Titanium fasteners offer a unique combination of high strength, low weight (44% lighter than steel), and excellent corrosion resistance. The most common fastener alloy is Ti-6Al-4V (Grade 5), with a minimum tensile strength of about 895 MPa (typically 900–1,000 MPa) and yield around 830 MPa — close to steel class 10.9 at about 56% of the weight.
Titanium bolts are used where weight savings justify the 10–20× cost premium over steel: aerospace, motorsport, high-end cycling, and medical devices.
With anti-seize, K ≈ 0.14. Values target a clamp load of roughly 65% of yield — a wider margin than the 75% of proof load used in the steel tables — which puts them near 60% of the dry Class 10.9 torque. Titanium MUST be lubricated — dry titanium-on-titanium galls worse than stainless.
| Size | N·m | ft·lbs | vs Steel 10.9 |
|---|---|---|---|
| M5 | 5.0 | 3.7 | ~57% |
| M6 | 9.0 | 6.6 | ~60% |
| M8 | 22 | 16 | ~60% |
| M10 | 44 | 32 | ~61% |
| M12 | 76 | 56 | ~60% |
| M16 | 185 | 136 | ~59% |
Always lubricate. Titanium galls severely when dry. Use titanium-specific anti-seize (copper or nickel based, never aluminum). Failure to lubricate will seize the bolt on first tightening.
Never use steel tools on titanium threads. Steel particles embedded in titanium create galvanic corrosion cells. Use titanium or properly coated taps and dies only.
Watch for counterfeits. The high price of Ti-6Al-4V has created a counterfeit market. Genuine aerospace-grade titanium bolts come with material certifications (mill certs). If the price seems too good to be true, the bolt is likely commercial-grade titanium (Grade 2, much weaker) or even stainless steel.