TorqueSpec
Bolt torque database
HomeImperial3/8" Grade 8

3/8" Grade 8 Torque Spec

Medium carbon alloy steel, quenched and tempered · Tensile 150,000 psi · Yield 130,000 psi

43.6
ft·lbs (dry)
59.1
N·m (dry)
32.7
ft·lbs (oiled)

Torque Values by Surface Condition

UNC — Coarse Thread — 16 TPI

Stress area: 0.0775 in² · Proof load: 9,300 lbs · Clamp load (75%): 6,975 lbs

Surface Condition K Factor ft·lbs N·m in·lbs kgf·cm
Plain/Dry 0.2 43.6 59.1 523.2 602.7
Oiled 0.15 32.7 44.3 392.4 451.7
Zinc Plated 0.18 39.2 53.1 470.4 541.5
Waxed 0.1 21.8 29.6 261.6 301.8
MoS₂ 0.12 26.2 35.5 314.4 362.0
Galvanized 0.25 54.5 73.9 654.0 753.6

UNF — Fine Thread — 24 TPI

Stress area: 0.0878 in² · Proof load: 10,536 lbs · Clamp load (75%): 7,902 lbs

Surface Condition K Factor ft·lbs N·m in·lbs kgf·cm
Plain/Dry 0.2 49.4 67.0 592.8 683.2
Oiled 0.15 37.0 50.2 444.0 511.9
Zinc Plated 0.18 44.4 60.2 532.8 613.9
Waxed 0.1 24.7 33.5 296.4 341.6
MoS₂ 0.12 29.6 40.1 355.2 408.9
Galvanized 0.25 61.7 83.7 740.4 853.5

How This Value Is Calculated

Formula: T = K × D × F

Step 1 — Clamp load: F = 0.75 × 120,000 psi × 0.0775 in² = 6,975 lbs

Step 2 — Torque (dry): T = 0.20 × 0.375 in × 6,975 lbs ÷ 12 = 43.6 ft·lbs

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

When to Use Grade 8

High-strength applications, heavy equipment, critical joints, suspension components, trailer hitches. Equivalent to ISO 10.9.

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.