Académique Documents
Professionnel Documents
Culture Documents
Presented below are the results from TORQUE for a M12 Grade 8.8 bolt with a nylon
patch type locking device that creates a prevailing torque. (These calculations are in
metric units, the TORQUE program can also work in units of inches and pounds and
work with the unified thread form.)
FASTENER DETAILS
Fastener Diameter = 12.00 mm
Fastener Shank Diameter = 12.00 mm
Thread Pitch = 1.75 mm
Included angle between the thread flanks = 60.00 degrees
Thread Pitch Diameter = 10.863 mm
Thread Root Diameter = 9.853 mm
Diameter related to the Thread Stress Area = 10.358 mm
Thread Stress Area = 84.264 mm²
Thread Root Area = 76.248 mm²
Bearing Area under Nut/Bolt Head = 99.620 mm²
Fastener Outer Bearing Diameter = 17.20 mm
Fastener Inner Bearing Diameter = 13.00 mm
Fastener Clearance Hole Diameter = 13.00 mm
Effective friction diameter of nut/bolt = 15.20 mm
Fastener Yield Strength = 640.00 N/mm²
Answer: Bolt pretension, also called preload or prestress, comes from the installation
torque T you apply when you install the bolt. The inclined plane of the bolt thread helix
converts torque to bolt pretension. Bolt preload is computed as follows.
Pi = T/(K D) (Eq. 1)
D and p can be obtained from bolt tables such as Standard Metric and USA Bolt Shank
Dimensions.
The three terms in Eq. 3 are axial load component (coefficient) of torque resistance due to
(1) thread helix inclined plane normal force, (2) thread helix inclined plane tangential
(thread friction) force, and (3) bolt head or nut washer face friction force, respectively.
However, whether you look up K in references or calculate it yourself, the engineer must
understand that using theoretical equations and typical values for K and coefficients of
friction merely gives a preload estimate. Coefficient of friction data in published tables
vary widely, are often tenuous, and are often not specific to your specific interface
combinations and lubricants. Such things as unacknowledged surface condition
variations and ignored dirt in the internal thread can skew the results and produce a false
indication of preload.
The engineer and technician must understand that published K values apply to perfectly
clean interfaces and lubricants (if any). If, for example, the threads of a steel, zinc-plated,
K = 0.22, "dry" installation fastener were not clean, this might cause K to increase to a
value of 0.32 or even higher. One should also note that published K values are intended
to be used when applying the torque to the nut. The K values will change in relation to
fastener length and assembly running torque if the torque is being read from the bolt
head.
One should measure the nut or assembly "running" torque with an accurate, small-scale
torque wrench. ("Running" torque, also called prevailing torque, is defined as the torque
when all threads are fully engaged, fastener is in motion, and washer face has not yet
made contact.) The only torque that generates bolt preload is the torque you apply above
running torque.
A few more things to be aware of are as follows. Bolt proof strength Sp is the maximum
tensile stress the bolt material can withstand without encountering permanent
deformation. Published bolt yield strengths are determined at room temperature. Heat
will lower the yield strength (and proof strength) of a fastener. Especially in critical
situations, you should never reuse a fastener unless you are certain the fastener has never
been yielded.
1.1 Bolt Preload Measurement
If a more accurate answer for bolt preload is needed than discussed above, the specific
combination and lubricant would have to be measured instead of calculated.
Measurement methods are generally involved, time-consuming, and expensive, and are
beyond the scope of this article. But perhaps one of the simplest and least expensive
methods, to test specific combinations and lubricants, is to measure the installed fastener
with a micrometer, if possible, and compute torque coefficient K as follows, per Shigley,
op. cit., p. 345, para. 2.
Where T = bolt installation torque, L = bolt grip length, E = bolt modulus of elasticity, A
= bolt cross-sectional area, D = bolt nominal shank diameter, and delta = measured bolt
elongation in units of length.
Bolt Torque Chart
Suggested Starting Values
The below estimated torque calculations are only offered as a guide. Use of its content by anyone
is the sole responsibility of that person and they assume all risk. Due to many variables that
affect the torque-tension relationship like human error, surface texture, and lubrication the only
way to determine the correct torque is through experimentation under actual joint and assembly
conditions.
