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ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA FOR TAPPING SCREW FASTENERS

USED IN STEEL-TO-STEEL CONNECTIONS

AC118

Approved January 2018

(Editorially revised February 2024)

Previously approved February 2016, April 2015, June 2012, October 2010, June 2010,
November 2009, May 2008, February 2008, October 2007, December 2006, June 2005,
June 2004, July 1996

(Previously editorially revised December 2020, October 2015)

PREFACE
Evaluation reports issued by ICC Evaluation Service, LLC (ICC-ES), are based upon performance features of the
International family of codes, and may include other codes, as applicable.
For alternative materials, design and methods of construction and equipment, see Section 104.2.3 of the 2024 International Building
Code® (IBC), Section R104.2.2 of the 2024 International Residential Code (IRC), Section 104.11 of the 2021 IBC and earlier editions, and
Section R104.11 of the 2021 IRC and earlier editions.
This acceptance criteria has been issued to provide interested parties with guidelines for demonstrating compliance with
performance features of the codes referenced in the criteria. The criteria was developed through a transparent process involving
public hearings of the ICC-ES Evaluation Committee, and/or on-line postings where public comment was solicited.
New acceptance criteria will only have an “approved” date, which is the date the document was approved by the Evaluation
Committee. When existing acceptance criteria are revised, the Evaluation Committee will decide whether the revised document s hould
carry only an “approved” date, or an “approved” date combined with a “compliance” date. The compliance date is the date by which
relevant evaluation reports must comply with the requirements of the criteria. See the ICC-ES web site for more information on
compliance dates.
If this criteria is a revised edition, a solid vertical line (│) in the margin within the criteria indicates a change from the previous
edition. A deletion indicator (→) is provided in the margin where any significant wording has been deleted.
ICC-ES may consider alternate criteria for report approval, provided the report applicant submits data demonstrating that the
alternate criteria are at least equivalent to the criteria set forth in this document, and otherwise demonstrate compliance with the
performance features of the codes. ICC-ES retains the right to refuse to issue or renew any evaluation report, if the applicable product,
material, or method of construction is such that either unusual care with its installation or use must be exercised for satisfactory
performance, or if malfunctioning is apt to cause injury or unreasonable damage.
Acceptance criteria are developed for use solely by ICC-ES for purposes of issuing ICC-ES evaluation reports.
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Copyright © 2024 ICC Evaluation Service, LLC. All rights reserved.
 ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA FOR TAPPING SCREW FASTENERS USED IN
STEEL-TO-STEEL CONNECTIONS (AC118)
1.0 INTRODUCTION Steel Structural Members, American Iron and Steel
Institute.
1.1 Purpose: The purpose of this acceptance criteria is
to establish requirements for tapping screw fasteners used 1.3.5 AISI S200-12, North American Standard for
for steel-to-steel connections to be evaluated in an ICC Cold-formed Steel Framing—General Provisions, American
Evaluation Service, LLC (ICC-ES), evaluation report under Iron and Steel Institute.
the 2024, 2021, 2018 and 2015 International Building 1.3.6 AISI S240-15 and -20, North American
Code® (IBC), and the 2024, 2021, 2018 and 2015 Standard for Cold-formed Steel Structural Framing,
International Residential Code® (IRC). American Iron and Steel Institute.
Bases of evaluation are 2024 IBC Section 104.2.3 1.3.7 AISI S904-08 through -17, Standard Test
(2021, 2018 and 2015 IBC Section 104.11) and 2024 IRC Methods for Determining the Tensile and Shear Strengths
Section R104.2.2 (2021, 2018 and 2015 IRC Section of Screws, American Iron and Steel Institute.
R104.11).
1.3.8 AISI S905-08 through -17, Test Standard for
This criteria is needed to clarify requirements for tapping Determining the Strength and Deformation Characteristics
screws used in steel-to-steel connections prescribed in the of Cold-Formed Steel Connections, American Iron and
