---
title: "A4 (316) Stainless Steel Hex Bolts"
description: "A4 (316) Stainless Steel Hex Bolts (ISO 3506 group A4 (316 / 1.4401), commonly supplied A4-80): superior, including marine and chloride environments."
url: https://engineeringhardware.com/guide/material/a4-stainless-steel-hex-bolts/
source: Engineering Hardware & Fasteners
---

# A4 (316) Stainless Steel Hex Bolts

Bolts · ISO 4014 / ISO 4017

Mechanical properties, corrosion behaviour and the full dimensional range for this grade.

A4 Stainless Steel Hex Bolts are supplied to ISO 3506 group A4 (316 / 1.4401), commonly supplied A4-80. Corrosion behaviour is superior, including marine and chloride environments, the material is largely non-magnetic, and the usable service range is approx. -200 °C to +400 °C, subject to the property class and the joint. In practice this grade is specified for marine, coastal and chemical applications.

- **Grade:** ISO 3506 group A4 (316 / 1.4401), commonly supplied A4-80
- **Corrosion resistance:** Superior, including marine and chloride environments
- **Magnetic response:** Largely non-magnetic
- **Service temperature:** approx. -200 °C to +400 °C, subject to the property class and the joint

Property values are typical for the grade. Certified mechanical test data is available on request for production orders.

![A4 (316) Stainless Steel Hex Bolts reference image](https://engineeringhardware.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Hex-Bolts-—-ISO-4014-／-ISO-4017-Detail.webp)

A4 Stainless Steel (ISO 3506 group A4 (316 / 1.4401), commonly supplied A4-80) is specified for marine, coastal and chemical applications. When hex bolts are specified in this grade, the dimensions remain per ISO 4014 / ISO 4017; the material determines corrosion behavior (superior, including marine and chloride environments) and the service temperature range (approx. -200 °C to +400 °C, subject to the property class and the joint). Both are covered below with the size table.

## Why Choose A4 Stainless Steel for Hex Bolts

Specified for marine, coastal and chemical applications. For hex bolts, this matters when superior, including marine and chloride environments is the primary requirement.

## Mechanical & Physical Properties

| Grade designation | ISO 3506 group A4 (316 / 1.4401), commonly supplied A4-80 |
| --- | --- |
| Magnetic response | Largely non-magnetic |
| Service temperature | approx. -200 °C to +400 °C, subject to the property class and the joint |
| Corrosion characteristic | Superior, including marine and chloride environments |

## Galvanic & Galling Considerations

Two important notes for stainless hex bolts: (1) stainless can gall on stainless threads under load — use a thread lubricant or anti-galling compound, especially for M6 and below; (2) when joined to aluminum or galvanized steel, stainless can drive galvanic corrosion of the less-noble metal in wet service — isolate with a coating or sleeve where appropriate.

## Comparable Grades

For Hex Bolts, the alternative stainless grade is A2 (304). Choose A2 (304) for general use and A4 (316) wherever chlorides are present; the molybdenum in A4 is the whole difference. Remember that stainless is the corrosion answer, not the strength answer — for load, look at class 8.8 or 10.9 instead.

## Using Stainless Fasteners in Aluminum

Stainless steel is more noble than aluminum, so with an electrolyte present — rain, condensation, salt spray — the aluminum becomes the anode and corrodes at the joint. Area ratio decides how bad it gets: a small stainless fastener in a large aluminum section is normally acceptable, a large stainless fastener in thin aluminum is not. Where the joint gets wet, isolate the metals with a coated or nylon washer and a sealant, or specify an aluminum or coated fastener instead.

