Designation: F788/F788M – 08

Standard Specification for

Surface Discontinuities of Bolts, Screws, and Studs, Inch
and Metric Series1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F788/F788M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year
of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.
A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.

1. Scope* 2. Referenced Documents

1.1 This specification establishes allowable limits for the 2.1 ASTM Standards:2
various types of surface discontinuities that may occur during E340 Test Method for Macroetching Metals and Alloys
the manufacture and processing of bolts, screws, and studs, F1470 Practice for Fastener Sampling for Specified Me-
including heat-treated machine screws, tapping screws, and chanical Properties and Performance Inspection
sems (the washers of screw-washer assemblies are excluded). F1789 Terminology for F16 Mechanical Fasteners
This specification covers metric series products with nominal 2.2 ISO Standard:3
diameters of 4 mm and larger and with specified minimum ISO 6157/I Fasteners, Surface Discontinuities on Bolts,
tensile strengths of 420 MPa and higher; and inch series Screws and Studs
products with nominal diameters of No. 5 (0.1250 in.) and
larger and with specified minimum tensile strengths of 60 000 3. Ordering Information
psi and higher. 3.1 Orders for bolts, screws, and studs requiring disconti-
1.2 When the engineering requirements of the application nuity control shall include the following:
necessitate control of surface discontinuities on bolts, screws, 3.1.1 ASTM designation and date of issue of this specifica-
or studs, the purchaser shall specify conformance to ASTM tion.
Specification F788/F 788M, in the original inquiry and pur- 3.1.2 Special requirements, for example, closer discontinu-
chase order. ity limits (1.2.1) and inspection sampling plan (6.2).
1.2.1 When the engineering requirements of the application
necessitate that surface discontinuities on bolts, screws, and 4. Types of Surface Discontinuities (see Terminology
studs be controlled within limits closer than those specified in F1789 for definitions not provided)
this specification, the purchaser shall specify the applicable 4.1 Crack
limits in the original inquiry and purchase order. 4.1.1 Quench Cracks—Typical quench cracks are shown in
1.3 The allowable limits established in this specification for Fig. 1. Limits are specified in 5.2.
metric bolts, screws, and studs with nominal diameters from 4 4.1.2 Forging Cracks—Typical forging cracks are shown in
to 24 mm inclusive, are essentially identical with requirements Fig. 2. Limits are specified in 5.3.
given in ISO 6157/I. There are no ISO standards for surface 4.2 Burst—Typical bursts are shown in Fig. 3. Limits are
discontinuities on any inch-series products. specified in 5.4.
1.4 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units 4.2.1 Shear Burst—A shear burst is an open break in the
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in metal located at approximately a 45° angle to the product axis.
each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each Shear bursts occur most frequently at the periphery of products
system shall be used independently of the other. Combining having flanged or circular heads. Shear bursts may also occur
values from the two systems may result in non-conformance on the sides of hex-head products. Typical shear bursts are
with the standard. shown in Fig. 3. Limits are specified in 5.4.

1 2
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F16 on For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Fasteners and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F16.93 on Quality contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Assurance Provisions for Fasteners. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2008. Published November 2008. Originally the ASTM website.
3
approved in 1982. Last previous edition approved in 2007 as F788/F788M – 07. Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
DOI: 10.1520/F0788_F0788M-08. 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard.

