Categories of Construction Fasteners

Structural Steel Bolts

ASTM A325 / F3125 Grade A325

Standard structural bolts. 120 ksi tensile strength. Used in:

  • Steel-to-steel structural connections
  • Bridge construction
  • Heavy machinery foundations
  • Industrial buildings

ASTM A490 / F3125 Grade A490

High-strength structural bolts. 150 ksi tensile strength. Used in:

  • Critical structural connections
  • Long-span bridges
  • High-rise buildings
  • Heavy industrial structures
Standards: Always use matching A563 Grade DH heavy hex nuts and F436 hardened washers with structural bolts.
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Lag Bolts (Lag Screws)

For heavy-duty wood connections without through-bolting:

  • Deck ledger boards
  • Heavy wood-to-wood framing
  • Mounting equipment to wood
  • Outdoor structures
Standards:  Zinc plated (indoor use) - Hot-dipped galvanized (outdoor/exterior) - Stainless steel (marine/coastal)
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Concrete & Masonry Anchors

Wedge Anchors
Heavy-duty, high-load. The most reliable mechanical anchor for permanent installations. Used for:

  • Equipment mounting to concrete
  • Structural connections
  • Heavy bracket installations

Sleeve Anchors
Medium-duty, easier to install than wedge anchors. Good for:

  • Light to medium equipment
  • Brick and block walls
  • Where slight hole variation is acceptable
Standards: Drop-In Anchors Internal threaded anchor for repeated assembly. Used when bolt needs to be removable. Plastic Anchors Light-duty for hollow drywall, brick, or block. Used with sheet metal screws.
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Deck & Construction Screws

Specialized screws for deck and exterior construction:

  • Coated steel (Western Red Cedar compatible)
  • Stainless steel (coastal/marine deck)
  • Star drive (T20/T25) for high torque applications
  • Self-drilling tips for hardwood and composite
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 Self-Drilling Screws (Tek Screws)

For metal-to-metal connections in steel framing, metal roofing, and HVAC:

  • #2 point: 24-9 gauge metal
  • #3 point: 16-3 gauge metal
  • #4 point: up to 1/2" plate
  • #5 point: up to 5/8" plate
Standards: 410 stainless steel options available for coastal/marine metal building applications.
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Code Compliance

Always verify your fastener selection meets:

Local building codes

May specify A325/A490 for certain structural connections

AISC standards

American Institute of Steel Construction requirements

AWC standards

American Wood Council requirements for wood construction

ICC-ES reports

Mandatory for concrete anchors in seismic zones

Hot-Dip Galvanizing for Exterior Construction

For outdoor construction fasteners, hot-dipped galvanized (HDG) provides 20-50+ year service life. The thick zinc coating protects against rust through self-sacrificing corrosion.

A490 bolts must NEVER be hot-dip galvanized

Hydrogen embrittlement risk causes catastrophic failure- For A490 corrosion protection, use mechanical galvanizing or thermal diffusion coating- Match all components — galvanize bolts, washers, AND nuts

Sample Construction Fastener Specifications

Application Fastener Grade Finish
Steel-to-steel structural connection 7/8"-9 A325 Heavy Hex Bolt A325 HDG or plain
Deck ledger board to wood framing 1/2"-13 x 6" Lag Bolt A307 HDG
Equipment to concrete pad 1/2"-13 x 4" Wedge Anchor Carbon steel Zinc plated
Metal roofing to steel framing 12 x 1" Self-Drilling Screw 410 stainless EPDM washer head
Wood deck boards #10 x 2 1/2" Deck Screw Coated steel Brown coating
Stainless coastal deck #10 x 3" Square Drive Deck Screw 305 stainless Plain

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