Fastener Submittal Checklist: Drawings, MTC, Coating and Packaging

Fastener Submittal Checklist for Steelwork Projects: Drawings, MTC, Coating and Packaging

A steelwork project can be delayed by a small fastening error. A bolt may have the wrong thread length, an anchor bolt layout may not match the base plate, a nut may not fit a galvanized bolt, or mixed product sizes may arrive without clear labels.

For this reason, project buyers should prepare a complete fastener submittal before production and shipment. A fastener submittal is not only a product list. It is a structured set of technical and commercial information that confirms the required product, material, dimensions, coating, matching components, inspection documents and packing arrangement.

This checklist helps contractors, fabricators, distributors and project procurement teams reduce avoidable problems before an order is placed.

What Is Included in a Fastener Submittal?

A complete fastener submittal should allow the buyer, supplier and installation team to identify the same product without relying on assumptions.

The goal is simple: the product that arrives on site should match the product stated in the drawing, quotation and purchase order.

Start with the Drawing and Product Specification

A product name alone is rarely enough for project fasteners. For example, "M16 galvanized bolt" does not identify the required length, material grade, thread type, matching nut, washer, coating condition or application.

For standard bolts, the order should state the applicable standard, size, grade and finish. For custom products, a drawing is the best reference because it shows dimensions, bend shape, thread length and installation arrangement.

Anchor bolt projects should also include the base plate layout, center-to-center bolt spacing and required thread projection above the concrete surface.

For concrete base connections, see our anchor bolt category. For embedded anchor applications, read How to Specify Hot Dip Galvanized Anchor Bolts for Concrete Foundations.

Confirm Material Grade and Mechanical Requirements

Material selection affects the performance of a fastening assembly. The required grade should come from the structural design, equipment drawing or applicable project specification.

Before placing an order, buyers should confirm:

• Material type and required grade
• Bolt, nut and washer compatibility
• Tensile or mechanical performance requirement where applicable
• Required standard
• Whether a material test certificate is required
• Whether the product will be used in a structural, non-structural or safety-related connection

A Material Test Certificate, often called an MTC, may provide information about the supplied material and test results. When MTC documentation is required, the purchase order should state the required document type, applicable standard and product lot identification requirement.

MTC documentation should be considered together with dimensional inspection and product identification. A certificate alone does not confirm that the delivered bolt length, thread length or coating condition matches the approved order.

Specify Galvanizing and Coating Requirements Clearly

Surface finish should be selected according to the intended environment. A coating requirement should not be written only as "galvanized," because zinc plated and hot dip galvanized products are different finishes with different applications and purchasing considerations.

For outdoor steelwork, exposed support systems and many infrastructure applications, buyers may specify hot dip galvanized fasteners. The RFQ should identify the required finish for the bolt, nut, washer and other matching components.

For outdoor structural connections, explore our hot dip galvanized bolts category. For a practical comparison, read Hot Dip Galvanized Bolts vs Zinc Plated Bolts.

When the project is located near the coast or exposed to salt-laden air, the buyer should provide the environment details and required corrosion strategy. This helps determine whether hot dip galvanizing, stainless steel or another solution is appropriate.

Check Bolt, Nut and Washer Compatibility

Bolts, nuts and washers should be treated as one assembly. This is especially important for hot dip galvanized products because zinc coating can affect the thread fit between a bolt and nut.

The submittal should confirm:

• Bolt diameter and thread type
• Matching nut type and material
• Washer type and size
• Surface finish for all components
• Required assembly condition
• Whether a bolt-and-nut fit test is required

For hot dip galvanized assemblies, compatible nuts should be specified for galvanized bolt threads. For more detail, read Why HDG Nuts Need Oversized Threads: Galvanized Bolt Thread Fit Guide.

Inspection Checklist Before Shipment

Pre-shipment inspection should focus on the requirements that matter for installation. The scope may vary by project, but the following items are useful for many project orders.

For threaded support systems and adjustable assemblies, view our hot dip galvanized threaded rods and studs category. Threaded rod orders should clearly state the thread size, overall length, finish, quantity and matching accessories.

Packaging and Labeling for Project Orders

Packaging affects both product protection and installation efficiency. Mixed bolt sizes, nuts and washers should not be sent without clear identification. At the construction site, poor labeling can lead to incorrect installation even when the products themselves are correct.

Project packaging should consider:

• Separate cartons or bags for each product size
• Clear labels showing product type, size and quantity
• Lot or project reference where required
• Protection against moisture and thread damage
• Pallet arrangement for larger orders
• Packing list matching the purchase order
• Separate packing for nuts, washers and bolts where needed
• Installation package grouping for different project areas

For export shipments of galvanized fasteners, moisture protection is especially important. Read How to Prevent White Rust on Hot Dip Galvanized Fasteners During Sea Freight.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.Is an MTC required for every fastener order?

Not every order requires an MTC. The requirement depends on the project specification, product application and buyer requirement. When required, it should be stated clearly in the RFQ and purchase order.

2.Why should the coating be specified for nuts and washers too?

A fastener assembly includes bolts, nuts and washers. Different finishes can affect corrosion resistance, thread fit, appearance and installation compatibility.

3.What is the most important document for custom anchor bolts?

A technical drawing is the most important starting point because it identifies the bolt shape, diameter, length, thread length, bend dimensions and installation layout.

4.How can buyers avoid mixed fastener sizes on site?

Request separate packaging, clear carton labels, a packing list and project reference markings for each item size.

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To prepare an accurate quotation, please send the product type, applicable standard, dimensions, material grade, surface finish, quantity, matching components, drawing and destination port.

For project orders, include your required inspection documents, labeling method and packaging arrangement.