code. This criteria is also needed to address requirements Steel Institute.
for determining the strength of screws used in engineered
steel-to-steel connections, since this is not addressed in the 1.3.9 ISO 21930-2017, Sustainability in Buildings and
code. Finally, this criteria is needed to provide requirements Civil Engineering Works – Core Rules for Environmental
for tapping screws which are alternates to the tapping Product Declarations of Construction Products and
screws prescribed in the code. Services, International Organization for Standardization
(ISO).
1.2 Scope: This criteria is applicable to fully-threaded
self-drilling and self-piercing tapping screws intended for 1.3.10 SAE J78-1998 and 2013, Steel Self-drilling
use in steel-to-steel connections. Screws can be evaluated Tapping Screws, Society of Automotive Engineers.
for compliance with ASTM C1513 for use where the code 1.4 Definitions: The following definitions are
prescribes tapping screws for steel-to-steel connections. applicable within the context of this acceptance criteria:
Fastener strengths and steel-to-steel connection strengths
are addressed, as well as product compliance with the 1.4.1 Allowable Strength: Allowable strength is the
report applicant’s specifications. nominal strength divided by the safety factor. Allowable
strength is used in Allowable Strength Design (ASD).
Evaluation of screws subjected to cyclic or fatigue loading
is outside the scope of this criteria. Applicable Seismic 1.4.2 Available Strength: Available strength is the
Design Categories shall be determined in accordance with design strength or allowable strength, as appropriate.
the code for the entire assembly constructed with the 1.4.3 Base Steel Thickness: The base steel
screws. thickness is the thickness of the steel, exclusive of all
Use of tapping screws in steel deck diaphragms must be coatings.
evaluated in accordance with the ICC Acceptance Criteria 1.4.4 Bi-metal Screw: A screw which is
for Steel Deck Roof and Floor Systems (AC43). manufactured from two different metals which are joined
1.3 Reference Standards: When multiple editions of a together at the manufacturing facility. For example, a screw
standard are listed below, this criteria is written using the with a stainless steel body fused to a hardened carbon steel
applicable section numbers for the latest edition, unless drilling tip.
otherwise noted. The multiple editions are deemed to be 1.4.5 Connection: A connection is a combination of
technically equivalent for the purposes of this criteria. New two pieces of steel joined by one or more tapping screws.
report applicants are expected to use the latest edition
1.4.6 Design Strength: Design strength is the
referenced. Current report holders, whose evaluation
nominal strength multiplied by the resistance factor. Design
reports are based on data complying with the earlier
strength is used in Load and Resistance Factor Design
editions of the standards will not need to submit new data
(LRFD).
to demonstrate compliance with the latest edition of the
referenced standard. 1.4.7 Dual-Hardened Screws: Screws which have a
relatively high hardness at the drilling point and lead
1.3.1 ANSI/ASME B18.6.4-1998, Thread Forming
threads, compared to the hardness of the remainder of the
and Thread-Cutting Tapping Screws and Metallic Drive
screw. These screws are typically used where the higher
Screws (Inch Series), The American Society of Mechanical
hardness is needed for drilling purposes, while the lower
Engineers.
hardness at the load-bearing portion of the screw is
1.3.2 ASTM B117-07 through -19, Standard Practice intended to prevent hydrogen-assisted stress corrosion
for Operating Salt Spray (Fog) Apparatus, ASTM cracking (HASCC).
International. 1.4.8 Fastener Family: A group of screw products
1.3.3 ASTM C1513-04 through -18, Standard which are the same in all respects except for the screw
Specifications for Tapping Screws for Cold-formed Steel length.
Framing Connections, ASTM International.
1.4.9 Fastener Class: A group of screw products
1.3.4 AISI S100-07 through -16(2020) w/S2-20, from the same manufacturer which have the same raw
North American Specification for Design of Cold-formed material specifications and manufacturing processes.
Page 2 of 7
ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA FOR TAPPING SCREW FASTENERS USED IN STEEL-TO-STEEL CONNECTIONS (AC118)

