This specification covers high strength stainless steel bolting for special purpose applications such as pressure vessels. Several grades of precipitation-hardened and duplex (ferritic-austenitic) stainless steels are covered. Selection will depend upon design, service conditions, mechanical properties and characteristics related to the application. Bolting supplied to this specification shall conform to the requirements of Specification A962/A962M. These requirements include test methods, finish, thread dimensions, marking, terminology, testing, certification, optional supplementary requirements, and others. Bars shall be produced in accordance with Specifications A276/A276M, A479/A479M or A564/A564M as applicable while the fasteners shall be produced in accordance with this specification and the requirements of A962/A962M.

1.1 This specification covers high strength stainless steel bolting for special purpose applications such as pressure vessels. Several grades of precipitation-hardened and duplex (ferritic-austenitic) stainless steels are covered. Selection will depend upon design, service conditions, mechanical properties and characteristics related to the application.

1.2 The following referenced general requirements are indispensable for application of this specification: Specification A962/A962M.

1.3 Supplementary Requirements are provided for use at the option of the purchaser. The Supplementary Requirements shall only apply when specified individually by the purchaser in the purchase order or contract.

1.4 This specification is expressed in both inch-pound units and in SI units; however, unless the purchase order or contract specifies the applicable “M” specification designation (SI units), the inch-pound units shall apply.

1.5 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. Within the text, the SI units are shown in brackets. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.

1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.