12/10/2025
In order to provide Shallcross Bolt & Specialties customers with a little insight, I ask "what are the different grades of steel bolting"?
While there are many grades of steel used for bolting, lets discuss the 3 most common grades.
Grade 2 – The grade 2 bolts are most commonly manufactured from low or medium carbon steel. Bolts of this grade do not have any radial lines. The bolts of this grade with a nominal size range from 1/4″ to 3/4″ have a minimum tensile strength of about 57000 psi and the yield strength of sizes from 3/4″ to 1/2″ 36000 psi.
Grade 5 – Unlike grade 2 bolts, grade 5 bolts feature 5 radial lines. These bolts are manufactured from medium carbon steel. These bolts come in two different size ranges – 1/4″ to 1″ and 1″ to 1 1/2″, which have the proof load of 85000 psi and 74000 psi respectively
Grade 8 – Grade 8 bolts are made from medium carbon alloy steel. The bolts of this grade feature 6 radial lines. The nominal size of the grade 8 bolts can be from 1/4″ to 1 1/2″. The minimum yield strength of this grade bolt is 130,000 psi. A maximum of 120,000 psi of tensile force (proof load) can be applied to grade 8 bolts.
If you have a question, reach out to any one of our experienced members of the Shallcross sales team or email us at [email protected].
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