## Sizes of Hex Bolts Available in A4 Stainless Steel

| Size | Pitch coarse (mm) | Width across flats s (mm) | Width across corners e min (mm) | Head height k nom (mm) | Nominal diameter d (mm) | Reference standard | Notes |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| M1 | 0.25 | 2.5 | 2.71 | 0.7 | 1.0 | Below the ISO 4017 range (M1.6-M64); manufacturer series | Fully threaded |
| M1.2 | 0.25 | 3.0 | 3.28 | 0.8 | 1.2 | Below the ISO 4017 range (M1.6-M64); manufacturer series | Fully threaded |
| M1.4 | 0.3 | 3.0 | 3.28 | 0.9 | 1.4 | Below the ISO 4017 range (M1.6-M64); manufacturer series | Fully threaded |
| M1.6 | 0.35 | 3.2 | 3.48 | 1.1 | 1.6 | ISO 4014/4017 | Fully threaded |
| M2 | 0.4 | 4.0 | 4.32 | 1.4 | 2.0 | ISO 4014/4017 | Fully threaded |
| M2.5 | 0.45 | 5.0 | 5.45 | 1.7 | 2.5 | ISO 4014/4017 | Fully threaded |
| M3 | 0.5 | 5.5 | 6.01 | 2.0 | 3.0 | ISO 4014/4017 | Fully threaded |
| M4 | 0.7 | 7.0 | 7.66 | 2.8 | 4.0 | ISO 4014/4017 | Fully threaded |
| M5 | 0.8 | 8.0 | 8.79 | 3.5 | 5.0 | ISO 4014/4017 | Fully threaded |
| M6 | 1.0 | 10.0 | 11.05 | 4.0 | 6.0 | ISO 4014/4017 | Fully threaded |
| M8 | 1.25 | 13.0 | 14.38 | 5.3 | 8.0 | ISO 4014/4017 | Fully threaded |
| M10 | 1.5 | 16.0 | 17.77 | 6.4 | 10.0 | ISO 4014/4017 | Fully threaded |
| M12 | 1.75 | 18.0 | 20.03 | 7.5 | 12.0 | ISO 4014/4017 | Partial / fully threaded |
| M14 | 2.0 | 21.0 | 23.36 | 8.8 | 14.0 | ISO 4014/4017 | Partial / fully threaded |
| M16 | 2.0 | 24.0 | 26.75 | 10.0 | 16.0 | ISO 4014/4017 | Partial / fully threaded |
| M18 | 2.5 | 27.0 | 30.14 | 11.5 | 18.0 | ISO 4014/4017 | Partial / fully threaded |
| M20 | 2.5 | 30.0 | 33.53 | 12.5 | 20.0 | ISO 4014/4017 | Partial / fully threaded |
| M22 | 2.5 | 34.0 | 37.29 | 14.0 | 22.0 | ISO 4014/4017 | Partial / fully threaded |
| M24 | 3.0 | 36.0 | 39.98 | 15.0 | 24.0 | ISO 4014/4017 | Partial / fully threaded |
| M27 | 3.0 | 41.0 | 45.2 | 17.0 | 27.0 | ISO 4014/4017 | Partial / fully threaded |
| M30 | 3.5 | 46.0 | 50.85 | 18.7 | 30.0 | ISO 4014/4017 | Partial / fully threaded |
| M33 | 3.5 | 50.0 | 55.37 | 21.0 | 33.0 | ISO 4014/4017 | Partial / fully threaded |
| M36 | 4.0 | 55.0 | 60.79 | 22.5 | 36.0 | ISO 4014/4017 | Partial / fully threaded |
| M39 | 4.0 | 60.0 | 66.44 | 25.0 | 39.0 | ISO 4014/4017 | Partial / fully threaded |
| M42 | 4.5 | 65.0 | 71.3 | 26.0 | 42.0 | ISO 4014/4017 | Partial / fully threaded |
| M45 | 4.5 | 70.0 | 76.95 | 28.0 | 45.0 | ISO 4014/4017 | Partial / fully threaded |
| M48 | 5.0 | 75.0 | 82.6 | 30.0 | 48.0 | ISO 4014/4017 | Partial / fully threaded |
| M52 | 5.0 | 80.0 | 88.25 | 33.0 | 52.0 | ISO 4014/4017 | Partial / fully threaded |
| M56 | 5.5 | 85.0 | 93.56 | 35.0 | 56.0 | ISO 4014 | Partial / fully threaded |
| M60 | 5.5 | 90.0 | 99.21 | 38.0 | 60.0 | ISO 4014 | Partial / fully threaded |

Dimensions are independent of the material: every size above is available in A4 Stainless Steel.

