ASTM D5648-01(2019)

Standard Test Method for Torque-Tension Relationship of Adhesives Used on Threaded Fasteners (Lubricity)

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 On some applications of threaded fasteners, it is desirable to control either the amount of developed tension when a specified range of torque has been applied or the torque required to develop a specified range of tension. This test method is used to determine the effect of using adhesives on the torque-tension relationship of threaded fasteners.  
5.2 Accurate torque-tension relationships may be measured only by defining and controlling the many related test parameters.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the torque-tension relationship (lubricity) of adhesives used for locking and sealing threaded fasteners.  
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.  
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-May-2019
• ICS: 21.060.01 - Fasteners in general
• ICS: 83.180 - Adhesives
• Technical Committee: D14 - Adhesives
• Drafting Committee: D14.60 - Adhesive Material Classification System

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D5648-01(2014) - Standard Test Method for Torque-Tension Relationship of Adhesives Used on Threaded Fasteners (Lubricity)
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2019
• Refers: ASTM D907-12a - Standard Terminology of Adhesives
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2012
• Refers: ASTM D907-12 - Standard Terminology of Adhesives
• Effective Date: 01-May-2012
• Refers: ASTM D907-11a - Standard Terminology of Adhesives
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2011
• Refers: ASTM D907-11 - Standard Terminology of Adhesives
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2011
• Refers: ASTM D907-08b - Standard Terminology of Adhesives
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2008
• Refers: ASTM D907-08a - Standard Terminology of Adhesives
• Effective Date: 15-Aug-2008
• Refers: ASTM D907-08 - Standard Terminology of Adhesives
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2008
• Refers: ASTM D907-06 - Standard Terminology of Adhesives
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2006
• Refers: ASTM D907-05 - Standard Terminology of Adhesives
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2005
• Refers: ASTM D907-05e1 - Standard Terminology of Adhesives
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2005
• Refers: ASTM D907-04a - Standard Terminology of Adhesives
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2004
• Refers: ASTM D907-04 - Standard Terminology of Adhesives
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2004
• Refers: ASTM D907-03 - Standard Terminology of Adhesives
• Effective Date: 10-May-2003
• Refers: ASTM D907-00 - Standard Terminology of Adhesives
• Effective Date: 10-Oct-2000

Overview

ASTM D5648-01(2019), Standard Test Method for Torque-Tension Relationship of Adhesives Used on Threaded Fasteners (Lubricity), specifies a consistent methodology for determining how adhesives influence the torque-tension relationship in threaded fasteners. Developed by ASTM International, this standard provides guidance for laboratories and industrial users seeking to evaluate the lubricity properties of adhesives employed for locking and sealing threaded components.

Adhering to this test method helps manufacturers, engineers, and quality assurance teams control critical assembly parameters, improve fastener reliability, and ensure safety in various applications. By measuring the tension developed at specified torques or, conversely, the torque required to produce specified tension, the standard supports informed decision-making regarding adhesive selection and fastener performance.

Key Topics

• Torque-Tension Measurement: Outlines the procedures for determining the relationship between the applied torque and resulting tension in threaded assemblies that use adhesives.
• Lubricity of Adhesives: Focuses on how adhesives affect the reduction of friction within threads, influencing tension at a given torque.
• Standardized Test Conditions: Emphasizes the need to define and control all relevant parameters (such as fastener type, size, and condition) to ensure results are accurate and reproducible.
• Reporting Requirements: Specifies what information should be reported, including the identification of the adhesive, apparatus description, number of specimens, and summary statistics for tension or torque.
• Safety and Compliance: Stresses that users are responsible for implementing appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and checking for regulatory limitations.

Applications

This standard is essential in industries where maintaining joint integrity of threaded fasteners is critical, such as:

• Automotive and Aerospace Manufacturing: Ensures correct tensioning and prevents loosening or failure in safety-critical assemblies.
• Industrial Equipment: Supports the reliable use of adhesives in vibration-prone environments.
• Construction and Machinery: Assists in selecting adhesive and fastener combinations that reliably deliver the required preload and prevent leaks or loosening.
• Quality Control Laboratories: Provides a repeatable method for evaluating new adhesive formulations and ensuring product consistency.

By using ASTM D5648, organizations can achieve:

• Consistent fastener performance when adhesives are involved
• Enhanced safety and durability of assemblies
• Improved process control in assembly operations
• Better compliance with design specifications and industry expectations

Related Standards

For a comprehensive approach to fastener testing and adhesive selection, consider the following related standards:

• ASTM D907: Terminology of Adhesives - provides definitions to support proper interpretation of terms used within ASTM D5648.
• SAE J174: Torque-Tension Test Procedure for Steel Threaded Fasteners - supplies complementary procedures specifically for steel bolts.
• SAE J429: Mechanical and Material Requirements for Externally Threaded Fasteners - details requirements for the fasteners that may be tested following ASTM D5648.
• Federal Specification FF-N-836: Covers various types of steel nuts applicable in testing.

Conclusion

Adopting ASTM D5648-01(2019) in testing processes enables clear, comparable, and reliable assessment of how threadlocking and sealing adhesives impact torque-tension performance in threaded fasteners. By controlling lubricity and other parameters, manufacturers and engineers can ensure optimal safety, compliance, and product quality across diverse industries. Always use this standard in conjunction with related references to achieve thorough results and maintain alignment with international best practices.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D5648 − 01 (Reapproved 2019)
Standard Test Method for
Torque-Tension Relationship of Adhesives Used on
Threaded Fasteners (Lubricity)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5648; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 2.3 Federal Specification:
FF-N-836 Nut: Square, Hexagon, Cap, Slotted, Castle,
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the torque-
Knurled, Welding and Single Ball Seat
tension relationship (lubricity) of adhesives used for locking
and sealing threaded fasteners.
3. Terminology
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
3.1 Definitions—Many of the terms in this test method are
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
defined in Terminology D907.
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
and are not considered standard.
4. Summary of Test Method
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the 4.1 This test method consists of applying adhesive to a
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the threaded fastener and measuring the developed tension applied
to the fastener at specified torques. Alternatively, the torque
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter- required to reach specified levels of bolt tension may be
measured.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
5. Significance and Use
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the 5.1 On some applications of threaded fasteners, it is desir-
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- able to control either the amount of developed tension when a
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical specified range of torque has been applied or the torque
required to develop a specified range of tension. This test
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
method is used to determine the effect of using adhesives on
the torque-tension relationship of threaded fasteners.
2. Referenced Documents
5.2 Accurate torque-tension relationships may be measured
2.1 ASTM Standards:
only by defining and controlling the many related test param-
D907 Terminology of Adhesives
eters.
2.2 Society of Automotive Engineers Standards:
SAE J174 TorqueTensionTest Procedure for SteelThreaded
6. Apparatus
Fasteners
6.1 Tension-Measuring Device, capable of measuring the
SAE J429 Mechanical and Material Requirements for Exter-
3 axial tension induced in the bolt as it is tightened, having an
nally Threaded Fasteners
accuracy within 65 % of the test load.
6.2 Torque-Measuring Device, of suitable capacity having
an accuracy within 65 % of a given torque reading.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D14 on
Adhesives and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D14.60 on Adhesive
Material Classification System. 7. Test Specimens
Current edition approved June 1, 2019. Published June 2019. Originally
7.1 Bolts—As-received, phosphate-and-oil-treated, ⁄8-in.
approved in 1994. Last previous edition approved in 2014 as D5648 – 01 (2014).
DOI: 10.1520/D5648-01R19. size, 16 threads per inch, Unified National Coarse thread series
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. Availablefrom
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