The ASTM A563 specification covers the chemical and mechanical requirements for carbon and alloy steel nuts used on bolts, studs, and externally threaded fasteners. The charts below address over tapping allowances for hot-dip galvanized nuts, grade marking requirements, and mechanical requirements.
According to the A563 specification, “The requirements for any grade of nut may, at the supplier’s option, and with notice to the purchaser, be fulfilled by furnishing nuts of one of the stronger grades specified herein unless such a substitution is barred in the inquiry and purchase order”. This is important because some nut grades are not readily available in certain sizes and finishes. Additionally, the specification allows for the substitution of ASTM A563 grade 2H nuts in lieu of A563 grade DH nuts due to the lack of availability of grade DH nuts in nominal sizes 3/4″ and larger.
O | Carbon steel, hex or heavy hex | |
A | Carbon steel, hex or heavy hex | |
B | Carbon steel, hex or heavy hex | |
C | Carbon steel, hex or heavy hex | |
D | Carbon steel, hex or heavy hex | |
DH | Carbon steel, hex or heavy hex | |
C3 | Carbon steel, hex or heavy hex | |
DH3 | Carbon steel, hex or heavy hex |
Grade |
Style |
Size, in. |
Proof Load, ksi |
Hardness, HBN |
|
Plain |
Galvanized |
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A |
Hex |
1/4 - 1-1/2 |
90 |
68 |
116 - 302 |
Heavy Hex |
1/4 - 4 |
100 |
75 |
116 - 302 |
|
B |
Heavy Hex |
1/4 - 1 |
133 |
100 |
121 - 302 |
Heavy Hex |
1-1/8 - 1-1/2 |
116 |
87 |
121 - 302 |
|
C / C3 |
Heavy Hex |
1/4 - 4 |
144 |
144 |
143 - 352 |
D |
Heavy Hex |
1/4 - 4 |
150 |
150 |
248 - 352 |
DH / DH3 |
Heavy Hex |
1/4 - 4 |
175 |
150 |
248 - 352 |
For UNC, 8UN, 6UN, and Coarse Pitch Threads |
Element |
Grades O, A, B, C |
D** |
DH** |
Carbon |
0.55% max |
0.55% max |
0.20 - 0.55% |
Manganese, min |
- |
0.30% |
0.60% |
Phosphorus, max |
0.12% |
0.04% |
0.04% |
Sulfur, max |
0.15%* |
0.05% |
0.05% |
* For grades O, A and B a sulfur content of 0.23% max is acceptable with the purchasers approval |
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** For grades D and DH a sulfur content of 0.05 - 0.15% is acceptable provided the manganese is 1.35% min |
Element |
Classes for Grade C3* (%) |
DH3 |
||||||
A |
B |
C |
D |
E |
F |
N |
||
Carbon |
0.33 -0.40 |
0.38 - 0.48 |
0.15 - 0.25 |
0.15 - 0.25 |
0.20 - 0.25 |
0.20 - 0.25 |
- |
0.20 - 0.53 |
Manganese |
0.90 - 1.20 |
0.70 - 0.90 |
0.80 - 1.35 |
0.40 - 1.20 |
0.60 - 1.00 |
0.90 - 1.20 |
- |
0.40 min |
Phosphorus |
0.040 max |
0.06 - 0.12 |
0.035 max |
0.040 max |
0.040 max |
0.040 max |
0.07 - 0.15 |
0.046 max |
Sulfur, max |
0.050 |
0.050 |
0.040 |
0.050 |
0.040 |
0.040 |
0.050 |
0.050 |
Silicon |
0.15 - 0.35 |
0.30 - 0.50 |
0.15 - 0.35 |
0.25 - 0.50 |
0.15 - 0.35 |
0.15 - 0.35 |
0.20 - 0.90 |
- |
Copper |
0.25 - 0.45 |
0.20 - 0.40 |
0.20 - 0.50 |
0.30 - 0.50 |
0.30 - 0.60 |
0.20 - 0.40 |
0.25 - 0.55 |
0.20 min |
Nickel |
0.25 - 0.45 |
0.50 - 0.80 |
0.25 - 0.50 |
0.50 - 0.80 |
0.30 - 0.60 |
0.20 - 0.40 |
1.00 max |
0.20 min** |
Chromium |
0.45 - 0.65 |
0.50 - 0.75 |
0.30 - 0.50 |
0.50 - 1.00 |
0.60 - 0.90 |
0.45 - 0.65 |
0.30 - 1.25 |
0.45 min |
Vanadium |
- |
- |
0.020 min |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Molybdenum |
- |
0.06 max |
- |
0.10 max |
- |
- |
- |
0.15 min** |
Titanium |
- |
- |
- |
0.05 max |
- |
- |
- |
- |
* Selection of a class shall be at the option of the manufacturer |
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** Nickel or Molybdenum may be used. |
Specification |
Material |
Nominal Size, In. |
Proof Load Stress, ksi |
Hardness Rockwell |
See Note |
|
Min |
Max |
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ASTM A563 Grade O |
Carbon Steel |
1/4 - 1-1/2 |
69 |
B55 |
C32 |
2,3 |
ASTM A563 Grade A |
Carbon Steel |
1/4 - 1-1/2 |
90 |
B68 |
C32 |
2,3 |
ASTM A563 Grade B |
Carbon Steel |
1/4 - 1 |
120 |
B69 |
C32 |
2,3 |
>1 - 1-1/2 |
105 |
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ASTM A563 Grade C |
Carbon Steel, may be Quenched and Tempered |
1/4 - 4 |
144 |
B78 |
C38 |
4 |
ASTM A563 Grade C3 |
Atmospheric Corrosion Resistant Steel, may be Quenched and Tempered |
1/4 - 4 |
144 |
B78 |
38 |
4,6 |
ASTM A563 Grade D |
Carbon Steel, may be Quenched and Tempered |
1/4 - 4 |
150 |
B84 |
C38 |
5 |
ASTM A563 Grade DH |
Carbon Steel, Quenched and Tempered |
1/4 - 4 |
175 |
C24 |
C38 |
5 |
ASTM A563 Grade DH3 |
Atmospheric Corrosion Resistant Steel, Quenched and Tempered |
1/4 - 4 |
175 |
C24 |
C38 |
4,6 |
Note:- 1. In addition to the indicated grade marking, all grades, except A563 grades O, A, and B, must be marked for manufacturer identification. 2. Nuts are not required to be marked unless specified by the purchaser. When marked, the identification marking shall be the grade letter O, A, or B. 3. Properties shown are those of non-plated or non-coated coarse thread nuts. 4. Properties shown are those of coarse thread heavy hex nuts. 5. Properties shown are those of coarse thread heavy hex nuts. Other nuts styles and fine threads may apply. 6. The nut manufacturer, at his option, may add other markings to indicate the use of atmospheric corrosion resistant steel. |