ASTM F606 (Material Testing) – Fastener Testing Standards

ASTM F606 is the industry-standard test method for determining the mechanical properties of fasteners, including bolts, screws, nuts, washers, and rivets. This testing standard ensures that these components perform reliably under mechanical stress, making it essential for construction, engineering, and manufacturing industries.

Why ASTM F606 Testing Matters

Fasteners are critical load-bearing components. Failure can lead to structural compromise or equipment breakdown. ASTM F606 helps ensure:

  • Compliance with mechanical strength requirements
  • Reliability under stress and torque
  • Batch consistency in production
  • Confidence in structural integrity

This testing is crucial for high-strength fasteners such as those compliant with ASTM A325 and ASTM A490.

ASTM F606 Mechanical Testing Types

Here are the core tests covered under ASTM F606:

1. Tensile Strength Test

Determines the maximum axial load a fastener can handle before breaking. Used on full-size fasteners under controlled conditions.

2. Proof Load Test

Checks the ability of a fastener to withstand a specified load without any permanent deformation. Used especially for nuts and threaded fasteners.

3. Hardness Test

Measures material hardness (usually Rockwell or Brinell scale) to verify proper heat treatment and material strength.

4. Wedge Tension Test

Applies angular force to a bolt head to simulate off-axis loading conditions and verify fracture resistance.

5. Torque-Tension Relationship

Tests the relationship between applied torque and clamping force to ensure predictable installation performance.

6. Yield Strength / Axial Tension

Determines the stress level at which a bolt begins to deform permanently, particularly important for structural-grade fasteners.

7. Hydrogen Embrittlement Test

Identifies susceptibility to hydrogen-related cracking in plated fasteners.

Fastener Types Covered by ASTM F606

  • Hex bolts and screws
  • Structural bolts (e.g., ASTM A325, A490)
  • Threaded rods and studs
  • Nuts and washers
  • Direct Tension Indicators (DTIs)
  • Rivets

Industries That Rely on ASTM F606

  • Construction and Structural Steelworks
  • Oil & Gas Infrastructure
  • Manufacturing and Industrial Assembly
  • Heavy Equipment Fabrication
  • Bridges and Transportation Projects

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ASTM F606 mandatory?

It’s not a legal requirement, but it’s a globally accepted quality assurance standard for fasteners used in structural or load-critical applications.

Can ASTM F606 tests be done in-house?

Yes, but proper equipment, calibration, and documentation are required. Many businesses also rely on third-party certified labs.

What’s the difference between ASTM F606 and ASTM A370?

ASTM F606 is specific to fasteners, while ASTM A370 covers general mechanical testing for steel products.

Need ASTM F606-Compliant Bolts?

7Tiger Metal Works manufactures fasteners that meet ASTM F606 standards—built for strength, precision, and structural safety. We supply projects across the Philippines with high-performance solutions: