Structural bolts

bluedog225 · Apr 29, 2026

I’m attaching a landing to a concrete wall with 45 degree legs for support. Separate from the balcony project with the 25’ of angle iron.

The landing and the stairs weigh in at about 900 lbs each.

Posts would have been simpler but the soil is heavy clay and I wanted to avoid differential movement. And the soil engineer specified piers at 18’. Good or bad, I went with this design.

Here is the quote I got from Portland Bolt. 5/8” instead of 1/2”. Ok with engineer.

The sales guy was pretty clear I was not the type of customer he wanted to mess with. But he did quote it pretty quickly.

Pricey. Are there other suppliers I should be looking at? I’d like to have domestically sourced.

BurtEggley · Apr 29, 2026

last time I had a project like that, the engineer spec'd what fasteners I should use. Did your engineer spec specific fasteners, or did they leave it up to you to pick them then run your solutions past them? Inspectors have been known to look for a specific fastener. There was a landing many years ago that the builder changed the washers on. Some people were on it dancing and bouncing when it failed, and some died. Since then inspections have been more detailed on fasteners for things like this job.

The engineering drawing shows a lower 1/2" anchor. Are these what you are looking for sources on? The drawing spells out 1/2" x 6" long Simpson Titen (Titan?) HD Stainless Steel Anchor. If so, Google turned up many sources.

bluedog225 · Apr 29, 2026

It’s been a couple years since I worked with engineer on these plans. He said structural bolts and recommended Portland bolt for anything I needed. He didn’t seem very interested in getting into the details of where I source my stuff. And I get that.

I’ll check his notes and see if there’s a specification on the bolts. And I did mention to him bumping it up to 5/8 and he said fine. But I don’t think that’s my real cost driver here.

I’ve known in Portland boat was expensive, but wow.

The 6” titen are no problem.

bluedog225 · Apr 29, 2026

He did spec A325.

readhead · Apr 29, 2026

You are in oil and gas country. You should be able to walk in and buy all the hardware at any number of industrial suppliers. The quote did not mention if the material was electro-galv or hot dipped. Big difference.
If this is going to be inspected none of the guardrails meet residential code.

T444e · Apr 29, 2026

I took it as HDG as I've not seen electro-galv A325, not that I have bought many A325 bolts. I'd be surprised if they are available locally based on the lengths; 11-1/2" and 13-1/2".

Old tool guy · Apr 29, 2026

Can you use allthread rather than bolts?

readhead · Apr 29, 2026

I don't recall ever seeing B-7 all thread in galvanized. He could have a shear problem with all thread. No threads allowed in the shear plane per the engineers instructions.

T444e · Apr 29, 2026

Old tool guy said:
Can you use allthread rather than bolts?

He would need to go back to his engineer to see if there is an acceptable grade available.

readhead said:
I don't recall ever seeing B-7 all thread in galvanized. He could have a shear problem with all thread. No threads allowed in the shear plane per the engineers instructions.

I've only seen, and bought, B7 in plain and zinc plated.

bluedog225 · Apr 30, 2026

I specified hot dipped in the bid request. Would need to verify.

It looks like there may be utility suppliers who deal with this length as a stock item. Though I’m not sure about the 6” thread length on a 14” bolt. Is that considered “in the sheer plane” or far enough in that it’s ok?

I’m going to have to tunnel around to find someone who will sell to a guy off the street. Need to re-verify my dimensions and have a tight spec sheet.

bluedog225 · Apr 30, 2026

readhead said:
You are in oil and gas country. You should be able to walk in and buy all the hardware at any number of industrial suppliers. The quote did not mention if the material was electro-galv or hot dipped. Big difference.
If this is going to be inspected none of the guardrails meet residential code.

Good point on the guardrails. Not going to be inspected. But I may have that addressed after install.

Portland Bolt specified a 7/8 washer. Seems like 3/4 would have been more appropriate. Or even 5/8 to match the bolt.

