TorqueSpec
Bolt torque database
HomeImperial1/2" Grade 5

1/2" Grade 5 Torque Spec

Medium carbon steel, quenched and tempered · Tensile 120,000 psi · Yield 92,000 psi

75.4
ft·lbs (dry)
102.2
N·m (dry)
56.5
ft·lbs (oiled)

Torque Values by Surface Condition

UNC — Coarse Thread — 13 TPI

Stress area: 0.1419 in² · Proof load: 12,062 lbs · Clamp load (75%): 9,046 lbs

Surface Condition K Factor ft·lbs N·m in·lbs kgf·cm
Plain/Dry 0.2 75.4 102.2 904.8 1042.2
Oiled 0.15 56.5 76.6 678.0 781.1
Zinc Plated 0.18 67.8 91.9 813.6 937.1
Waxed 0.1 37.7 51.1 452.4 521.1
MoS₂ 0.12 45.2 61.3 542.4 625.1
Galvanized 0.25 94.2 127.7 1130.4 1302.2

UNF — Fine Thread — 20 TPI

Stress area: 0.1599 in² · Proof load: 13,591 lbs · Clamp load (75%): 10,194 lbs

Surface Condition K Factor ft·lbs N·m in·lbs kgf·cm
Plain/Dry 0.2 84.9 115.1 1018.8 1173.7
Oiled 0.15 63.7 86.4 764.4 881.0
Zinc Plated 0.18 76.5 103.7 918.0 1057.4
Waxed 0.1 42.5 57.6 510.0 587.4
MoS₂ 0.12 51.0 69.1 612.0 704.6
Galvanized 0.25 106.2 144.0 1274.4 1468.4

How This Value Is Calculated

Formula: T = K × D × F

Step 1 — Clamp load: F = 0.75 × 85,000 psi × 0.1419 in² = 9,046 lbs

Step 2 — Torque (dry): T = 0.20 × 0.5 in × 9,046 lbs ÷ 12 = 75.4 ft·lbs

Proof stress per SAE J429 Table 3. Stress area per ASME B1.1. K-factor per VDI 2230.

When to Use Grade 5

Automotive, agricultural equipment, general machinery — the most common high-strength SAE grade. Equivalent to ISO 8.8.

Important Notes

  • • Torque values are for standard hex bolts with unified threads per ASME B1.1. Socket head cap screws may have different requirements.
  • • Lubrication reduces required torque significantly — using dry torque values on lubricated bolts risks exceeding yield strength.
  • • For critical or safety-related applications, always consult the manufacturer's specifications or applicable design standard.
  • • Re-used bolts may have altered friction characteristics. Inspect threads before reuse.