Grade 12.9 Steel U-Bolts pairs the standard Industry standard with a Grade 12.9 Steel base material. The sections below cover why engineers select this grade for u-bolts, its corrosion and temperature behavior, and the sizes available.
Why Choose Grade 12.9 Steel for U-Bolts
The highest common strength class, for high-load machine assembly. For u-bolts, this matters when requires plating or black-oxide protection is the primary requirement.
Mechanical & Physical Properties
| Grade designation | class 12.9 |
|---|---|
| Magnetic response | Magnetic |
| Service temperature | up to approx. +300 °C |
| Corrosion characteristic | Requires plating or black-oxide protection |
Galvanic & Galling Considerations
For u-bolts in steel, the dominant compatibility issue is hydrogen embrittlement at high property classes (10.9 and above) when electroplated. Plating must be followed by an appropriate baking treatment, or a non-electroplated finish (mechanical zinc, zinc flake) should be substituted.
Comparable Grades
For U-Bolts, class 8.8 is the comparable strength step. Move up when the joint preload approaches the proof load of the current class; move down when the joint is over-specified. For corrosion-critical service, switch to stainless A2 or A4.
Sizes of U-Bolts Available in Grade 12.9 Steel
| Thread size | Pitch (mm) | Inside width A (mm) | Inside height / leg length B (mm) | Pipe size ref | Thread length (mm) | Reference standard | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M6 | 1.0 | 27 | 60 | 3/4 in | 25 | Industry standard | Round-bend U-bolt with 2 nuts |
| M8 | 1.25 | 34 | 75 | 1 in | 30 | Industry standard | Round-bend U-bolt with 2 nuts |
| M8 | 1.25 | 43 | 90 | 1-1/4 in | 30 | Industry standard | Round-bend U-bolt with 2 nuts |
| M10 | 1.5 | 49 | 110 | 1-1/2 in | 35 | Industry standard | Round-bend U-bolt with 2 nuts |
| M10 | 1.5 | 62 | 120 | 2 in | 35 | Industry standard | Round-bend U-bolt with 2 nuts |
| M12 | 1.75 | 77 | 140 | 2-1/2 in | 40 | Industry standard | Round-bend U-bolt with 2 nuts |
| M12 | 1.75 | 90 | 160 | 3 in | 40 | Industry standard | Round-bend U-bolt with 2 nuts |
| M16 | 2.0 | 115 | 200 | 4 in | 50 | Industry standard | Round-bend U-bolt with 2 nuts |
| M16 | 2.0 | 140 | 220 | 5 in | 50 | Industry standard | Round-bend U-bolt with 2 nuts |
| M20 | 2.5 | 168 | 260 | 6 in | 60 | Industry standard | Round-bend U-bolt with 2 nuts |