This specification covers a group of common requirements that shall apply to carbon, alloy, and stainless steel fasteners or fastener materials, or both. These materials are intended for use at any temperature from cryogenic to the creep range. Requirements for the melting process and quality control procedures for ingot cast and strand cast products are detailed. Bars and fasteners shall be produced in accordance with the product specification. The chemical composition, as to heat and product analyses, shall conform to the limits of the product specification. Bars, fasteners, bolting materials, and specimen machined from fasteners shall meet the mechanical requirements which shall be determined by the following tests: (1) proof load test by mandrel/tension or compression methods, (2) cone proof load test, (3) impact test, and (4) hardness test. Assembly for the proof load and cone proof tests are illustrated. The depth of decarburization shall be determined by metallographic etching and if needed, microhardness testing.

1.1 This specification covers a group of common requirements that shall apply to carbon, alloy and stainless steel fasteners or fastener materials, or both, under any of the following ASTM Specifications (or under any other ASTM Specifications that invoke this specification or portions thereof):

1.2 In case of conflict the requirements of the individual product specification shall prevail over those of this specification.

1.3 Additional requirements may be specified by mutual agreement between the purchaser and supplier.

1.4 Values stated in either inch-pound or SI units (metric) are to be regarded separately. The SI units are shown in brackets within the text and tables. The values stated in each system are not exact equivalents, therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in nonconformance with the specification. Inch-pound units shall apply unless the "M" designation of the product specification is specified in the order.