Screws within the fastener class can differ in diameter, head recommended tool operation, such as speed and torque,
style and length, but have similar thread design. during installation.
1.4.10 Load-bearing Portion of the Screw: The 2.1.1.6 Minimum and maximum drilling capacity
portion of the screw that is intended to be in contact with the recommended by the report applicant.
connected elements after installation. This is typically the
2.1.2 Cold-formed Steel: Limits on steel connected
nominal screw length minus the minimum required
by the screw, including minimum and maximum base steel
protrusion past the back side of the supporting steel
thickness and mechanical properties.
material.
2.1.3 Qualification Test Plan: A qualification test
1.4.11 Minimum Protrusion Required Past The
plan shall be submitted to and approved by ICC-ES staff
Back Side Of The Supporting Steel Material: This is the
prior to any testing being conducted.
dimension from the tip of the screw to the start of the load-
bearing portion of the screw. For carbon steel and stainless 2.2 Packaging and Identification: The method of
steel screws, this is the dimension which will allow three full packaging and identifying the screw fasteners shall be
(unslotted) threads to protrude past the back side of the reported. The identifying information on each package of
supporting steel material. For dual hardened or bi-metal fasteners shall include the screw brand name and model
screws, this shall not be less than the dimension from the number, nominal screw size (number, fraction or decimal
tip of the screw to the location where the screw has the equivalent), nominal screw length (fraction or decimal
lower hardness. equivalent), point style, the evaluation report holder’s name,
the ASTM designation (when applicable), and the ICC-ES
1.4.12 Nominal Screw Strength: Nominal screw evaluation report number. Product identification shall be in
strength is the average test strength of the screw, without accordance with the product identification provisions of the
the resistance factor or safety factor applied.
ICC-ES Rules of Procedure for Evaluation Reports.
1.4.13 Nominal Connection Strength: Nominal
2.3 Testing Laboratories: Testing laboratories shall
connection strength is the average test strength of the
comply with Section 2.0 of the ICC-ES Acceptance Criteria
connection, adjusted by the reduction factor determined in for Test Reports (AC85) and Section 4.2 of the ICC-ES
accordance with Section 4.3.2, as applicable, without the Rules of Procedure for Evaluation Reports.
resistance factor or safety factor applied.
2.4 Test Reports: Test reports shall comply with AC85.
1.4.14 Tapping Screws: See Section 3.2.12 of ASTM
C1513. 2.5 Product Sampling: Sampling of the screws for
tests under this criteria shall comply with Section 3.2 of
1.4.15 Self-drilling Tapping Screws: See Section
AC85.
3.2.9 of ASTM C1513.
3.0 TEST AND PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS
1.4.16 Self-piercing Tapping Screws: See Section
3.2.10 of ASTM C1513. 3.1 General: Tapping screws shall meet the intent of
ASTM C1513 in accordance with Section 3.2, or shall be
2.0 BASIC INFORMATION
considered proprietary screws and meet the requirements
2.1 General: The following information shall be of Section 3.3. For all fastener families, available fastener
submitted to ICC-ES: strengths shall be qualified in accordance with Section 3.4,
and available connection strengths shall be qualified in
2.1.1 Screws:
accordance with Section 3.5. When evaluation is sought for
2.1.1.1 A description of the intended end use of the multiple fastener families, it may not be necessary to test
screws and the scope of evaluation sought. every screw type for every characteristic. When data is
2.1.1.2 A description of each fastener family to be submitted, the applicant shall submit an analysis showing
addressed in the evaluation report, including brand name, which test data applies to each fastener family.
nominal screw size and thread pitch, minimum protrusion Alternatively, the applicant may submit a proposed test plan
required past the back side of the supporting steel material, to ICC-ES for review, showing the scope of what will be
head style, head marking and drive type, point style, coating tested and which fastener families will be qualified.
and other distinguishing characteristics, as applicable. 3.2 Screws Intended to Comply with ASTM C1513:
Representative figures depicting the screws, including head Screws shall be qualified as meeting the intent of ASTM
markings, shall be submitted for inclusion in the evaluation C1513 for use in steel-to-steel connections prescribed in
report in a format compatible with MS Word (e.g. .jpeg, .tif, the code when the requirements shown in Table 1 are met.
.docx). Where Table 1 indicates that third-party testing is required,
2.1.1.3 Drawings and details noting dimensions, a minimum of three replicate samples shall be tested for
including tolerances, for each screw size, configuration, and each fastener family. If any of the samples do not meet the
head and point style; raw material specifications; final specifications, an additional three samples shall be tested
product specifications, including case and core hardness, and the average results must comply with the
ductility, and torsional strength; and specifications for specifications.
protective coatings. 3.3 Proprietary Screws: Proprietary screws shall
2.1.1.4 A comparison showing whether the comply with Sections 3.3.1 through 3.3.3.
dimensional, material and performance specifications 3.3.1 Compliance with Proprietary Specifications:
comply with, or deviate from, ASTM C1513. Screws shall be tested to determine compliance with the
2.1.1.5 Installation instructions, including applicant’s specifications. A minimum of three replicate
description of the recommended tool, and of the samples shall be tested for each fastener family, to
determine compliance with dimensional specifications;
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ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA FOR TAPPING SCREW FASTENERS USED IN STEEL-TO-STEEL CONNECTIONS (AC118)