Custom manufacturing · Made to drawing

## Need this bolt in a grade that is not listed?

A4 Stainless Steel is one of the grades the catalog describes. Lengths and thread lengths outside the standard table are the commonest request, followed by a drive the standard does not offer and a head marked with your own part number. Made by cold heading or hot forging.

Minimum order from 2,000 pieces; samples within 7 days of drawing approval.

[Custom bolt manufacturing](https://engineeringhardware.com/custom/bolts/)[Send a drawing](https://engineeringhardware.com/custom/bolts/#rfq)

## Technical Drawing

Dimensioned line drawing of M1 Hex Bolts to ISO 4014 / ISO 4017. Side view and top view, drawn to the dimensions in the table below and redrawn for any size selected.

- **Pitch coarse (mm):** 0.25
- **Width across flats s (mm):** 2.5
- **Width across corners e min (mm):** 2.71
- **Head height k nom (mm):** 0.7
- **Nominal diameter d (mm):** 1.0
- **Notes:** Fully threaded

## Dimensions & Specifications (ISO 4014 / ISO 4017)

| Size | Pitch coarse (mm) | Width across flats s (mm) | Width across corners e min (mm) | Head height k nom (mm) | Nominal diameter d (mm) | Reference standard | Notes |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| M1 | 0.25 | 2.5 | 2.71 | 0.7 | 1.0 | Below the ISO 4017 range (M1.6-M64); manufacturer series | Fully threaded |
| M1.2 | 0.25 | 3.0 | 3.28 | 0.8 | 1.2 | Below the ISO 4017 range (M1.6-M64); manufacturer series | Fully threaded |
| M1.4 | 0.3 | 3.0 | 3.28 | 0.9 | 1.4 | Below the ISO 4017 range (M1.6-M64); manufacturer series | Fully threaded |
| M1.6 | 0.35 | 3.2 | 3.48 | 1.1 | 1.6 | ISO 4014/4017 | Fully threaded |
| M2 | 0.4 | 4.0 | 4.32 | 1.4 | 2.0 | ISO 4014/4017 | Fully threaded |
| M2.5 | 0.45 | 5.0 | 5.45 | 1.7 | 2.5 | ISO 4014/4017 | Fully threaded |
| M3 | 0.5 | 5.5 | 6.01 | 2.0 | 3.0 | ISO 4014/4017 | Fully threaded |
| M4 | 0.7 | 7.0 | 7.66 | 2.8 | 4.0 | ISO 4014/4017 | Fully threaded |
| M5 | 0.8 | 8.0 | 8.79 | 3.5 | 5.0 | ISO 4014/4017 | Fully threaded |
| M6 | 1.0 | 10.0 | 11.05 | 4.0 | 6.0 | ISO 4014/4017 | Fully threaded |
| M8 | 1.25 | 13.0 | 14.38 | 5.3 | 8.0 | ISO 4014/4017 | Fully threaded |
| M10 | 1.5 | 16.0 | 17.77 | 6.4 | 10.0 | ISO 4014/4017 | Fully threaded |
| M12 | 1.75 | 18.0 | 20.03 | 7.5 | 12.0 | ISO 4014/4017 | Partial / fully threaded |
| M14 | 2.0 | 21.0 | 23.36 | 8.8 | 14.0 | ISO 4014/4017 | Partial / fully threaded |
| M16 | 2.0 | 24.0 | 26.75 | 10.0 | 16.0 | ISO 4014/4017 | Partial / fully threaded |
| M18 | 2.5 | 27.0 | 30.14 | 11.5 | 18.0 | ISO 4014/4017 | Partial / fully threaded |
| M20 | 2.5 | 30.0 | 33.53 | 12.5 | 20.0 | ISO 4014/4017 | Partial / fully threaded |
| M22 | 2.5 | 34.0 | 37.29 | 14.0 | 22.0 | ISO 4014/4017 | Partial / fully threaded |
| M24 | 3.0 | 36.0 | 39.98 | 15.0 | 24.0 | ISO 4014/4017 | Partial / fully threaded |
| M27 | 3.0 | 41.0 | 45.2 | 17.0 | 27.0 | ISO 4014/4017 | Partial / fully threaded |
| M30 | 3.5 | 46.0 | 50.85 | 18.7 | 30.0 | ISO 4014/4017 | Partial / fully threaded |
| M33 | 3.5 | 50.0 | 55.37 | 21.0 | 33.0 | ISO 4014/4017 | Partial / fully threaded |
| M36 | 4.0 | 55.0 | 60.79 | 22.5 | 36.0 | ISO 4014/4017 | Partial / fully threaded |
| M39 | 4.0 | 60.0 | 66.44 | 25.0 | 39.0 | ISO 4014/4017 | Partial / fully threaded |
| M42 | 4.5 | 65.0 | 71.3 | 26.0 | 42.0 | ISO 4014/4017 | Partial / fully threaded |
| M45 | 4.5 | 70.0 | 76.95 | 28.0 | 45.0 | ISO 4014/4017 | Partial / fully threaded |
| M48 | 5.0 | 75.0 | 82.6 | 30.0 | 48.0 | ISO 4014/4017 | Partial / fully threaded |
| M52 | 5.0 | 80.0 | 88.25 | 33.0 | 52.0 | ISO 4014/4017 | Partial / fully threaded |
| M56 | 5.5 | 85.0 | 93.56 | 35.0 | 56.0 | ISO 4014 | Partial / fully threaded |
| M60 | 5.5 | 90.0 | 99.21 | 38.0 | 60.0 | ISO 4014 | Partial / fully threaded |
| M64 | 6.0 | 95.0 | 104.86 | 40.0 | 64.0 | ISO 4014 | Partial / fully threaded |

