Bolting — Bolt Re-Use Rule
RCSC re-use rules by bolt type and coating — the gang-box dispute settler.
Galvanized high-strength bolts are NEVER re-pretensioned — the coating's lubrication is spent on the first installation. Plain A325 may be reused if approved; A490 never. This tool is the lookup that settles the argument at the gang box.
Formula
Note: Erection-planning estimate only. Member weights, connection capacities and tolerances for execution must come from the issued drawings, the EOR and the erection engineer — never from a generic calculator.
RCSC re-use rules by bolt type and coating — the gang-box dispute settler. A free structural steel delivery & erection tool — no sign-up, no upload, instant results in your browser.
About Bolting — Bolt Re-Use Rule
Bolting — Bolt Re-Use Rule computes the governing relationship RCSC §2: plain A325 reusable w/ approval; galvanized A325 and A490 never re-pretensioned live as you type. Galvanized high-strength bolts are NEVER re-pretensioned — the coating's lubrication is spent on the first installation. Plain A325 may be reused if approved; A490 never. This tool is the lookup that settles the argument at the gang box. Defaults are pre-filled with realistic values for this exact scenario, and the worked example substitutes your numbers step by step so the math is never a black box.
How to use Bolting — Bolt Re-Use Rule
- 1Enter your values — Bolt (1 A325 plain · 2 A325 galv · 3 A490/10.9), Previously pretensioned? (1/0) (sensible defaults are pre-filled).
- 2Read the live results: Re-use class (1 ok w/ approval · 0 no).
- 3Check the "with your numbers" line to see RCSC §2: plain A325 reusable w/ approval; galvanized A325 and A490 never re-pretensioned substituted step by step.
- 4Adjust inputs until the scenario matches yours, then copy or share the result.
Why use Bolting — Bolt Re-Use Rule?
- ✓Instant, free and private — every calculation runs client-side in your browser; nothing is uploaded
- ✓Built on the stated formula RCSC §2: plain A325 reusable w/ approval; galvanized A325 and A490 never re-pretensioned with authoritative sources cited on the page (RCSC — Specification for Structural Joints Using High-Strength Bolts; AISC 360 — Specification for Structural Steel Buildings)
- ✓Galvanized high-strength bolts are NEVER re-pretensioned — the coating's lubrication is spent on the first installation.
- ✓Niche-specific defaults give a meaningful worked answer the moment the page loads
Frequently asked questions
What formula does the bolting — bolt re-use rule use?+
It evaluates RCSC §2: plain A325 reusable w/ approval; galvanized A325 and A490 never re-pretensioned, exactly as published. Sources: RCSC — Specification for Structural Joints Using High-Strength Bolts; AISC 360 — Specification for Structural Steel Buildings. The substituted worked example on the page lets you verify every step against the textbook.
How should I read the result — and how far can I trust it?+
Galvanized high-strength bolts are NEVER re-pretensioned — the coating's lubrication is spent on the first installation. Erection-planning estimate only. Member weights, connection capacities and tolerances for execution must come from the issued drawings, the EOR and the erection engineer — never from a generic calculator.
When is this calculator the right tool for the job?+
RCSC re-use rules by bolt type and coating. Plain A325 may be reused if approved; A490 never. For neighbouring scenarios, the related tools below cover the same engine with different presets.
Do I need to install anything or create an account?+
No. The tool is pure client-side JavaScript: open the page and it works, offline once loaded, with no account, no quota and no data leaving your device.
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