ASTM A325 vs.

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ASTM A325 vs. Grade 5 bolts

QWhat is the difference between Grade 5 and A325 bolts?

A

While these two bolts are virtually identical in terms of chemical and physical strengths and properties, there
are several differences between the two. The Grade 5 specification falls under the Society of Automotive En-
gineers (SAE) classification system, while A325 is an ASTM specification. ASTM A325 bolts are more com-
monly specified by engineers for use in structural steel connections on heavy construction projects, while SAE
Grade 5 bolts are more common in OEM-type applications.

Grade 5 bolts are most typically made, and are most readily available in a finished hex bolt configuration.
A325 bolts are required to have a heavy hex head. The same thing applies for the compatible nuts. Grade 5
nuts are a finished hex pattern, and A194-2H or A563-DH heavy hex nuts are required for use with A325
bolts.

Another difference is that Grade 5 bolts may be specified from 1/4″ diameter up to and including 1-1/2″ diame-
ter. The A325 specification covers bolts from 1/2″ up to and including 1-1/2″ diameter. For bolts larger than
1-1/2″, ASTM A449 should be specified.

Lastly, the required thread lengths are different. Grade 5 fasteners, like most grades, have a standard thread
length of twice the diameter plus 1/4″ for bolt lengths less than or equal to 6″ and twice the diameter plus 1/2″
for bolt lengths 6″ and longer. A325 bolts have specific thread lengths, based on the diameter of the bolt, that
are shorter than most other bolt grades.

2015 Update: With the introduction of the new F3125 specification that now governs the A325 specifica-
tion, alternate head styles and longer thread lengths are allowed, provided the heads are stamped
“A325S”.

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Written July 6, 2010 by

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Mike Monlux
Phone: 800.599.0544
Email: mike@portlandbolt.com

21 comments

Tom C
March 22, 2016 at 7:23 am
When using a SAE J429 Grade 5, Zinc Plated, with the appropriate Zinc Plated nut in 1/2″ X 13 size, to
joint two cold rolled steel plates, what is the preferred locking washer the Flat or the DTI.

It is my understanding that a traditional split lock washer is not recommended for a Grade 5 applica-
tion.

Thanks,

TomC

Dane McKinnon
March 23, 2016 at 7:41 am
@Tom- Neither the flat nor the DTI is a locking washer. To my knowledge there is no prohibition
against using a normal split lock washer with grade 5 bolts. If you would prefer not to use split lock
washer, there are alternatives such as toothed lock washers or liquid locking compounds.

Saftain
January 23, 2016 at 12:05 am
HI
Can you please tell me the detail specification:
1: High tensile (DIN Grade 8.8. ASTM A325 and
ASTM A 193 B7).

2: Can we guess bolt and nuts are these grades by our eyes (i mean without any test)

Dane McKinnon
February 1, 2016 at 11:31 am
@Saftain- The minimum tensile strengths for these grades are all very similar. 8.8 and A325 have a
minimum tensile of 830MPa (120ksi), and A193 B7 has a minimum tensile of 860MPa (125ksi). We
have detailed summaries on our website for the two ASTM grades, we do not for the 8.8 grade.
All three of those specifications require a grade marking, so yes, you should be able to discern the
grade simply by looking.

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Ken Kliesner
January 18, 2016 at 12:45 pm
Are Grade 5 bolts produced from pre-heat treated alloy steel, or are the bolts produced from annealed
material for the ease of machining with a subsequent heat treat process?

Dane McKinnon
January 19, 2016 at 8:42 am
@Ken- Typically, headed grade 5 bolts are produced from annealed wire or round bar, then headed
and heat treated after. Studs can be made either way.

James Rahrick
November 17, 2015 at 5:46 pm
2013 CBC and ASCE 7-10 require Special Inspection for the installation of ASTM A325 and other High
Strength Bolts such as ASTM A490. What about Grade 5 bolts? Thanks for any input offered.

Dane McKinnon
November 25, 2015 at 12:24 pm
@James – Apologies, but we are not familiar with any CBC or ASCE requirements.

Jasper Deboer
April 26, 2016 at 6:32 am
Can you impact a split washer on a grade 5 bolt!

Dane McKinnon
April 26, 2016 at 8:55 am
@Jasper- We are unsure of what exactly you are asking. Are you referring to a charpy impact test, or
an impact wrench? We are happy to help if we can get some clarification.

Mohamed Radwan
July 18, 2015 at 3:28 am
If I have a Hole Thread With Grade 5 Bolt , another bolt with Grade A325 can be installed
in the same Hole Thread OR Not
Note : Both Bolts ( Bolt Grade 5 & Bolt Grade A325 have the same dimension ) .
Please , answer my question .
Thanks & Regards .

Dane McKinnon
July 23, 2015 at 1:56 pm

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@Mohamed- The A325 should fit and thread into the hole for the grade 5, but whether or not the sub-
stitution should be allowed is really a question for the project engineer.

Charles Hall
April 7, 2015 at 8:17 am
Is the grade 5 bolt as strong in structural application

Dane McKinnon
April 7, 2015 at 11:28 am
@Charles- I am not completely sure I understand your question. Grade 5 bolts are similar in strength
to A325 structural bolts but they are not identical.

FAROOQ BASHIR
April 30, 2014 at 2:25 am
Very useful Technical Information.
Thank You

MOHAMMED ABDUL SAMAD

October 5, 2013 at 5:23 am
IS THERE ANY DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE BS AND AMERICAN STANDARD ANCHOR BOLTS.

Dane McKinnon
October 8, 2013 at 12:33 pm
Mohammed, there are many direct correlations or near correlations between the British Standards and
the ASTM standards. I do not have a cross reference sheet, but if you have a specific standard you
are looking at, perhaps we can help you find the rough equivalent.

Sean McCarthy
November 9, 2011 at 11:10 am
Why do A325 bolts and Grade 5 bolts have different tightening torques listed in your suggested start-
ing torque values when the bolts have the same chemical and physical properties?

Dane McKinnon
February 14, 2012 at 2:45 pm
@Sean McCarthy – Application. A325 structural bolts (and A490s) are specifically used for steel to
steel structural connections and are typically tensioned beyond their yield point when installed, where-
as SAE grade 5 bolts are used for many general purpose applications and are not normally installed
that way.

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Kyle Shaver
October 12, 2011 at 4:01 am
I know that an A325 heavy hex bolt head and heavy hex nut will develop the full tensile strength of the
bolt, provided that the threads of the nut are fully engaged. Is the same true for a Grade 5 bolt? Can
Grade 5 bolts be designed similarly to A325 bolts in tension in lighter (non-structural) applications?

Dane McKinnon
February 15, 2012 at 12:26 pm
@Kyle Shaver – You are correct that A325 structural bolts and SAE grade 5 hex bolts are similar in
chemistry and mechanical values. A325 bolts are typically used in steel to steel structural connections
whereas Grade 5s are typically used in OEM and general purpose applications. We can’t really make
recommendations as to which bolt is best for which application, but, being that the two bolts are simi-
lar, one could reasonably assume that the Grade 5s could be used in applications where the strength
of an A325 is desired, but the application is something other than a structural steel connections.

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