## Materials & Grades

Select a material class to see the grades we supply it in. Each designation is listed with its ISO/EN, AISI/SAE, JIS and GB equivalents.

Stainless Steel38 Carbon Steel66 Alloy Steel41 Bearing Steel5 Spring Steel25 Aluminum and Aluminum Alloys21 Brass17 Bronze11 Copper8 Titanium and Titanium Alloys18 Nickel and Nickel Alloys22 Iron-Nickel and High-Temperature Alloys10 Tool Steel and Specialty Hardened Steel9 Structural and Construction Steel9

### Stainless Steel

#### Austenitic Stainless Steel

- A1 AISI 303 · SAE 303 · SUS303 · EN 1.4305 · X8CrNiS18-9
- A2 AISI 304 · SAE 304 · SUS304 · EN 1.4301 · X5CrNi18-10 · 06Cr19Ni10
- 304L AISI 304L · SUS304L · EN 1.4307 · X2CrNi18-9 · 022Cr19Ni10
- 302 AISI 302 · SUS302 · EN 1.4310
- 305 AISI 305 · SUS305 · EN 1.4303
- A4 AISI 316 · SAE 316 · SUS316 · EN 1.4401 · X5CrNiMo17-12-2 · 06Cr17Ni12Mo2
- 316L AISI 316L · SUS316L · EN 1.4404 · X2CrNiMo17-12-2 · 022Cr17Ni12Mo2
- 321 AISI 321 · SUS321 · EN 1.4541 · X6CrNiTi18-10
- 310 / 310S AISI 310 · AISI 310S · SUS310S · EN 1.4845
- 302HQ AISI 302HQ
- A3
- A5
- 347 AISI 347 · SUS347 · EN 1.4550 · X6CrNiNb18-10
- 309 / 309S AISI 309 · AISI 309S · SUS309S

#### Martensitic Stainless Steel

- AISI 410 SUS410 · EN 1.4006 · X12Cr13 · 12Cr13
- AISI 420 SUS420J1 · SUS420J2 · EN 1.4021 · EN 1.4028 · 20Cr13 · 30Cr13
- AISI 431 SUS431 · EN 1.4057 · X17CrNi16-2
- C1
- C3
- C4
- AISI 440A
- AISI 440B
- AISI 440C SUS440C · EN 1.4125