mechanical properties, such as hardness and torsional For all other screws, nominal pull-over strengths shall
strength; and other specified characteristics such as case be determined through testing in accordance with Sections
depth. If any of the samples do not meet the specifications, 4.1 and 4.3, and the applicable safety factor, Ω, and
an additional three samples shall be tested and the average resistance factor, Φ, shall be determined in accordance with
results must comply with the specifications. Sections K2.1.1(c) and K2.1.2 of AISI S100, but need not
be more severe than 3.0 and 0.50, respectively. Screw type
3.3.2 Corrosion Resistant Treatment: Carbon steel
attributes that need to be considered include nominal size,
screws and the carbon steel portions of bi-metal screws
head style, head diameter and material properties.
shall have a corrosion-resistant coating. Carbon steel
screws and bi-metal screws with carbon steel portion(s) 3.5.3 Shear Strength Limited by Tilting and
shall be tested in accordance with ASTM B117 for a Bearing: For screws with thread designs complying with
minimum 12-hour test period. Screws shall not show Table 1, a head style where the underside of the head is
products of corrosion from the coating (white corrosion) flat, and material properties (hardness, ductility and
after three hours, and shall not show corrosion from the torsional strength) complying with Table 1, available
base metal (red rust) visible to the unaided eye at normal connection shear strengths may be determined by
reading distance at the end of the test period, except when calculation in accordance with Section J4.3.1 of AISI S100.
present at the edges of the tested fastener. The testing Alternatively, nominal shear strengths may be determined
laboratory shall determine compliance with these conditions through testing.
of acceptance. For all other screws, nominal shear strengths shall be
3.3.3 Drilling Capacity: All proprietary screws shall determined through testing in accordance with Sections 4.1
be tested to verify the maximum drilling capacity, as and 4.3, and the applicable safety factor, Ω, and resistance
required in Table 1. factor, Φ, shall be determined in accordance with Sections
K2.1.1(c) and K2.1.2 of AISI S100, but need not be more
3.4 Fastener Strengths: severe than 3.0 and 0.50 respectively. Screw attributes that
3.4.1 Screw Tensile Strength: Each type of tapping need to be considered include nominal size, threads per
screw shall be tested in accordance with Sections 4.1 and inch, head style, point style and material properties.
4.2 for tensile strength. The available tensile strength of 4.0 TEST METHODS
each screw type shall be determined in accordance with
Sections K2.1.1(c), K2.1.2 and J4.4.3 of AISI S100. Screw 4.1 General: As a minimum, a series of three identical
type attributes that need to be considered include nominal tests shall be performed for each combination of variables
size, threads per inch, head style, material properties, and that affect the performance of the screw or connection, as
protective finish. applicable, provided deviation of any individual test result
from the average value does not exceed ±15 percent. If
3.4.2 Screw Shear Strength: Each type of tapping such a deviation from the average value exceeds ±15
screw shall be tested in accordance with Sections 4.1 and percent, more tests of the same kind shall be conducted
4.2 for shear strength. The available shear strength of each until the deviation of any individual test result from the
screw type shall be determined in accordance with Sections average value obtained from all the tests does not exceed
K2.1.1(c), K2.1.2 and J4.3.2 of AISI S100. Screw type ±15 percent, or until at least three additional tests have
attributes that need to be considered include nominal size, been conducted. No test result shall be eliminated unless a
threads per inch, material properties, and protective finish. rationale for its exclusion can be given. The average value
3.5 Connection Strengths: of all tests made shall be regarded as the nominal strength,
Rn, for the series of the tests. The nominal strength, Rn, and
3.5.1 Pull-out Strength: For screws with thread the coefficient of variation, VP, of the test results shall be
designs and material properties (hardness, ductility and determined by statistical analysis.
torsional strength) complying with Table 1, available pull-
out strengths may be determined by calculation in 4.2 Fastener Testing: Tension and shear testing of
accordance with Section J4.4.1 of AISI S100. Alternatively, screws shall comply with AISI S904. Steel plates or shapes
available pull-out strengths may be determined through used in the tests shall comply with AISI S904. Reporting
testing. shall comply with Section 8 of AISI S904.
For all other screws, nominal pull-out strengths shall be 4.3 Connection Testing:
determined through testing in accordance with Sections 4.1 4.3.1 Tension (pull-over and pull-out) and shear test
and 4.3, and the applicable safety factor, Ω, and resistance specimen setup and dimensions and load application shall
factor, Φ, shall be determined in accordance with Sections comply with AISI S905. Steel plates or shapes used in the
K2.1.1(c) and K2.1.2 of AISI S100, but need not be more tests shall comply with AISI S905, and be representative of
severe than 3.0 and 0.50, respectively. Screw type connected steel material that is to be described in the
attributes that need to be considered include nominal size, evaluation report. Steel material thickness shall be within
threads per inch, material properties and point style. ±10 percent of the specified thickness. Testing of steel
3.5.2 Pull-over Strength: For screws with head materials shall be in accordance with Section 8.2 of AISI
styles addressed in Section J4.4.2 of AISI S100, and S905 except three tension test coupons shall be used for
material properties (hardness, ductility and torsional each thickness and strength of steel sheet used in the
strength) complying with Table 1, available pull-over fabrication of the test specimens. Reporting shall comply
strengths may be determined by calculation in accordance with Section 11 of AISI S905.
with Section J4.4.2 of AISI S100. Alternatively, nominal pull- 4.3.2 If the tensile strength of the steel members
over strengths may be determined through testing. forming the tested connection is greater than the specified
minimum value, and/or the base steel thickness of the
tested members is more than the specified design base
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ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA FOR TAPPING SCREW FASTENERS USED IN STEEL-TO-STEEL CONNECTIONS (AC118)

