Turn of Nut Installation

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.

Pre-Installation Verification Procedure:

  1. Take 3 bolts, washers, and nuts of each diameter, length, grade and production lot as they will be assembled.
  2. Assemble the first bolt-washer-nut combination into the Skidmore-Wilhelm.
  3. Snug the assembly using the same technique to be used in the structure.
  4. Match mark the nut, bolt, and Skidmore faceplate.
  5. Apply the required rotation as listed in the table below for the assembly being tested.
  6. Verify that the tension on the Skidmore dial gage us at least 5% more than the min. bolt pretension listed in table to right.
  7. Record the tension achieved in a log book.
  8. Remove the assembly and repeat steps 2 through 7 until three assemblies have been tested.

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
1/2up to 2"1/3 Turn>2 to 4"1/2 Turn>4 to 6"2/3 Turn
5/8up to 2.5"1/3 Turn>2.5 to 5"1/2 Turn>5 to 7.5"2/3 Turn
3/4up to 3"1/3 Turn>3 to 6"1/2 Turn>6 to 9"2/3 Turn
7/8up to 3.5"1/3 Turn>3.5 to 7"1/2 Turn>7 to 10.5"2/3 Turn
1up to 4"1/3 Turn>4 to 8"1/2 Turn>9 to 13.5"2/3 Turn
1 1/8up to 4.5"1/3 Turn>4.5 to 9"1/2 Turn>10 to 15"2/3 Turn
1 1/4up 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 DiameterASTM A325 Bolts and
F1852 Assemblies
ASTM A490 Bolts
and F2280 Assemblies
(inches)Min (kips)*"+ 5% (Kips)Min (kips)*"+ 5% (Kips)
1/21212.61515.8
5/81920.02425.2
3/42829.43536.8
7/83941.04951.5
15153.66467.2
1 1/85658.88084.0
1 1/47174.6102107.1
1 3/88589.3121127.1
1 1/2103108.2148155.4
Structural Bolts 2