#### Ferritic Stainless Steel

- AISI 430 SUS430 · EN 1.4016 · X6Cr17 · 10Cr17
- F1
- AISI 434
- AISI 444

#### Precipitation-Hardening Stainless Steel

- 17-4 PH AISI 630 · UNS S17400 · SUS630 · EN 1.4542 · X5CrNiCuNb16-4
- 15-5 PH UNS S15500
- 17-7 PH UNS S17700

#### Duplex and Super Duplex Stainless Steel

- Duplex 2205 UNS S31803 · UNS S32205 · EN 1.4462
- Super Duplex 2507 UNS S32750 · EN 1.4410
- D2
- D4
- D6
- D8
- Lean Duplex 2101 UNS S32101
- Super Duplex S32760 UNS S32760 · EN 1.4501

### Carbon Steel

#### Low-Carbon Steel

- SAE 1006
- SAE 1008
- SAE 1010
- SAE 1018
- SAE 1020
- Q195
- Q235
- SAE 1012
- SAE 1015
- Q215
- ML08
- ML08Al
- ML10
- ML15
- ML20
- SWRCH6A
- SWRCH8A
- SWRCH10A
- SWRCH12A
- SWRCH15A
- SWRCH18A

#### Medium-Carbon Steel

- SAE 1035
- SAE 1045
- S45C
- C45
- SAE 1030
- SAE 1040
- SAE 1050
- 30
- 35
- 40
- 45
- 50
- S35C
- S40C
- S50C
- C35
- C40

#### High-Carbon Steel

- SAE 1060
- SAE 1070
- 65Mn
- SAE 1065
- SAE 1075
- SAE 1080
- SAE 1085
- SAE 1090
- SAE 1095
- 60
- 65
- 70
- 75
- 80
- 85

#### Cold-Heading Steel

- SWRCH22A
- 10B21
- SWRCH22K
- SWRCH25K
- SWRCH30K
- SWRCH35K
- SWRCH40K
- ML20Mn
- ML25
- ML30
- ML35
- ML40
- 15B25

### Alloy Steel

#### Chromium Steel

- 40Cr
- 45Cr
- AISI 5140
- SAE 5140
- AISI 5120
- SAE 5120
- SCr420
- SCr440

#### Chromium-Molybdenum Steel

- 35CrMo
- 42CrMo
- AISI 4140
- SCM435
- SCM440
- 42CrMo4
- 30CrMo
- AISI 4130
- SAE 4130
- SAE 4140
- AISI 4142
- AISI 4145
- SCM415
- SCM420
- SCM445
- EN 1.7220
- EN 1.7225
- 25CrMo4
- 34CrMo4

#### Nickel-Chromium-Molybdenum Steel

- AISI 4340
- SAE 4340
- 40CrNiMo
- SNCM439
- EN 1.6511
- 36CrNiMo4

#### Boron Alloy Steel

- 10B22
- 10B21
- 15B21
- 15B25
- 20MnTiB
- 20Mn2B
- 35VB
- 40MnB

### Bearing Steel

#### Bearing Steel

- GCr15
- AISI 52100 SAE 52100 · UNS G52986
- SUJ2
- 100Cr6 EN 1.3505
- GCr15SiMn

### Spring Steel

#### Carbon Spring Steel

- SAE 1065
- SAE 1070
- SAE 1075
- SAE 1080
- SAE 1095
- 65
- 70
- 75
- 80
- 65Mn

#### Silicon-Manganese Spring Steel

- 60Si2Mn
- 60Si2MnA
- SUP6
- SUP7

#### Chromium-Vanadium Spring Steel

- 50CrVA
- SAE 6150
- AISI 6150
- SUP10

#### Stainless Spring Steel

- AISI 301
- SUS301
- EN 1.4310
- AISI 302
- AISI 304
- AISI 316
- 17-7 PH

### Aluminum and Aluminum Alloys

#### Commercially Pure Aluminum

- 1050
- 1060
- 1070
- 1100

#### 2xxx Series Aluminum

- 2024
- 2011
- 2014
- 2017

#### 5xxx Series Aluminum

- 5052
- 5083
- 5754

#### 6xxx Series Aluminum

- 6061
- 6061-T6
- 6063
- 6082
- 6082-T6

#### 7xxx Series Aluminum

- 7075
- 7075-T6
- 7005
- 7050
- 7075-T73

### Brass

#### Free-Cutting Brass

- C36000
- H62
- HPb59-1
- C3601
- C3602
- C3604
- CuZn36Pb3
- CuZn39Pb3
- EN CW614N
- EN CW617N
- H65