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 F788/F788M – 08

FIG. 1 Typical Quench Cracks

products. For metric series products, D and Dc are in millime-

tres; for inch-series products, D and Dc are in inches.
5.2 Quench Cracks—Quench cracks of any depth, any
length, or in any location are not permitted.
5.3 Forging Cracks—Forging cracks on the top of the head
of bolts and screws are permitted, provided that (a) no crack
shall have a length exceeding 1.0 D, and (b) no crack shall have
a width or depth exceeding 0.04 D. See Note 1.
FIG. 2 Typical Forging Cracks
NOTE 1—Forging cracks within the limits of this specification may be
unsightly, but do not affect the mechanical properties or functional
requirements of the bolt.
4.3 Seam—Typical seams are shown in Fig. 4. Limits are
specified in 5.5. 5.4 Bursts and Shear Bursts (see Note 2):
4.4 Fold—Typical folds are shown in Fig. 5 a, b, and c. 5.4.1 For hex-head bolts and screws, bursts and shear bursts
Limits are specified in 5.6. are permitted, provided that: (1) no burst or shear burst in the
4.5 Thread Lap—Limits are specified in Supplementary flats extends into the crown (chamfer) circle on the top of the
Requirement S.1.1. head or into the underhead bearing circle, (2) no burst or shear
4.6 Void—A void is a shallow pocket or hollow on the burst located at the intersection of two wrenching flats reduces
surface of a bolt or screw due to nonfilling of metal during the width across corners below its specified minimum, and (3)
forging. Voids are produced by marks or impressions of chips no burst or shear burst has a width or depth greater than .06D
(shear burrs) or by rust formation on the raw material. They are but not to exceed .062 in. (1.6 mm).
not planished during forging. Typical voids are shown in Fig. 5.4.2 For flange bolts and screws and products with circular
6. Limits are specified in 5.7. heads, bursts and shear bursts at the periphery of the flange or
4.7 Tool Marks—Tool marks are longitudinal or circumfer- head are permitted, provided that: (1) not more than one burst
ential grooves of shallow depth produced by the movement of or shear burst has a width greater than 0.04 Dc , and (2) the
manufacturing tools over the surface of the bolt or screw. width of the one burst or shear burst that exceeds a width of
Typical tool marks are shown in Fig. 7. Limits are specified in 0.04 Dc does not have a width greater than 0.08 Dc.
5.8. 5.4.3 For indented head bolts and screws, bursts and shear
4.8 Gouge and Nick—an indentation on the surface of a bursts in the raised periphery of the indented head are
fastener produced by impact with another fastener, or from permitted, provided that: (1) no burst or shear burst has a width
processing equipment during manufacture, handling or trans- greater than 0.06 D, and (2) no burst or shear burst has a depth
port. extending below the indented portion.
5. Allowable Limits NOTE 2—Bursts and shear bursts within the limits of this specification
may be unsightly, but do not affect the mechanical properties or functional
5.1 Letter Definitions—Throughout the following require- requirements of the bolt.
ments, D designates the nominal size (basic major diameter of
thread) of bolts, screws, and studs, except for products with 5.5 Seams:
shoulders, in which case D designates the largest shoulder 5.5.1 Seams in the shanks of bolts, screws, and studs are
diameter; and Dc designates flange diameter (specified maxi- permitted provided that no seam has a depth greater than 0.03
mum) or head diameter (specified maximum) of circular head D.

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 F788/F788M – 08

FIG. 3 Typical Bursts and Shear Bursts

FIG. 4 Typical Seams

FIG. 5 Typical Folds

5.5.2 Seams extending into the heads and flanges of bolts 5.6.1 Folds located at interior corners that are at or below
and screws are permitted, provided that they do not open the underhead bearing surface, for example, at the junction of
beyond the limits specified for bursts and shear bursts in 5.4. head to shank, are not permitted, except for cloverleaf folds
5.6 Folds:

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 F788/F788M – 08
5.9 Nicks and Gouges—Nicks, gouges, dents, and scrapes
are permitted, provided that the functionability of the product
is not impaired.

6. Inspection and Evaluation

6.1 Bolts, screws, and studs shall be inspected for surface
discontinuities in accordance with the procedure in 6.2, 6.3,
and 6.4.
6.2 The purchaser shall specify in the original inquiry and
purchase order the inspection sampling requirements that the
producer must satisfy to demonstrate the acceptability of bolts,
screws, and studs with respect to surface discontinuities.
6.3 In the absence of purchaser instructions (6.2), inspection
and evaluation shall be in accordance with 6.5.
6.4 For referee purposes, unless other procedures have been
specified by the purchaser (6.2), inspection and evaluation shall
be in accordance with 6.5.
FIG. 6 Typical Voids 6.5 Inspection Procedure:
6.5.1 Visual Inspection:
6.5.1.1 A random sample shall be taken from the lot in
accordance with Guide F1470 and examined visually (mag-
netic particle or fluid penetrant are recommended) for the
presence of quench cracks, forging cracks, bursts, shear bursts,
seams, folds, voids, tool marks, and nicks and gouges. Visual
inspection can include the use of devices that provide up to,
and including, 10-power magnification.
6.5.1.2 If, during this inspection, any products are found
FIG. 7 Typical Tool Marks
with quench cracks in any location or with folds at interior
corners that are at or below the underhead bearing surface, the
lot may be rejected by the purchaser.
occurring at the intersection of non-circular shoulders with
6.5.1.3 If, during this inspection, any products are found
head bearing face (see Fig. 5a).
with any other surface discontinuity, each discontinuity shall
5.6.2 Folds located at interior corners that are above the
be measured, and if any is found that exceeds the allowable
underhead bearing surface, for example, at the junction of the
hex head with the top of flange of flange bolts and screws, are dimensional limits for that discontinuity as specified in Sec-
permitted (see Fig. 5b). tion5, the lot may be rejected by the purchaser.
5.6.3 Folds located at exterior corners are permitted (see 6.5.1.4 When a GO ring gage will not assemble the full
Fig. 5c). thread length of an externally threaded fastener when torque is
5.7 Voids: applied by hand, the following procedure shall be used to
5.7.1 Voids on the surfaces of bolts, screws, and studs are determine thread acceptability. Using an appropriately cali-
permitted, provided that: (1) depth of voids does not exceed brated torque measuring device and an appropriately calibrated
0.25 mm or 0.010 in. or 0.02 D, whichever is greater, and (2) GO ring gage (class 3A for inch and 6h for metric fasteners)
the combined area of all voids on the underhead bearing either hold the ring gage or the bolt stationary and rotate the
surface of bolts and screws does not exceed 10 % of the other the full length of the bolt thread. Record the maximum
specified minimum bearing surface area. torque observed. Nicks and gouges shall not interfere with
5.7.2 The method for determining the area of voids on the hand assembly of initial thread engagement or impair product
bearing surface shall be as agreed upon between the purchaser function. No lubricant shall be added to the bolt or gage for
and the producer. purposes of conducting the test. The indicated maximum
5.8 Tool Marks: torque value shall not exceed those in Table 1 that are derived
5.8.1 Tool marks on the underhead bearing surface are the indicated formula.
permitted, provided the surface roughness measurement does
not exceed 3.2 µm or 125 µin., determined as the arithmetic
7. Keywords
average deviation from the mean surface.
5.8.2 Tool marks on other surfaces of the product are 7.1 bolts; crack; discontinuities (surface); fold; screw (ma-
permitted. chine, sems, tapping); seam; studs; thread lap; void

