When sourcing industrial bolts and threaded rods for large-scale infrastructure, structural, or utility projects, selecting the right product isn’t just about size and strength — it’s about meeting the correct bolt and rod standards. Whether you’re building in North America or Europe, ensuring compliance with ASTM, ISO, or DIN specifications can make or break your project.
In this guide, we break down the most widely used international fastener standards, what they mean, how to interpret them, and how to choose the right one for your region or application.
Why Standards Matter in Fastener Selection
Industrial fasteners are expected to perform under load, tension, vibration, temperature change, and corrosion. Standards provide the framework to guarantee:
- Consistent material quality
- Reliable mechanical strength
- Defined tolerances and dimensions
- Regulatory and engineering compliance
- Project approval by inspectors or engineers
Failing to comply with the correct standard can result in structural failures, legal liabilities, or costly project delays.
ASTM Standards (North America)
ASTM F1554: The Standard for Anchor Bolts
The most commonly used threaded rod and anchor bolt specification in the U.S. and Canada. It defines three strength grades:
| Grade | Minimum Yield Strength | Common Use Cases |
| Grade 36 | 36 ksi (250 MPa) | General construction, light foundations |
| Grade 55 | 55 ksi (380 MPa) | Bridges, traffic poles, precast panels |
| Grade 105 | 105 ksi (724 MPa) | High-load anchor bolts, seismic zones |
All three grades can be ordered with supplemental weldability and elongation requirements (Supplement S1), and are often supplied with hot-dip galvanizing for corrosion resistance.
ASTM A307, A193, A325, A490
These are commonly used for bolts, studs, and high-strength structural fasteners:
- A307: Low-carbon steel bolts, general-purpose
- A193 B7: High-strength alloy steel studs (often used in precast and mechanical settings)
- A325 / A490: Heavy hex structural bolts for steel-to-steel connections
ISO Standards (Europe-wide)
ISO standards are internationally recognized and form the baseline for fastener manufacturing in most of Europe, including Germany, the Netherlands, and the UK.
ISO 898-1: Mechanical Properties of Fasteners
Defines property classes (e.g., 4.6, 8.8, 10.9) for bolts and rods. These numbers represent:
- First digit (e.g., 8) = 1/100 of nominal tensile strength (800 MPa)
- Second digit (e.g., .8) = yield strength as % of tensile strength
| Property Class | Tensile Strength | Common Use |
| 4.6 | 400 MPa | Light duty, non-structural |
| 8.8 | 800 MPa | General structural applications |
| 10.9 | 1000 MPa | High-stress or automotive uses |
These classes apply to both hex bolts and threaded rods under ISO 898-1 and ISO 898-2.
ISO 898-2
Specifically covers threaded rods, ensuring equivalent standards across multiple EU nations.
DIN Standards (Germany)
Germany’s DIN (Deutsches Institut für Normung) system historically set the foundation for ISO fastener standards. Many older projects and catalogs still reference DIN numbers:
- DIN 976: Threaded rods (now mostly aligned with ISO 898-2)
- DIN 931 / DIN 933: Hex bolts (partially vs. fully threaded)
- DIN 934: Hex nuts
- DIN 125 / DIN 127: Washers
For exports to German-speaking regions or legacy equipment, these designations are still widely accepted.
UK & Netherlands Specific Notes
- BS EN standards (British adoption of ISO) are most commonly used now in the UK, replacing older BS codes.
- In the Netherlands, most government tenders and infrastructure projects require CE-marked fasteners and ISO-compliant documentation. Threaded rods typically follow ISO 898-1 and ISO 898-2, with EN 10204 MTC (Material Test Certificate) required for delivery.
How to Choose the Right Standard for Your Project
| Region | Recommended Standard | Certification Needed |
| USA / Canada | ASTM (F1554, A193, A325) | MTR / CSA |
| Germany / Austria | DIN or ISO 898 | EN 10204:3.1 MTC |
| UK / Netherlands | ISO / BS EN | CE Marking + DoP |
TIP: Always align with the engineer’s structural specification or local building codes — and request proper test reports with every delivery.
Conclusion
Whether you’re installing anchor rods for a bridge foundation or assembling modular precast components with threaded rods, following the correct bolt and rod standards ensures compliance, safety, and long-term durability.
At TUHU Fasteners & Manufacturing Inc., we manufacture and export fully certified fasteners compliant with ASTM, ISO, and DIN standards — with full traceability and documentation.
👉 Browse our Industrial Fastener Range: https://tuhufasteners.com/our-fastener-products/
📧 Email us for technical specs or a quote: sales@tuhufasteners.com