#### Lead-Free Brass

- C69300
- C27450
- CW510L
- CW511L

#### Naval Brass

- C46400
- CuZn39Sn1

### Bronze

#### Silicon Bronze

- C65500
- C65100
- C65600

#### Phosphor Bronze

- C51000
- C52100
- CuSn6
- CuSn8

#### Aluminum Bronze

- C95400
- C95500
- C63000
- CuAl10Ni5Fe4

### Copper

#### Copper

- C11000
- T2
- C10100
- C10200
- C12200
- T1
- TU1
- TU2

### Titanium and Titanium Alloys

#### Commercially Pure Titanium

- Grade 2
- Grade 1
- Grade 3
- Grade 4
- TA1
- TA2
- TA3

#### Alpha-Beta Titanium Alloys

- Grade 5
- Ti-6Al-4V
- TC4
- UNS R56400

#### Low-Interstitial Grade

- Grade 23
- Ti-6Al-4V ELI
- UNS R56407

#### Other Titanium Fastener Alloys

- Ti-6Al-6V-2Sn
- Ti-6Al-2Sn-4Zr-2Mo
- Beta-C titanium
- Ti-10V-2Fe-3Al

### Nickel and Nickel Alloys

#### Commercially Pure Nickel

- Nickel 200
- UNS N02200
- Nickel 201
- UNS N02201

#### Inconel Alloys

- Inconel 625 UNS N06625
- Inconel 718 UNS N07718
- Inconel 600 UNS N06600
- Inconel 601 UNS N06601
- Inconel 686 UNS N06686
- Inconel X-750 UNS N07750

#### Monel Alloys

- Monel 400 UNS N04400
- Monel K-500 UNS N05500

#### Hastelloy Alloys

- Hastelloy C-276 UNS N10276
- Hastelloy C-22 UNS N06022
- Hastelloy B-2 UNS N10665
- Hastelloy B-3 UNS N10675
- Hastelloy X UNS N06002

#### Other Nickel Alloys

- Alloy 20 UNS N08020
- Alloy 625
- Alloy 718
- Alloy 825 UNS N08825
- Alloy 925 UNS N09925

### Iron-Nickel and High-Temperature Alloys

#### A286

- A-286
- UNS S66286
- EN 1.4980

#### Invar

- Invar 36
- Alloy 36
- UNS K93600
- FeNi36

#### Alloy 42

- Alloy 42
- UNS K94100
- FeNi42

### Tool Steel and Specialty Hardened Steel

#### Tool Steel and Specialty Hardened Steel

- AISI D2
- AISI H13
- SKD11
- Cr12MoV
- AISI O1
- AISI A2
- AISI S7
- SKD61
- 9CrSi

### Structural and Construction Steel

#### Structural and Construction Steel

- ASTM A36
- Q235B
- Q355B
- S355JR
- Q235C
- Q355C
- S235JR
- S275JR
- S355J2

## Applications & Industries

Where Hex Bolts are used, and what decides the specification in each case. Stocked from M1 to M64.

### Industries that specify Hex Bolts

- **Machine building & OEM:** The default fastener on production equipment: covers, brackets, motor mounts and sub-assemblies tightened to a specified torque.
- **Automotive & transport:** Chassis, driveline and body fixings that see vibration and are assembled to a controlled preload.
- **Steel fabrication:** Bolted connections in frames, enclosures, walkways and weldments, on the bench and on site.
- **Energy & infrastructure:** Tower, pipework, switchgear and plant fixings specified for long service life and inspectable joints.
- **Maintenance & MRO:** Stocked replacements matched to an existing property class, thread and finish.
- **Food, pharma & cleanroom:** Stainless assemblies that are washed down, where the finish matters as much as the strength.