ASTM A307
SAE GRADE 2
ASTM A193 B7
Waxed Plain
Notes:
2. K values: waxed (e.g. pressure wax as supplied on high strength nuts) = .10, hot dip
galvanized = .25, and plain non-plated bolts (as received) = .20.
3. Torque has been converted into ft/lbs by dividing the result of the formula by 12
6. Clamp loads are based on 75% of the minimum proof loads for each grade and size.
7. Proof load, stress area, yield strength, and other data is based on IFI 7th Edition
(2003) Technical Data N-68, SAE J429, ASTM A307, A325, A354, A449, and A490.
One of the major problems with the use of bolted joints is the
precision, with regard to achieving an accurate preload, of the
bolt tightening method selected. Insufficient preload, caused by
an inaccurate tightening method, is a frequent cause of bolted
joint failure. It is important for the Designer to appreciate the
features and characteristics of the main methods employed to
tighten bolts. Presented below is a brief summary of the major
bolt tightening methods. Note however that whatever method is used to tighten a bolt, a
degree of bolt preload scatter is to be expected.
There are six main methods used to control the preload of a threaded fastener.
Specifically:
5. Heat tightening.
When a bolt is tightened the shank sustains a direct stress, due to the elongation strain,
together with a torsional stress, due to the torque acting on the threads. Most tables of
bolt tightening torques ignore the torsional stress and assume a direct stress in the threads
of some proportion of the bolts yield stress, usually 75%. For high frictional conditions
the magnitude of the torsional stress can be such that when combined with the direct
stress, an equivalent stress over yield can result, leading to failure. A more consistent
approach is to determine the magnitude of the direct stress which, when combined with
the torsional, will give an equivalent stress of some proportion of yield. The proportion
commonly used with this approach is 90%.
Torque prevailing fasteners (such as Nyloc, Cleveloc nuts etc.) are often used where there
exists a risk of vibration loosening. The prevailing torque has the effect of increasing the
torsional stress in the bolt shank during tightening. This affects the conversion of the
tightening torque into bolt preload and should be allowed for when determining the
correct torque value for this type of fastener.
As can been seen by study of the above chart, a fundamental problem with torque
tightening is that because the majority of the torque is used to overcome friction (usually
between 85% and 95% of the applied torque), slight variations in the frictional conditions
can lead to large changes in the bolt preload. This effect can be reduced by the use of so
called friction stabilisers. These are substances which are coated onto the fasteners to
reduce the frictional scatter. Other ways to improve the accuracy of the method are:
2. Determine the correct tightening torque by the completion of tests. Strain gauges can
be attached to the bolt shank and tightening completed on the actual joint. A load cell
under the bolt head can be used, however it is not as accurate as strain gauging, since the
joint characteristics have been changed.
3. If it is not feasible to establish by testwork the actual tightening torque, determine the
tightening torque using the best information available i.e. fastener finish, nut head
bearing surface size and prevailing torque characteristics, if applicable. (The computer
program TORQUE developed by Bolt Science can allow for all these effects.)
A small degree of preload scatter still results from this method due to the influence of
friction. The method detects the yield point of the fastener under the action of combined
tension and torsion. The higher the thread friction, the higher the torsional stress, which,
for a given yield value, results in a lower preload due to a lower direct stress.
The method has been used in critical applications, such as cylinder head and conn-rod
bolts, in order that consistently high preloads can be achieved (which can allow smaller
bolts to be used). However, because of the cost of the tools necessary to use this method
(a hand wrench incorporating the control circuitry costs many times more than a
conventional torque wrench), widespread adoption of this method is unlikely. (Although
manufacturers may be able to invest in the equipment, unless service staff have similar
equipment, the Designer cannot depend upon high preloads being maintained in the
field.)
Control of the hydraulic pressure effectively controls the preload in the bolt. A small
amount of preload reduction however does occur when the pressure is removed as the nut
elastically deforms under the load. Removal of nuts corroded to the bolts can be a
problem with this method.
