Engineering reference

Engineering Tools

Reference data for specifying and sourcing fasteners correctly — the numbers a procurement or design engineer actually needs.

Grade markings

How to identify an unmarked or unknown-grade fastener from its head stamp (ISO 898-1 / ISO 3506-1).

MarkMeaningHead appearance
4.6Property class 4.6 — mild steel, low strengthPlain hex, no radial lines
8.8Property class 8.8 — medium carbon steel, quenched & tempered3 radial lines from centre
10.9Property class 10.9 — alloy steel, quenched & tempered4 radial lines from centre
12.9Property class 12.9 — alloy steel, high strength5 radial lines from centre
A2-70Austenitic stainless (304-type), strength grade 70“A2” or “A2-70” stamped, no radial lines
A4-70 / A4-80Austenitic stainless (316-type), better corrosion resistance“A4” stamped
Manufacturer logo/codeTraceability mark identifying the makerUsually alongside the grade mark