Turn of Nut Installation is a method used to achieve the correct preload in structural bolting assemblies by tightening the nut to a specified rotation after snug-tightening. This technique relies on controlled bolt elongation and is approved by the Research Council on Structural Connections (RCSC). It eliminates the need for torque measurement tools, ensuring reliable and consistent tension when performed correctly. Turn-of-Nut is widely used in steel construction due to its simplicity, repeatability, and code compliance.
Turn of Nut Installation is one of four torque-control installation methods recognized by the Research Council on Structural Connections for use on ASTM F3125 Grade A325 and Grade A490 structural hex head bolts. It generally results in more uniform bolt pretension than other torque-control methods when combined with the Pre-Installation Verification Procedure.
Turn-of-Nut Method (Flat Surfaces under Bolt Head and Nut)
Snug tighten the bolts in the joint, match-mark the nut and protruding end of bolt and rotate the nut by the proper amount listed in the table below.
Bolt Di (inches) | Bolt Length | Required Turns | Bolt Length | Required Turns | Bolt Length | Required Turns |
1/2 | up to 2" | 1/3 Turn | >2 to 4" | 1/2 Turn | >4 to 6" | 2/3 Turn |
5/8 | up to 2.5" | 1/3 Turn | >2.5 to 5" | 1/2 Turn | >5 to 7.5" | 2/3 Turn |
3/4 | up to 3" | 1/3 Turn | >3 to 6" | 1/2 Turn | >6 to 9" | 2/3 Turn |
7/8 | up to 3.5" | 1/3 Turn | >3.5 to 7" | 1/2 Turn | >7 to 10.5" | 2/3 Turn |
1 | up to 4" | 1/3 Turn | >4 to 8" | 1/2 Turn | >9 to 13.5" | 2/3 Turn |
1 1/8 | up to 4.5" | 1/3 Turn | >4.5 to 9" | 1/2 Turn | >10 to 15" | 2/3 Turn |
1 1/4 | up to 5" | 1/3 Turn | >5 to 10" | 1/2 Turn | >11 to 16.5" | 2/3 Turn |
1The tightness that is required to bring the plies into firm contact
(Typically obtained with a few impacts of an impact wrench or the full effort of an iron-worker using an ordinary spud wrench)
Bolt Diameter | ASTM A325 Bolts and F1852 Assemblies | ASTM A490 Bolts and F2280 Assemblies | ||
(inches) | Min (kips)* | "+ 5% (Kips) | Min (kips)* | "+ 5% (Kips) |
1/2 | 12 | 12.6 | 15 | 15.8 |
5/8 | 19 | 20.0 | 24 | 25.2 |
3/4 | 28 | 29.4 | 35 | 36.8 |
7/8 | 39 | 41.0 | 49 | 51.5 |
1 | 51 | 53.6 | 64 | 67.2 |
1 1/8 | 56 | 58.8 | 80 | 84.0 |
1 1/4 | 71 | 74.6 | 102 | 107.1 |
1 3/8 | 85 | 89.3 | 121 | 127.1 |
1 1/2 | 103 | 108.2 | 148 | 155.4 |