Heat Tightening
Heat tightening utilises the thermal expansion characteristics of the bolt. The bolt is
heated and expands: the nut is indexed (using the angle of turn method) and the system
allowed to cool. As the bolt attempts to contract it is constrained longitudinally by the
clamped material and a preload results. Methods of heating include direct flame, sheathed
heating coil and carbon resistance elements. The process is slow, especially if the strain
in the bolt is to be measured, since the system must return to ambient temperature for
each measurement. This is not a widely used method and is generally used only on very
large bolts.
Special bolts have been designed which will give an indication of the force in the bolt.
One such fastener is the Rotabolt which measures bolt extension by the use of a central
gauge pin which passes down a centrally drilled hole in the bolt. Underneath the head of
the gauge pin, a rota is retained which is free to spin in a very accurately set gap. The
fastener stretches elastically, whereas the gauge pin does not move since it experiences
no load. As tightening continues, the bolt will stretch sufficiently to eliminate the gap and
prevent the rota from being able to be rotated. This is the indication that the bolt is
correctly loaded. Another proprietary fastener uses a similar method. The HiBolt uses a
pin located centrally down the bolt as does the Rotabolt except the pin is gripped by the
slight contraction of the bolt diameter; the pin being locked when the correct preload is
reached.
The use of load indicating washers is widespread in structural engineering. Such washers
have small raised pips on their surface which plastically deform under load. The correct
preload is achieved when a predetermined gap is present between the washer and the
underhead of the bolt. This is measured using feeler gauges. Generally they are not used
in mechanical engineering, but are, extensively, in civil engineering.
The extension which a bolt experiences can be measured either using a micrometer or by
a more sophisticated means such as using ultrasonics. The extension can be related to
preload either directly, by calibration, or indirectly, by calculation. If ultrasonic
measurement is used then the end of the bolt shank and the head may require surface
grinding to give a good acoustic reflector.
To assist the Engineer in overcoming the problems associated with the use of threaded
fasteners and bolted joints, Bolt Science has developed a number of computer programs.
These programs are designed to be easy to use so that an engineer without detailed
knowledge in this field can solve problems related to this subject.
SAE Grade 2 Bolts SAE Grde 5 Bolts SAE Grade 7 SAE Grade 8
Bolt Stress Tensile Proof Clamp Tor- Tor Tor- Tor-
T Tensile Proof Clamp T Clamp Tight Clamp T
Size Diam. Area Strngth Load Loa que -que que que
Dry Strength Load Load Dry Load Dry Load Dry
D(in.) A(in²) min psi psi P (lb) Lub. Lub. Lub. Lub.
4-40 0.1120 .00604 74,000 55,000 240 5 4 120,000 85,000 380 8 6 480 11 8 540 12 9
4-48 0.1120 .00661 280 6 5 420 9 7 520 12 9 600 13 10
6-32 0.1380 .00909 380 10 8 580 16 12 720 20 15 820 23 17
1/4-20 0.2500 0.0318 1320 66 49 2020 96 75 2500 120 96 2860 144 108
1/4-28 0.2500 0.0364 1500 76 56 2320 120 86 2880 144 108 3280 168 120
9/16-12 0.5625 0.1820 7500 70 55 11600 110 80 14350 135 100 16400 150 110
9/16-18 0.5625 0.2030 8400 80 60 12950 120 90 16000 150 110 18250 170 130
5/8-11 0.6250 0.2260 9300 100 75 14400 150 110 17800 190 140 20350 220 170
5/8-18 0.6250 0.2560 10600 110 85 16300 170 130 20150 210 160 23000 240 180
3/4-10 0.7500 0.3340 13800 175 130 21300 260 200 26300 320 240 30100 380 280
3/4-16 0.7500 0.3730 15400 195 145 23800 300 220 29400 360 280 33600 420 320
7/8-9 0.8750 0.4620 60,000 33,000 11400 165 125 29400 430 320 36400 520 400 41600 600 460
7/8-14 0.8750 0.5090 12600 185 140 32400 470 350 40100 580 440 45800 660 500
1-8 1.0000 0.6060 15000 250 190 38600 640 480 47700 800 600 54500 900 680
1-12 1.0000 0.6630 16400 270 200 42200 700 530 52200 860 660 597 1100 740
1-1/4 7 1.1250 0.7630 18900 350 270 105,000 74,000 42300 800 600 60100 1120 840 68700 1280 960
1-1/4 12 1.1250 0.8560 21200 400 300 47500 880 660 67400 1260 940 77000 1440 1080
1-1/4 7 1.2500 0.9690 24000 500 380 53800 1120 840 76300 1580 1100 87200 1820 1361
1-1/4 12 1.2500 1.0730 26600 550 420 59600 1240 920 84500 1760 1320 116600 2000 1500
1-3/8 6 1.3750 1.1550 28600 660 490 64100 1460 1100 91000 2080 1560 104000 2380 1780
1-3/812 1.3750 1.3150 32500 740 560 73000 1680 1260 104000 2380 1780 118400 2720 2040
1-3/8 6 1.5000 1.4050 34800 870 650 78000 1940 1460 111000 2780 2080 126500 3160 2360
1-1/2 12 1.5000 1.5800 39100 980 730 87700 2200 1640 124005 3100 2320 142200 3560 2660
Notes:
