A4 Stainless Steel (ISO 3506 group A4 (316 / 1.4401), commonly supplied A4-80) is specified for marine, coastal and chemical applications. When tension-control structural bolt assemblies (tc / twist-off) are specified in this grade, the dimensions remain per ASTM F3125/F3125M Grade F1852 and F2280; 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 Tension-Control Structural Bolt Assemblies (TC / Twist-Off)
Specified for marine, coastal and chemical applications. For tension-control structural bolt assemblies (tc / twist-off), 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 tension-control structural bolt assemblies (tc / twist-off): (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 Tension-Control Structural Bolt Assemblies (TC / Twist-Off), 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
The galvanic couple here runs the wrong way: aluminum is the less noble metal, so it corrodes and the fastener does not. What governs the rate is the ratio of areas — a large anode and a small cathode is a tolerable combination, the reverse concentrates the attack into thin material around the hole. An isolating washer plus sealant breaks the circuit; where that is impractical, match the fastener to the substrate.
Sizes of Tension-Control Structural Bolt Assemblies (TC / Twist-Off) Available in A4 Stainless Steel
| Size | Thread series | Assembly | Minimum installation tension F1852 (lbf) | Minimum installation tension F2280 (lbf) | Finish | Reference standard |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/2-13 | UNC | bolt + twist-off nut + washer | 12,550 | 15,650 | Plain, heat-treated alloy steel | ASTM F3125/F3125M Grade F1852 and F2280 |
| 5/8-11 | UNC | bolt + twist-off nut + washer | 19,900 | 24,900 | Plain, heat-treated alloy steel | ASTM F3125/F3125M Grade F1852 and F2280 |
| 3/4-10 | UNC | bolt + twist-off nut + washer | 29,450 | 36,800 | Plain, heat-treated alloy steel | ASTM F3125/F3125M Grade F1852 and F2280 |
| 7/8-9 | UNC | bolt + twist-off nut + washer | 40,750 | 50,950 | Plain, heat-treated alloy steel | ASTM F3125/F3125M Grade F1852 and F2280 |
| 1-8 | UNC | bolt + twist-off nut + washer | 53,450 | 66,800 | Plain, heat-treated alloy steel | ASTM F3125/F3125M Grade F1852 and F2280 |
| 1-1/8-7 | UNC | bolt + twist-off nut + washer | 67,350 | 84,100 | Plain, heat-treated alloy steel | ASTM F3125/F3125M Grade F1852 and F2280 |
| M16 | Metric option | bolt + twist-off nut + washer | Plain, heat-treated alloy steel | ASTM F3125/F3125M Grade F1852 and F2280 | ||
| M20 | Metric option | bolt + twist-off nut + washer | Plain, heat-treated alloy steel | ASTM F3125/F3125M Grade F1852 and F2280 |