Is there something going on there I need to be aware of?

readhead · Apr 30, 2026

If everything is hot dipped then 3/4” makes sense. The bolts will be oversized and special nuts are required.

mm08822 · Apr 30, 2026

bluedog225 said:
Good point on the guardrails. Not going to be inspected. But I may have that addressed after install.

Portland Bolt specified a 7/8 washer. Seems like 3/4 would have been more appropriate. Or even 5/8 to match the bolt.

Is there something going on there I need to be aware of?

A325 is the bolt grade you need to meet regardless of source.

Galvanized threads require galvanized nuts due to the thread diameter, thread root being coated. A standard nut won't work.

Same idea with washers and plates. Coated holes are smaller. Coated bolt diams are larger.

Check the specs and you'll see the differences between Coated and non-coated.

bluedog225 · Apr 30, 2026

Fwiw-The Portland bolt guy revised the washer down to 13/16 after I inquired. Still larger than I would have guessed. Someone mentioned in another thread that hot dipped thickness in holes is tough to spec.

readhead · Apr 30, 2026

A325 bolt heads and nuts are larger than normal.

bluedog225 · Apr 30, 2026

Here’s the best I can do on the specs. Headed to the bolt place in the morning. American Bolt in Austin is a Stelfast dealer. Hoping they can swing the domestic sourcing spec.

I’ll try to not bring discredit upon the regiment.

Four (4), 5/8 inch × 14 inch ASTM F3125 Grade A325 Type 1, heavy hex, hot-dip galvanized, 1.5 inch thread
Four (4), 5/8 inch × 12 inch ASTM F3125 Grade A325 Type 1, heavy hex, hot-dip galvanized, 1.5 inch thread
Eight (8), ASTM A563 Grade DH heavy hex nuts, hot-dip galvanized, tapped oversize for hot-dipped galvanized.
Eight (8), ASTM F436 hardened washers, hot-dip galvanized
Eight (8), 1/4 inch × 3 inch ASTM A572 Grade 50 plates, hot-dip galvanized, 13/16 inch hole
Requirement: Made in USA, melt and manufacture, DFARS compliant

PCustoms · Apr 30, 2026

@bluedog225

FastenersPlus | Simpson Strong-Tie Connectors - Tapcons

Fasteners Plus stocks a full line of Simpson connectors, Titen HD's, Tapcon screws, Red Head anchors, Sealtite pole barn screws & Grip Rite Collated Nails

www.fastenersplus.com

bluedog225 · Apr 30, 2026

PCustoms said:
@bluedog225

FastenersPlus | Simpson Strong-Tie Connectors - Tapcons

Fasteners Plus stocks a full line of Simpson connectors, Titen HD's, Tapcon screws, Red Head anchors, Sealtite pole barn screws & Grip Rite Collated Nails

www.fastenersplus.com

Thanks. That’s where I’m getting the titens. I’ll see if they can get these bolts. The link goes to threaded rod.

PCustoms · Apr 30, 2026

bluedog225 said:
Thanks. That’s where I’m getting the titens. I’ll see if they can get these bolts. The link goes to threaded rod.

Was supposed to be the general site.

Not sure if they have what you need, but bought a lot of Simpson brackets and galvanized bolts there over the past few years and they're always the best price

BurtEggley · Apr 30, 2026

Please look at the drawings the OP posted. They spell out a specific bolt by Simpson.

Titen HD®

For use in cracked and uncracked concrete, as well as uncracked masonry. THD can be installed in dry, interior, non-corrosive environments or temporary outdoor applications.

www.strongtie.com

PCustoms · Apr 30, 2026

BurtEggley said:
Please look at the drawings the OP posted. They spell out a specific bolt by Simpson.

Titen HD®

For use in cracked and uncracked concrete, as well as uncracked masonry. THD can be installed in dry, interior, non-corrosive environments or temporary outdoor applications.

www.strongtie.com

Huuuge swing and a miss

I suggest your read the OP, or at least look at the whole drawing

bluedog225 · May 1, 2026

I’m changing the last requirement from domestic to “Material certificate with traceable lot number is required.”