1. Tightening torque values are calculated from the formula T = KDP, where T= tightening torque. lb-in.
K=torque-friction coefficient; D = nominal bolt diameter. in; and P = bolt clamp load developed by
tightening. lb.
2. Clamp load is also known as preload or initial load in tension on bolt. Clamp load (lb) is calculated by
arbitrarily assuming usable bolt strength is 75% of bolt proof load(psi) times tensile stress area(sq in.) of
threaded section of each bolt size. Higher or lower values of clamp load can be used depending on the
application requirements and the judgement of the designer.
3. Tensile strength (min psi) of all Grade 7 bolts is 133,000. Proof load is 105,000 psi.
4. Tensile strength (min psi) of all Grade 8 bolts is 150,000 psi. Proof load is 120,000 psi. Ref.:Fastening
Reference, Machine Design, Nov 1977.
"What torque should I use to tighten my bolts?" is a question suppliers of bolts are frequently asked by end
user customers. Many times I have been asked if a chart is published on the recommended tightening
torque for various bolt grades and sizes. I do not know of any. This article provides such a chart for "Initial
Target Tightening Torque. See Figure 1. The formula for generating these values is explained below.
It
The widely recognized engineering formula, T= K x D x P (to be explained later in this article), was used to
provide the chart's values, but it must be understood that every bolted joint is unique and the optimum
tightening torque should be determined for each application by careful experimentation. A properly
tightened bolt is one that is stretched such that it acts like a very ridged spring pulling mating surfaces
together. The rotation of a bolt (torque) at some point causes it to stretch (tension). Several factors affect
how much tension occurs when a given amount of tightening torque is applied. The first factor is the bolt's
diameter. It takes more force to tighten a 3/4-10 bolt than to tighten a 318-16 bolt because it is larger in
diameter. The second factor is the bolt's grade. It takes more force to stretch an SAE Grade 8 bolt than it
does to stretch an SAE Grade 5 bolt because of the greater material strength. The third factor is the
coefficient of friction, frequently referred to as the "nut factor." The value of this factor indicates that harder,
smoother, and/or slicker bolting surfaces, such as threads and bearing surfaces, require less rotational
force (torque) to stretch (tension) a bolt than do softer, rougher, and stickier surfaces. The basic formula T
= K x D x P stated earlier takes these factors into account and provides users with a starting point for
establishing an initial target tightening torque.
•T Target tighten torque (the result of this formula is in inch pounds, dividing by 12 yields foot pounds
• K Coefficient of friction (nut factor), always an estimation in this formula
The reason all applications should be evaluated to determine the optimum tightening torque is that the K
factor in this formula is always an estimate. The most commonly used bolting K factors arc 0.20 for plain
finished bolts, 0.22 for zinc plated bolts, and 0.10 for waxed or highly lubricated bolts.
.
Tensile Stress
Thread SAE Grade 2 SAE Grade 5 SAE Grade 8
Area
Size TSA 75% Yield Strength (PSI) - 43000 75% Yield Strength (PSI) - 69000 75% Yield Strength (PSI) = 98000
Plain Zinc Plated Waxed Plain Zinc Plated Waxed Plain Zinc Plated Waxed
Square Inches A. lb. Ft.Lb. Ft.Lb. Ft.Lb. Ft.Lb. Ft.Lb. Ft.Lb. Ft.Lb. Ft.Lb.
114-20. 0.0318 6 6 3 9 10 5 13 14 6
1/4-28. 0.0364 7 7 3 10 12 5 15 16 7
5116-18. 0.0524 12 13 6 19 21 9 27 29 13
5116-24. 0.0580 13 14 6 21 23 10 30 33 15
318-16. 0.0775 21 23 10 33 37 17 47 52 24
318-24. 0.0878 24 26 12 38 42 19 54 59 27
7/16-14. 0.1063 33 37 17 53 59 27 76 83 38
7/16-24. 0.1187 37 41 19 60 66 30 85 93 42
112-13. 0.1419 51 56 25 82 90 41 116 127 58
112-20. 0,1599 57 63 29 92 101 46 131 144 65
9116-12. 0.1820 73 81 37 118 129 59 167 184 84
9116-18. 0.2030 82 90 41 131 144 66 186 205 93
5J8-11. 0.2260 101 111 51 162 179 81 231 254 115
5J8-14. 0.2560 115 126 57 184 202 92 261 287 131
3/4-10. 0.3340 180 197 90 288 317 144 409 450 205
3/4-16. 0.3730 200 221 100 322 354 161 457 503 228
The only way to properly determine the optimum tightening torque for a given application is to simulate the
exact application. This should be done with a tension indicating device of some type on the bolt in the
application. The bolt is tightened until the desired P (load) is indicated by the tension indicating device. The
tightening torque required to achieve the desired tension is the actual tightening torque that should be used for
that given application. It is extremely important to realize that this tightening value is valid only so long as all of
the aspects of the application remain constant Bolt suppliers sometimes have customers say that their bolts are
no good because they have started breaking while being installed. Thorough investigation commonly reveals
that the customer has started lubricating the bolts to make assembly easier, but maintained to same torque as
was used when the were plain finished
The table in this article shows that by using this formula a 1/2-13 Grade 5 plain bolt should be tightened to 82
foot pounds, but the same bolt that is waxed only requires 41 foot pounds to tighten the same tension. A perfect
1/2-13 Grade 5 waxed bolt will break if it is tightened to 81 foot pounds because the K factor is drastically
lower. The bolts are fine, but the application changed. Suppliers need to understand this and be able to educate
their customers to resolve this common customer complaint about breaking bolts.
The chart is provided for quick reference by fastener suppliers and users for selecting an initial target tightening
torque. This chart was derived by using the formula shown earlier. An example of the calculation is as follows:
Hopefully the chart will help suppliers with an initial answer to the customer's question, "What torque should I
use to tighten my bolts?" Keep in mind this is only an estimated value. It may provide satisfactory performance,
but it also may not. Every application should be evaluated on its own to determine the optimum torque value for
each application. Major bolt suppliers should have tension indicating equipment necessary to help their
customers determine the appropriate tightening values for their specific applications. Keep in mind that if the
lubricant on a bolt and nut combination is changed, the tightening torque value must be altered to achieve the
desired amount of bolt tension.
Bolt Torque - Screw Torque Data
Suggested maxium torque values for different material and grade bolts & screws.
Torque, is the measurement of the turning or twisting force applied to an object. The desired result is to hold two parts
together with a tension or clamping force that is greater than any external force that could possibly seperate them. The
These charts apply to clean and dry parts. A lubricated bolt requires less torque to attain the same clamping force as a
non-lubricated bolt.
