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Fastener Head Markings Decoded

SAE J429 Grade 5The lines on the head of a bolt indicate its grade. SAE J429 (Society of Automotive Engineers) bolts have radial lines, whereas ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) uses a combination of letters and numbers to indicate the grade. Three radial lines will indicate an SAE grade 5 fastener, while six radial lines will indicate an SAE grade 8 fastener. These are the most common grades, but there are others. Our Fastener Identification Markings Chart has a complete list of bolt grades with accompanying head markings.

103 thoughts on “Fastener Head Markings Decoded”

  1. I have a bolt taken from my triumph bonnivale it has nf stamped on it. I need a replacement but slightly longer. I have tried all suppliers christchurch Dorset area. Nobody can help me with this

    1. @Phil- Apologies, but we do not handle any automotive fasteners. Perhaps a local machine shop can help with this special.

    2. Check out the Brittish Standard specifications for National Fine threads. They are often close to metric so don’t get them mixed up.

  2. I have a large eye bolt with a 1-1/2 NC thread pitch, no shoulder. There is a “B” in a diamond shape on the top and on the bottom of the eye it says “H3175”. Can you supply me with the manufacturer?

    1. @Teri- We are familiar with a eye bolt manufacturer that uses a diamond and a ‘D’-that is Edward W Daniel, but we do not know who uses the same design with a ‘B’.

  3. I was wandering if anyone knows why /or has also found a bolt with a swastika on it ….I found a couple at work and thought it a little more than odd???

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