Page 1 of 4 Fastenal Product Standard REV-00

Date: April 21, 2016 C.1000.ECO.S

This document is intended for use by Fastenal employees and suppliers only. This is not for customer use.

1. SCOPE

a. This specification covers the basic requirements for a corrosion resistant non-
electrolytically applied inorganic zinc/aluminum dispersion base coat with topcoat
(sealer) applied for fasteners.

b. These coatings are applied by conventional dip-spin or dip-drain or spray methods

which can be handled through a cleaning, coating and baking operation and which
are not adversely affected by baking temperatures up to 650°F.

2. PROCESS REQUIREMENTS

a. The coating process shall not induce the possibility of internal hydrogen
embrittlement.

b. Prior to coating, the parts shall be free from oil, scale and similar foreign
materials. The cleaning process shall have no detrimental effect on the base
material. Any process used for cleaning such as acid pickling which can promote
hydrogen absorption shall be prohibited. (Except for parts which are not under
tensile stress in the assembled condition, such as nuts. Written approval from
Fastenal Quality Control will be required for this exception).

3. COATING REQUIREMENTS

a. Appearance –

i. The coating shall have a uniform appearance free from tears, blisters,
uncoated areas, and other discontinuities which may affect the appearance
or performance of the coating.

ii. The color shall be silver-gray unless otherwise specified.

iii. The coating shall not be tacky to the touch and shall not leave particulate
residue on equipment hands or gloves.

b. The complete coating including topcoat shall be free of chromium, cadmium,

lead, barium and mercury, as well as meet the requirements of EU Directives on
End of Life Vehicles (ELV) and Electrical Equipment (RoHS).

c. Topcoat – A topcoat applied to the zinc/aluminum flake coating is required and

must meet the requirements defined in this specification.
Page 2 of 4 Fastenal Product Standard REV-00
Date: April 21, 2016 C.1000.ECO.S

d. Thickness - The coating shall not have any adverse effects on normal installation
and removal practices. For reference, typical coating thickness is 6-12 µm, based
on an average of individual measurements when measured on the significant
surface as defined by ASTM F1941 or ISO 10683.

e. Adhesion – The coating shall meet the adhesion requirements prescribed in

ASTM F1136 or ISO 10683.

f. Corrosion Resistance – The coating shall be capable of withstanding exposure to

salt spray when tested in accordance with ASTM B117 or ISO 9227 to the
minimum hours specified in Table 1 prior to red rust. Unless otherwise defined,
acceptable corrosion resistance shall be Rust Grade 6 or higher ASTM D610 on
significant surfaces.

Table 1 Salt Spray Requirements

Product Description and Size Minimum Salt Spray Hours
Hex Cap Screws, Hex Bolts, Nuts and Grade
C locknuts ½ -in. (M12) diameter and larger
1000
and all washers
Flange bolts
Socket Head including socket, flat and button
head socket cap screws of all sizes and hex
head cap screws, bolts, nuts, Grade C 720
locknuts and machine screws less than 1/2.
(M12) diameter

g. There shall be no signs of blistering after salt spray testing.

h. Cathodic Protection - The cathodic protection capability of the coating shall be

tested utilizing the salt spray test above for a duration of 72 hours with a specimen
which has been scratched down to the base metal. The scratch shall have a maximum
width of 0.02-in (0.5mm). After the salt spray test, there shall be no red rust in
scratched area.

i. Coefficient of Friction and Torque Coefficient (Threaded Fasteners only) – The

average coefficient of friction shall be 0.11 +/-0.03. The average torque coefficient
shall be 0.15 +/-0.03. Testing shall be in accordance with the method described in
ISO 16047, using an M10 x 1.5 x 60mm surrogate screw and M10-1.5 nut, except
that both the surrogate screw and nut shall have the same applied finish as the sample
parts being tested.

Coefficient of Friction or Torque-Tension Tests are required for initial approval of

applicator finish material.
 Page 3 of 4 Fastenal Product Standard REV-00
Date: April 21, 2016 C.1000.ECO.S

j. Washers – Coating processes must be employed for flat washers that minimize
quality concerns of product sticking together during the coating process.

4. THREAD GAGING
a. For thread gaging requirements, See Table 2
b. Screws, bolts and nuts with thread fit 2B, 2A , 3A and 6g with nominal thread
diameters smaller than ¼” (m6) having coarse threads, and all diameters of 2B,
2A, 3Aand 6G fine thread, may not conform to the gaging practice of Table 2

Table 2 Thread Gaging Requirements

ASME B1.1 Thread Class Thread Condition Prior to Thread Acceptance Inspection
Designation Coating Application After Coating Application ¹
Shall be accepted if the nut
screws onto a standard 2A, Hex
2B Shall gage 2B
Cap Screw. (plain finish), until 4
threads emerge through the nut
Shall be inspected with 3A Go
2A Shall gage 2A
and 2A nogo gages
Shall be accepted if the screw
turns into a standard 2B
3A Shall gage 3A
Finished Hex Nut (plain finish)
for the full thread length
ISO 965-1 Thread Class Thread Condition Prior to Thread Acceptance Inspection
Designation Coating Application After Coating Application
Shall be accepted if the screw
turns into a standard 6H
6g Shall gage 6g
Finished Hex Nut (plain finish)
for the full thread length
Shall be accepted if the nut
screws onto a standard 6g, Hex
6H Shall gage 6H
Cap Screw, (plain finish), until 4
threads emerge through the nut
¹ Torque values not exceeding those of ASTM F788, Table 1, may be used to facilitate the thread
acceptance

5. APPROVED COATINGS – Only the following coatings are approved by Fastenal and
may be used interchangeably.

a. GEOMET® 321 with Plus L

b. GEOMET® 321 with Plus VL
c. GEOMET® 720 with Plus L
d. GEOMET® 720 with Plus VL
e. GEOMET® 321 with Plus XL (Lock nuts only)

GEOMET® is a registered trademark of NOF Metal Coatings Group. GEOMET® is the leading
global zinc-flake coating used for superior corrosion protection and consistent torque-tension of
 Page 4 of 4 Fastenal Product Standard REV-00
Date: April 21, 2016 C.1000.ECO.S

fasteners, for a wide range of applications for all metal related industries.
www.nofmetalcoatings.com