20 6 9 10 12.5 13 14
1/4
28 --- --- --- --- --- ---
18 12 17 19 24 25 29
5/16
24 --- --- --- --- --- ---
16 20 30 33 43 44 47
3/8
24 --- --- --- --- --- ---
7/16 14 32 47 54 69 71 78
20 --- --- --- --- --- ---
13 47 69 78 106 110 119
1/2
20 --- --- --- --- --- ---
12 69 103 114 150 154 169
9/16
18 --- --- --- --- --- ---
11 96 145 154 209 215 230
5/8
11 --- --- --- --- --- ---
10 155 234 257 350 360 380
3/4
10 --- --- --- --- --- ---
9 206 372 382 550 570 600
7/8
9 --- --- --- --- --- ---
8 310 551 587 825 840 700
1
8 --- --- --- --- --- ---
7 480 794 872 1304 1325 1430
1-1/8
7 --- --- --- --- --- ---
7 375 1105 1211 1815 1825 1975
1-1/4
7 --- --- --- --- --- ---
6 900 1500 1624 2434 2500 2650
1-3/8
6 --- --- --- --- --- ---
6 1100 1775 1943 2913 3000 3200
1-1/2
6 --- --- --- --- --- ---
5.5 1470 2425 2660 3985 4000 4400
1-5/8
5.5 --- --- --- --- --- ---
5 1900 3150 3463 5189 5300 5650
1-3/4
5 --- --- --- --- --- ---
5 2360 4200 4695 6980 7000 7600
1-7/8
5 --- --- --- --- --- ---
4.5 2750 4550 5427 7491 7500 8200
2
4.5 --- --- --- --- --- ---
A lot is written about bolt and nut tightening, but little is written about tightening
machine screws. It is just as important to carefully select an appropriate tightening torque
for securing machine screw joints as it is for securing bolt and nut joints. Properly
secured joints are directly related to the quality of the end product assembly. The means
of calculating the suggested tightening torque is the same for machine screws as it is for
bolts. The values are just smaller.
The most widely used formula for calculating threaded fastener tightening torque is:
T = DKP
Where:
There are various strength levels of metric machine screws and each has a different
recommended tightening value. ISO has two predominate machine screw strength levels:
Property Class 4.8 (close to SAE 6OM) and Property Class 8.8 (close to SAE 12OM).
Property Class 4.8 indicates a minimum tensile strength of 480 mega Pascal (MPa). This
is equal to approximately 70,000 pounds per square inch (PSI). Property Class 8.8
indicates a minimum tensile strength of 880 mega Pascal (MPa). This is equal to
approximately 127,000 pounds per square inch (PSI).
The chart below provides reasonable tightening values, but they are not the optimum
tightening values for every application. A far better way to establish a tightening torque
for a particular application is by conducting a simple study.
To determine the ideal tightening torque for any particular application joint, do the
following:
* Tighten the machine screws until something in the joint completely fails; then record
every failure torque value.
The best failure is the twisting in two of the screw, but this does not always happen. The
internal thread may strip; the components may crush or distort. It makes no difference
what fails.
* Calculate the average torque value at which this particular joint fails.
* The optimum tightening value for the particular joint being studied is 60% of the
average failure value.
The correct tightening of all threaded fasteners is critical to obtaining an end product of
consistently high quality and dependability. Determining tightening torque by
calculations or taking values from charts like the one provided in this article is better than
just guessing at what a particular torque should be. The best approach to establishing the
optimum tightening torque value for a particular joint is determined by performing the
simple study described herein.
Joe Ctreimslade has been active in the fastener industry since 1970. he has held positions
with major fastener producers in sales engineering, marketing, product design,
manufacturing management, and research and development management.
Mr. Greenslade holds twelve U.S. patents on various fastener related products. he has
authored over 136 trade journal articles on fastener applications, manufacturing and
quality issues. he is one of the fastener industry 's most frequent speakers at trade
association meetings and conferences. he is the youngest person ever inducted to the
Fastener Industry Hall of Fame.
Mr. Greenslade is active in numerous fastener industry associations and societies holding
office in several of them.
In addition to guiding the activities of Greenslade & Company, Mr. Greenslade works as
a consultant with fastener suppliers and end users on product design, applications
engineering, and quality issues. In this capacity he works to resolve fastener applications
problems, ?? help select the best fastening approaches in new product designs, to assist in
the standardization of fasteners used within an organization, and to provide training on
various aspects of fastening technology and fastener quality assurance. he also serves as
Expert Witness in litigation involving fastener related issues. he can be reached at: phone
817-870-8888, fax 817-870-9199 or email: greensladeandcompany@sbcglobal. net.