ASTM A 563

Standard Specification for Carbon and Alloy Steel Nuts

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.

ASTM A563 Grades
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
A563 Mechanical Properties

Grade

Style

Size, in.

Proof Load, ksi

Hardness, HBN

Plain

Galvanized

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

ASTM A563 Chemical properties

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

** 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

** Nickel or Molybdenum may be used.

A563 Grade Identification

Specification

Material

Nominal Size, In.

Proof Load Stress, ksi

Hardness Rockwell

See Note

Min

Max

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

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.