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 F788/F788M – 08
TABLE 1 Bolt and Screw Thread Discontinuity Acceptance Criteria
Inch [Metric]
Nominal Thread Size Max Allowable Torque Nominal Thread Size Max Allowable Torque
Size d (in.) T (in. lb.) Size d [mm] T [Nm]
#10 0.190 1.0 M5 5 0.1
#12 0.216 1.5 M6 6 0.2
1⁄ 4 0.250 2.5 M8 8 0.5
5⁄16 0.312 4.5 M10 10 1.0
3⁄ 8 0.375 7.5 M12 12 1.7
7⁄16 0.438 12.0 M14 14 2.7
1⁄ 2 0.500 18.0 M16 16 4.1
9⁄16 0.563 26.0 M18 18 5.8
5⁄ 8 0.625 35.5 M20 20 8.0
3⁄ 4 0.750 61.0 M22 22 10.6
7⁄ 8 0.870 97.0 M24 24 13.8
1 1.000 145.0 M30 30 27.0
1 1⁄ 8 1.125 206.0 M33 33 36.0
1 1⁄ 4 1.250 283.0 M36 36 46.6
1 3⁄ 8 1.375 377.0 ... ... ...
1 1⁄ 2 1.500 489.0 ... ... ...
Formula T = 145d3 Formula T = 0.001d3

SUPPLEMENTARY REQUIREMENTS

One or more of the following supplementary requirements shall apply only when specified by the
purchaser in the inquiry and order. Supplementary Requirements shall in no way negate any
requirement of the specification itself.

S1. Assemblies Subject to Severe Dynamic Stresses S1.2.1 Visual Inspection—A random sample shall be se-
S1.1 Laps in Screw Threads: lected from the lot in accordance with F1470. The sample
S1.1.1 Laps of any depth and any length which originate selected shall be surface etched in a 50 % solution of HCl and
below (or originating above and extending below) a point H2O at approximately 180°F (no more than 5 min of etch time
located at a distance equal to or less than 20 % of the thread should be employed as excessive etching may remove shallow
height, measured from the minor diameter, are not permitted. thread laps). After etch, the samples shall be examined under a
See 4.5 and the Fig. S1.1 and Fig. S1.2. 103 magnification for the presence of laps.
S1.1.2 Surface discontinuities of threads caused by the S1.2.2 Microscopic Examination—If laps are present, one of
thread rolling process, as in Fig. S1.2, shall be excluded from the samples shall be sectioned longitudinally on the center line
these requirements provided the discontinuities do not exceed of the bolt/screw and on a plane passing through the point at
the depth of 0.5 % 3 nominal diameter and are essentially which any lap extends closest to the minor diameter of the
parallel to the adjacent thread contour and are not directed thread. The section shall be etched for microscopic examina-
toward the screw or bolt axis. tion in accordance with Test Method E340. Acceptance shall be
S1.2 Thread Lap Inspection: based on the requirements of S1.1.

FIG. S1.1 Typical Thread Laps

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 F788/F788M – 08

NOTE 1—Laps which originate below (or originate above and extend below) 20 % thread height are not permissible discontinuities except as shown
in Fig. S1.2.
FIG. S1.2 Typical Starting Serrations

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Committee F16 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue
F788/F788M-07 that may impact the use of this standard. (Approved Nov. 1, 2008.)

(1) 6.5.1.4 was added. (2) Table 1 was added.

Committee F16 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue,
F788/F788M-06 that may impact the use of this standard. (Approved Nov. 15, 2007.)

(1) Revised 4.8.

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