Technical Resources

Superalloy Bolt Torque Chart

Recommended tightening torque (Nm) for high-temperature superalloy fasteners M6 through M100, by material grade and lubrication condition.

These torque values are calculated using a target preload of 65% of the room-temperature yield strength for each grade, with K-factors of 0.20 (dry, as machined) and 0.14 (lubricated with MoS2 or nickel-based anti-seize). Values are for coarse-pitch metric threads per ISO 898-1 methodology adapted for nickel alloy fasteners.

Important: These are general engineering recommendations, not a substitute for joint-specific analysis. For critical joints, always verify torque by testing on the actual joint assembly with the specified lubricant. At elevated temperature, preload relaxation may require higher initial torque or live-load tensioning. Contact our engineering team for joint-specific calculations.

Size Inconel 718 A-286 Nimonic 80A C-276 Monel K-500 Inconel 625
DryLubedDryLubedDryLubedDryLubedDryLubedDryLubed
M6 8.5 6.0 7.0 5.0 8.0 5.8 5.5 4.0 7.5 5.5 6.5 4.8
M8 20 14 17 12 19 14 13 9.5 18 13 15 11
M10 40 28 33 23 37 27 26 18 35 25 30 22
M12 70 49 58 40 66 47 45 32 62 44 53 38
M16 175 122 145 100 165 116 110 78 155 110 130 93
M20 340 238 280 195 320 228 215 150 300 215 255 182
M24 590 413 490 340 560 395 375 262 525 372 445 315
M30 1170 819 970 680 1110 780 740 520 1040 735 880 625
M36 2050 1435 1700 1190 1950 1365 1300 910 1820 1285 1540 1095
M42 3300 2310 2750 1920 3150 2200 2100 1470 2940 2070 2490 1765
M48 4960 3470 4100 2870 4720 3300 3150 2200 4400 3100 3730 2640
M56 7950 5565 6600 4620 7580 5300 5050 3535 7060 4970 5980 4230
M64 11700 8190 9700 6790 11150 7800 7400 5180 10380 7310 8790 6230
M72 16700 11690 13900 9730 15950 11150 10600 7420 14850 10450 12580 8910
M80 23000 16100 19100 13370 21950 15350 14600 10220 20400 14380 17300 12260
M90 33000 23100 27400 19180 31500 22000 21000 14700 29300 20600 24800 17580
M100 45500 31850 37800 26460 43400 30380 28900 20230 40400 28420 34200 24240

Lubrication Notes

  • Recommended lubricant: MoS2 dry film or nickel-based anti-seize (Never-Seize Nickel Special or equivalent).
  • Do NOT use: Copper-based or graphite-based anti-seize on nickel alloys. Copper causes liquid-metal embrittlement above 400°C.
  • Assembly temperature: For joints assembled at elevated temperature, tighten to the “dry” column regardless of lubricant, then verify hot with tension measurement.
  • Re-torque: After the first thermal cycle, re-torque to 90% of the initial value to compensate for embedment relaxation. Do not exceed the initial torque.

Assumptions & Limitations

  • K-factor: 0.20 dry, 0.14 lubricated. Actual K-factor varies with thread finish, plating, and lubricant batch. Test 5-10 samples per lot for critical joints.
  • Target preload: 65% of room-temperature yield strength. For gasketed joints or fatigue-critical applications, the preload target may differ.
  • Thread class: ISO 6g/6H. Fine-pitch threads (not shown) require approximately 10-15% lower torque for the same preload.
  • Temperature effect: At temperatures above 300°C, preload may relax by 10-30% depending on grade, time, and temperature. See our Temperature-Strength Curves page for grade-specific relaxation data.
  • Disclaimer: These values are advisory. Always validate on your specific joint geometry, material stack-up, and assembly procedure.

For bolts larger than M100 or non-standard thread forms: Contact our engineering team for a joint-specific torque calculation. Provide bolt diameter, thread pitch, material grade, lubrication condition, and joint type (hard joint, soft gasket, or tension-controlled).

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