steel thickness, the test results shall be calibrated to the 1. The nominal and available tensile and shear
specified minimum tensile strength and specified design strengths of the screws (ASD and LRFD), or the nominal
base steel thickness of the steel which the manufacturer tensile and shear strengths of the screws with applicable
intends to use, by applying the following adjustment factor, safety factor(s), Ω, and resistance factor(s), Φ.
Rs:
2. Guidance on how to determine the available pull-
out, pull-over and shear (bearing) strengths, in accordance
𝐹𝑢(𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑓𝑖𝑒𝑑) 𝑡𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑓𝑖𝑒𝑑 with applicable code-referenced standards (AISI S100), by
𝑅𝑠 = ( ≤ 1.0) × ( ≤ 1.0) reference to applicable code sections and/or by reference
𝐹𝑢(𝑡𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑑) 𝑡𝑡𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑑
to strengths reported in the evaluation report.
where: 3. A statement that the allowable load values (ASD)
for screws or for screw connections are not permitted to be
Rs = Adjustment factor. increased for short-duration loads, such as wind or
Fu(specified) = Tensile strength of the steel to be earthquake loads.
specified in the evaluation report, psi 4. Guidance regarding allowable edge and end
(Pa). distances and spacing of fasteners used in framing
Fu(tested) = Measured tensile strength of the steel, connections, as follows: according to the 2024 and 2021
psi (Pa). IBC, for screws used in framing connections, in order to be
considered fully effective, the minimum spacing between
tspecified = Design base steel thickness to be
specified in the evaluation report, inch the fasteners must be 3 times the nominal screw diameter
(mm). and the minimum edge distance must be 1.5 times the
nominal screw diameter. According to the 2018 and 2015
ttested = Measured base steel thickness, inch IBC, for screws used in framing connections, in order for the
(mm). screws to be considered fully effective, the minimum
5.0 QUALITY CONTROL spacing between the fasteners and the minimum edge
distance must be 3 times the nominal diameter of the
5.1 Quality documentation for the screws, complying screws, except when the edge is parallel to the direction of
with the ICC-ES Acceptance Criteria for Quality the applied force, the minimum edge distance must be 1.5
Documentation (AC10), shall be submitted for each facility times the nominal screw diameter. When the spacing
manufacturing or labeling products that are described in the between screws is less than 3 times the nominal screw
ICC-ES evaluation report. The quality documentation shall diameter, but at least 2 times the fastener diameter, the
include technical drawings for each fastener and the connection shear strength values in the applicable table, in
specifications required by Section 2.1.1.3. The quality the evaluation report must be reduced by 20% [Refer to
documentation shall address how the fastener strengths Section B1.5.1.3 of AISI S240 for the 2024, 2021 and 2018
presented in the evaluation report are verified on an IBC (Section D1.5 of AISI S200 for the 2015 IBC)].
ongoing basis.
5. Guidance regarding allowable edge and end
5.2 A qualifying inspection shall be conducted at each distances and spacing of fasteners used in applications
manufacturing facility in accordance with the requirements other than framing connections, as follows: For screws
of the ICC-ES Acceptance Criteria for Inspections and used in applications other than framing connections, the
Inspection Agencies (AC304). minimum spacing between the fasteners must be 3 times
5.3 An annual inspection shall be conducted at each the nominal screw diameter and the minimum edge and end
manufacturing facility in accordance with AC304. distance must be 1.5 times the nominal screw diameter.
6.0 EVALUATION REPORT REQUIREMENTS 6. A statement that design provisions for tapping
screw connections subjected to combined shear and
6.1 The following statement shall appear in the tension loading are outside the scope of the evaluation
Conditions of Use section in the product evaluation report report.
“Fasteners must be installed in accordance with the
manufacturer’s published installation instructions and this 7. The evaluation report shall include a requirement
report. In the event of a conflict between this report and the that the connected members must be checked for rupture
manufacturer’s published installation instructions, this in accordance with Section J6 of AISI S100.
report governs.” 6.5 When connection strengths are included in the
6.2 The evaluation report shall address whether or not evaluation report, and the capacities for the various limit
the screws are considered to comply with the intent of states are given in separate tables, the following statements
ASTM C1513 for use in steel-to-steel connections shall be included in the evaluation report:
prescribed in the code. 6.5.1 A statement indicating that the most restrictive
6.3 The evaluation report shall include the following of fastener tensile strength, pull-out from the supporting
statement: “Evaluation of screws subjected to cyclic or steel material or pull-over of the attached steel material
fatigue loading is outside the scope of this report. governs.
Applicable Seismic Design Categories shall be determined 6.5.2 A statement indicating that the more restrictive
in accordance with the code for the entire assembly of fastener shear strength and bearing and tilting capacity
constructed with the screws.” of the connected steel, including minimum end and edge
6.4 For screws intended for use in engineered distances, governs.
connections, the evaluation report shall, at a minimum,
include the following:
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 ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA FOR TAPPING SCREW FASTENERS USED IN STEEL-TO-STEEL CONNECTIONS (AC118)

