacturer

shall afford the inspector all reasonable facilities to satisfy him
that the material is being furnished in accordance with this
specification. All tests and inspection required by the specification that are requested by the purchasers representative shall
be made prior to shipment, and shall be so conducted as not to
interfere unnecessarily with the operation of the work.
12. Rejection and Rehearing
12.1 Unless otherwise specified, any rejection based on tests
specified herein and made by the purchaser shall be reported to
the manufacturer within 30 working days from the receipt of
the product by the purchaser.
13. Certification and Test Reports
13.1 Certificate of ComplianceUnless otherwise specified
in the purchase order, the manufacturer shall furnish certifica-

16. Keywords
16.1 bolts; general use; screws; stainless; studs

F 738M
SUPPLEMENTARY REQUIREMENTS
One or more of the following supplementary requirements shall apply only when specified by the
purchaser in the inquiry and order 4.1.6. Supplementary requirements shall in no way negate any
requirement of the specification itself.
individual lots for shipment to ensure that the product conforms to the specified requirements.
S5.2 The manufacturer shall make an analysis of a randomly selected finished fastener from each lot of product to be
shipped. Heat or lot control shall be maintained. The analysis
of the starting material from which the fasteners have been
manufactured may be reported in place of the product analysis.
S5.3 The manufacturer shall perform mechanical property
tests in accordance with this specification and Guide F 1470 on
the individual lots for shipment.
S5.4 The manufacturer shall furnish a test report for each
lot in the shipment showing the actual results of the chemical
analysis and mechanical property tests performed in accordance with Supplementary Requirement S5.

S1. Additional Tests

S1.1 When tests for additional mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, etc., are desired by the purchaser, the test(s)
shall be made as agreed upon between the manufacturer and
the purchaser at the time of the inquiry or order.
S2. Alloy Control
S2.1 When Supplementary Requirement S2 is specified on
the inquiry and order, the manufacturer shall supply that alloy
specified by the customer on his order with no group substitutions permitted without the written permission of the purchaser.
S3. Permeability
S3.1 When Supplementary Requirement S3 is specified on
the inquiry and order, the permeability of bolts, screws, and
studs of Grades A1, A2, and A4 in Conditions A or AF shall not
exceed 1.5 at 100 oersteds when determined by Test Methods
A 342.

S6. Heat Control

S6.1 When Supplementary Requirement S6 is specified on
the inquiry or order, the manufacturer shall control the product
by heat analysis and identify the finished product in each
shipment by the actual heat number or lot number that is heat
lot traceable.
S6.2 When Supplementary Requirement S6 is specified on
the inquiry and order, Supplementary Requirements S2 and S5
shall be considered automatically invoked with the addition
that the heat analysis shall be reported to the purchaser on the
test reports.

S4. Passivation
S4.1 When Supplementary Requirement S4 is specified on
the inquiry or order, the finished product shall be passivated in
accordance with Practice A 380.
S5. Shipment Lot Testing
S5.1 When Supplementary Requirement S5 is specified on
the order, the manufacturer shall make sample tests on the

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