SAE J429 Grade 2 Bolts
Grade 2 is low- or medium-carbon steel with no heat treatment for strength. It is the cheapest inch grade, used where the joint does not need high clamp load.
| Marking | None for grade. Manufacturer ID only. |
|---|---|
| Matching nut | SAE J995 Grade 2 (Grade 5 acceptable) |
| Washer | USS or SAE flat |
Mechanical properties (SAE J429)
| Size | Proof | Yield (min) | Tensile (min) | Hardness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/4 to 3/4 in | 55 ksi | 57 ksi | 74 ksi | B80 - B100 |
| over 3/4 to 1-1/2 in | 33 ksi | 36 ksi | 60 ksi | B70 - B100 |
Grade 2 in 1/4 - 3/4 in sizes longer than 6 in is supplied with Grade 1 properties (60 ksi tensile).
These tables carry the same figures as the printed sheet below.
The printed sheet
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Text version of this sheet
SAE J429 · inch steel bolts and screws · lowest common grade
FIELD IDENTIFICATION
What it is
Grade 2 is low- or medium-carbon steel with no heat treatment for strength. It is the cheapest inch
grade, used where the joint does not need high clamp load.
MFG
Marking
None for grade. Manufacturer ID only.
Matching nut
SAE J995 Grade 2 (Grade 5 acceptable)
Washer
USS or SAE flat
Grade 2: plain head, no radial lines manufacturer ID only
Mechanical properties (SAE J429)
Size
Proof
Yield (min)
Tensile (min)
Hardness
1/4 to 3/4 in
55 ksi
57 ksi
74 ksi
B80 - B100
over 3/4 to 1-1/2 in
33 ksi
36 ksi
60 ksi
B70 - B100
Grade 2 in 1/4 - 3/4 in sizes longer than 6 in is supplied with Grade 1 properties (60 ksi tensile).
Key points
A blank head is not proof of Grade 2. An unmarked bolt is an unknown, not a Grade 2.
Typical use: brackets, covers, light fabrication and other joints that do not need high preload.
Strength drops sharply above 3/4 in. Check the size row before quoting a load.
SAE J429 covers inch bolts and screws up to 1-1/2 in only. It is not a structural (F3125) or pressure/temperature (A193) specification.
What it is not
Not for wheels, drawbars, suspension or structural connections.
Not a substitute where the drawing calls Grade 5, Grade 8 or a structural specification.
Governing standards: SAE J429 (2014); SAE J995 (2017) (nuts). Editions shown are the latest confirmed as of September 2026. The drawing and the governing standard always
take precedence over this sheet.
torquing any fastener. Verify the current governing standard, project documents, OEM requirements, size, thread, coating and lot certification. To the fullest extent permitted by law, The Fastener App disclaims liability
arising from reliance on this reference.
Fastener Guide reference FG-D8455E · thefastenerapp.com/fastener-guide/technical-reference/sae-j429-grade-2-bolts · © The Fastener App. Reference only — verify the current governing standard, drawing and manufacturer data before specifying or installing.