6.5.3 A description of the steel material properties 6.8 Evaluation reports on screws intended for use in
and thicknesses on which the connection strengths are steel deck diaphragms shall include a condition of use
based. stating that diaphragms constructed using the screws must
6.6 The evaluation report shall include a description of be evaluated in a current ICC-ES evaluation report.
the screw fasteners, including the size (e.g. #8, #10, etc.),
nominal screw diameter, threads per inch (tpi), head 7.0 ENVIRONMENTAL PRODUCT DECLARATION
diameter or integral washer diameter, as applicable, (Optional):Environmental impacts shall be assessed via
minimum protrusion required past the back side of the an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) based on a
supporting steel material, point number or type, head type, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). The LCA and EPD shall be
length, drilling capacity, coating and other distinguishing conducted in accordance with ISO 21930 and the
identification, as applicable. appropriate Product Category Rule(s) for the product
type■
6.7 The evaluation report shall indicate the type and
duration of corrosion-resistance testing that has been
performed.

TABLE 1—QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR ASTM C1513 SCREWS

ASTM C1513 Verification

AC118 Requirement
Requirement Requirements

Carbon steel wire complying with ASTM A510 (or similar national standard for carbon steel wire), minimum
Manufacturer’s
Material grade of 1018 per Table 2 of ASTM A1040 for long product
specifications
(defined in ASTM A1040).
Applicable head styles include Hex Washer, Modified Truss, Pan, Pan Framing and Pancake, as shown in Fig.
1 of ASTM C1513.