### Typical applications

- clamping two machined faces to a calculated preload
- bolting brackets, motors and gearboxes to a frame
- assemblies that are dismantled for service and re-torqued
- joints where the property class is stated on the drawing

### Service conditions to specify against

- **Marine and coastal:** Available in A4 (316) stainless for chloride exposure — coastal structures, pool halls, water treatment and deck hardware, where A2 will eventually pit.
- **High load:** Supplied in ISO 898-1 property classes, so the joint can be designed to a stated proof load and tightened to a calculated torque rather than by feel.
- **Torque and preload:** The joint is designed around bolt tension, so lubrication, coating and the friction coefficient all change the torque figure — state them together.

### Where to use something else

- Do not use a machine thread into unthreaded sheet or timber; use a tapping screw, rivet nut or insert made for that parent material.

[Full application guide: where Hex Bolts are used, how to specify them, and the cases they are wrong for](https://engineeringhardware.com/applications/hex-bolts/)

Inside the plant

## Manufactured in our own plant

This part is cold-formed, threaded, heat-treated and finished in-house. The stages below are where its class and finish are actually decided.

1. ![Wire rod feeding into a cold heading machine](https://engineeringhardware.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/09-wire-rod-feed-cold-heading-machine.webp) 01 **Cold heading** Wire rod is drawn to size and cold-formed into blanks. Forming rather than cutting keeps the grain flow continuous around the head, which is where a bolt is most likely to fail. Head dimensions and under-head radius checked at set-up and per shift.
2. ![Thread rolling machine producing bolt threads](https://engineeringhardware.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/03-thread-rolling-machine-bolt-production.webp) 02 **Thread rolling** Threads are rolled between hardened dies rather than cut. Rolled threads are stronger in fatigue than cut threads and hold pitch and flank angle far more consistently across a batch. Go / no-go ring gauges to ISO 965 tolerance class 6g.
3. ![Baskets of bolts staged for heat treatment](https://engineeringhardware.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/05-heat-treatment-baskets-black-bolts.webp) 03 **Heat treatment** Quench-and-temper brings carbon and alloy steel to the property class ordered — 8.8, 10.9 or 12.9 — with the furnace charge tracked so a finished lot can be traced back to it. Core hardness and tensile tested per lot to ISO 898-1.
4. ![Zinc plated bolts in a treatment basket](https://engineeringhardware.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/23-zinc-plated-bolts-treatment-basket.webp) 04 **Surface treatment** Zinc, zinc-nickel, hot-dip galvanizing, black oxide, phosphate and Dacromet, selected against the service environment rather than against the price list. Coating thickness and neutral salt spray hours to ISO 9227.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Can A4 Stainless Steel replace plated alloy steel structurally?

Only at the standard strength classes — A2-70 / A4-80 are roughly equivalent to class 7 steel; A4-100 reaches class 8.8. For class 10.9 or 12.9 strength, plated alloy steel is required.

### Are A4 Stainless Steel Hex Bolts magnetic?

A4 Stainless Steel Hex Bolts are largely non-magnetic.

### What corrosion resistance do A4 Stainless Steel Hex Bolts offer?

A4 Stainless Steel Hex Bolts provide superior, including marine and chloride environments with a service range of approx. -200 °C to +400 °C, subject to the property class and the joint.

### Should I choose A4 Stainless Steel or A2 (304) for Hex Bolts?

For Hex Bolts, A4 Stainless Steel suits general indoor and outdoor use; A2 (304) is preferred for marine, coastal and chemical environments. Choose by corrosion exposure first.

### How do I request a quotation?

Use the technical drawing on this page to pick the exact configuration, then submit it with the quote form. We respond within one business day.

## Related Pages

[View the full Hex Bolts page](https://engineeringhardware.com/fastener/hex-bolts/)

### More Hex Bolts Guides