Not getting any traction on the domestic requirement. And much feedback (in other forums) that USA made bolts are not necessarily that great.

Even the guys at the local bolt company weren’t interested in quoting this order.

McMaster said “nope”. We don’t carry that stuff. Though the guy responding to my email may not be the right person. I’ll call them later today.

Hoping to hear from Fasteners Plus today. They have 10” bolts but stop there. And am going to reach out to a couple of Houston bolt companies.

Four (4), 5/8 inch × 14 inch ASTM F3125 Grade A325 Type 1, heavy hex, hot-dip galvanized, 1.5 inch thread
Four (4), 5/8 inch × 12 inch ASTM F3125 Grade A325 Type 1, heavy hex, hot-dip galvanized, 1.5 inch thread
Eight (8), ASTM A563 Grade DH heavy hex nuts, hot-dip galvanized, tapped oversize for hot-dipped galvanized.
Eight (8), ASTM F436 hardened washers, hot-dip galvanized
Eight (8), 1/4 inch × 3 inch ASTM A572 Grade 50 plates, hot-dip galvanized, 13/16 inch hole
Requirement: Material certificate with traceable lot number is required

Grimpala · May 1, 2026

BurtEggley said:
... Inspectors have been known to look for a specific fastener. There was a landing many years ago that the builder changed the washers on. Some people were on it dancing and bouncing when it failed, and some died. Since then inspections have been more detailed on fasteners for things like this job...

It wasn't a washer change, it was a piss poor design and implementation along with poor communication. Instead of being supported through to the ceiling, the lower walkway was supported from the upper one.

Hyatt Regency walkway collapse - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

114 dead
216 injured

BurtEggley · May 1, 2026

Grimpala said:
It wasn't a washer change, it was a piss poor design and implementation along with poor communication. Instead of being supported through to the ceiling, the lower walkway was supported from the upper one.

Hyatt Regency walkway collapse - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

114 dead
216 injured

yes, that is the one. I recalled some drawings at the time where softer washers allowed the nuts to deform and crack the beams. The original design had used higher grade fittings, and someone changed it. I was only 30 ish back then, I am 75 now. I put in a whole house fan here years ago where I had to cut a truss to do so. The inspector even compared the placement of nails and their specs, as well as the type and grade of lumber on the engineering drawings to what I used.

All I know is that it is best to get an engineer who has a reputation for getting things right, and follow their specs explicitly. Lots of DIY just go by their instinct, what they have on hand, or is the least costly. That probably works 90% of the time, but the other 10% the results can be problematic to sort of, "I'll never do that again," or "Didn't see that one coming... ."

bluedog225 · May 4, 2026

Got a cheaper bid. And lots of companies declining to bid. Surprised there is not more available in Houston though.

firebirdparts · May 4, 2026

BurtEggley said:
yes, that is the one. I recalled some drawings at the time where softer washers allowed the nuts to deform and crack the beams. The original design had used higher grade fittings, and someone changed it.

That might be true, but I wasn't under the impression that the revised design would have ever worked with any fasteners. I remember how ti failed.

545_days · May 4, 2026

firebirdparts said:
That might be true, but I wasn't under the impression that the revised design would have ever worked with any fasteners. I remember how ti failed.

The field change doubled the load on the nut supporting the walkway. Granted the original design was poor because it wasn't easily constructed. The nut supporting the upper level had to be run up a very long length of all thread from the level below.

bluedog225 · 2026-05-21T13:22:44-0400

I got my bolts.

One question, and I think the answer is I don’t care.

These things are not particularly straight. About an eighth of an inch bend over the 14 inch length.

It looks a little wonky when you’re staring at them.

I’m used to dealing with bolts that are relatively straight.

I’ve never had traceable bolts before. 14 pages of documentation for 12 bolts.

Problem or no problem?

Thanks

Structural bolts

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