Requirements for head dimensions are as follows:

Nominal Basic
Size Screw Modified Truss, Pan,
Diameter Hex Washer Head Pan Framing, Pancake
(inch) Head

Head Styles Min. Min.

Min. Washer Min. Head Manufacturer’s
and Head Washer Head
Thickness Diameter specifications
Dimensions Dia. Height
(inch) (inch)
(inch) (inch)

6 0.138 0.302 0.015 0.256 0.087

8 0.164 0.322 0.019 0.306 0.105
10 0.190 0.384 0.019 0.357 0.122
12 0.216 0.398 0.022 0.407 0.139
1/4 0.250 0.480 0.030 0.473 0.162
Ref.: ASME B18.6.4

Nominal Basic Coarse (spaced) Threads Fine Threads Manufacturer’s

Threads per specifications.
Size Screw Major diameter Minor Diameter Major diameter
inch
Diameter (inch) (inch) (inch)
(inch) Min. Max. Min. Max. Min. Max. Min. Max. Third-party
laboratory
Thread 6 0.138 0.135 0.139 0.099 0.104 0.1326 0.1380 10 20
verification of
Dimensions 8 0.164 0.161 0.166 0.116 0.122 0.1586 0.1640 12 20
compliance with
10 0.190 0.183 0.189 0.135 0.141 0.1834 0.1900 12 24 manufacturer’s
12 0.216 0.209 0.215 0.157 0.164 0.2094 0.2160 14 24 specifications for one
1/4 0.250 0.246 0.240 0.185 0.192 0.2428 0.2500 14 28 length of each
Ref.: SAE J78, ASTM C1513-18 fastener family.

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 ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA FOR TAPPING SCREW FASTENERS USED IN STEEL-TO-STEEL CONNECTIONS (AC118)

TABLE 1—QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR ASTM C1513 SCREWS (continued)

Nominal Basic Screw Total Case Depth

Size Diameter (inch) (inch) Manufacturer’s
Min. Max. specifications.
Total Case 6 0.138 0.002 0.007
Depth 8 0.164 0.004 0.009 Third-party
10 0.190 0.004 0.009 laboratory
12 0.216 0.004 0.009 verification of
1/4 0.250 0.005 0.011 compliance with
Ref.: SAE J78, ASTM C1513-18 manufacturer’s
specifications for one
length of each
Minimum Case: Rockwell C50 (Vickers 515) fastener family.
Hardness Core: Rockwell C32 (Vickers 320)
Ductility 5° bend test with testing and conditions of acceptance in accordance with Section 4.3 of SAE J78.

Nominal Basic Minimum Torsional Load

Size Screw (lbf-in.) Manufacturer’s
Diameter specifications.
(inch) Coarse (spaced)
Fine Threads
Threads Third-party
laboratory
Torsional 6 0.138 24 24 verification of
Strength 8 0.164 42 48 compliance with
10 0.190 61 65 manufacturer’s
12 0.216 92 100 specifications for one
1/4 0.250 150 156 length of each
Ref.: ASTM C1513-18 fastener family.

Testing shall be in accordance with Section 5.1.1 of SAE J78.

Plate: Carbon steel, base metal thickness 0.062 through 0.068 inch, minimum ASTM A653 SS Grade 33

Nominal Basic Maximum Axial Loading (lbf) Maximum Recommended

Size Screw Time to Tool Speed (rpm)
Diameter Drill and
(inch) Screws with Screws with Form
phosphate zinc coating Thread,
coating or zinc over 0.0003 (sec)
coating up to inch thick
0.0003 inch thick Manufacturer’s
Drill Drive 6 0.138 30 35 2.5 2500 specifications.
8 0.164 30 35 3.0 2500
10 0.190 35 40 3.5 2500
12 0.216 45 50 4.0 1800
1/4 0.250 45 50 5.0 1800
Ref.: ASTM C1513-18

Maximum drilling
capacity shall be
verified by third party
Drill Capacity Minimum and maximum to be recommended by manufacturer. testing, using steel
complying with
ASTM A653 SS
Grade 33, for each
fastener family.
Corrosion- Third-party
resistant See Section 3.3.2 laboratory
treatment verification.
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm; 1 lbf = 4.45 N; 1 lbf-in. = 0.113 N-m

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