[TowerTalk] Galvanized grade 8 bolts (NOT)

[Jeff Walker]

Thanks to Frank for catching the mistake on my
previous bolt posting. The hot dip galvanized bolts
are actually G5 and not G8. 

Jeff


--- donovanf at starpower.net wrote:

> Jeff,
> 
> Please check the head markings on your galvanized
> Grade 8 bolts.
> If they're actually Grade 8, they'll have 8 radial
> lines marked on
> the head.  The reason I ask is that I've never seen
> a galvanized high
> strength alloy steel bolt. Grade 8 bolts are
> typically plated and
> have a gold color.
> 
> The ASTM A490 specification for high strength bolts
> does not allow
> galvanizing because of the high risk of reducing the
> strength of the
> heat treated steel alloy during the hot dip
> galvanizing process.  SAE Grade 8 bolts use the same
> high strength alloy as Grade 8 but they're
> less expensive (and more common in consumer stores)
> because the SAE
> specification doesn't require testing. 
> 
> I understand that some overseas manufacturers do
> offer mechanically
> galvanized (N O T  hot-dip galvanized) high strength
> steel alloy bolts.
> I suspect they're much more expensive than plated
> SAE Grade 8 bolts and
> they're probably not readily available in the USA.
> 
> The alloy steels used in high strength bolts are
> brittle and achieve their fastening strength only
> when properly tensioned by
> professionally trained installers with special tools
> and methods.  Its
> very unlikely that high strength bolts actually
> achieve any benefit in
> amateur installations, and can actually be very
> hazardous if not
> professionally installed.   
> 
> My advice:  Don't use high strength bolts unless
> you're a trained and experienced professional.  In
> critical applications, use ASTM A325
> bolts which can be safely installed by
> non-professionals.  In less
> critical applications use SAE Grade 5.  If you must
> use high strength
> bolts, obtain the training and equipment to use them
> safely.
> 
> 73
> Frank
> W3LPL
> 
> ---- Original message ----
> >Date: Thu, 18 Oct 2007 13:13:18 -0700 (PDT)
> >From: Jeff Walker <k4bp at yahoo.com>  
> >Subject: [TowerTalk] Galvanized grade 8 bolts  
> >To: towertalk at contesting.com
> >
> >
> >Galvanized grade 8 bolts are available in bulk at a
> >VERY reasonable price from...
> >
> >Gulf Coast Fasteners, Inc.
> >1626 Town Hurst
> >Houston, Texas 77043
> >
> >(713) 464-1555
> >
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