When you supply or purchase fasteners for projects in Australia, New Zealand and the wider Pacific region, you quickly hear people talk about “AS” and “AS/NZS” standards. For construction sites, trailers, farming equipment or marine hardware, choosing bolts and nuts that match the correct AS/NZS standard helps reduce risk and avoid misunderstandings.
This guide gives a practical overview of the main AS/NZS fastener standards used for bolts, nuts and washers. It is written for purchasing managers, engineers, distributors and importers who want clear, non-academic explanations. By the end, you will have a working map of which standard covers which product, what the key parameters are, and what information you should prepare when you place an order.
Our focus is on common carbon-steel and alloy-steel fasteners used in structural steelwork, general construction, trailers, agricultural machinery and marine applications — the main industries that drive fastener demand in Australia and New Zealand.
1. What Are AS and AS/NZS Fastener Standards?
AS stands for Australian Standard and AS/NZS indicates joint standards developed by Standards Australia and Standards New Zealand. These documents define dimensions, tolerances, mechanical properties and marking rules for a wide range of fasteners.
For bolts, nuts and washers, the most frequently referenced standards include:
- AS 1110 / AS 1110.1 – ISO metric hexagon bolts and screws, product grades A and B (precision).
- AS 1111 / AS 1111.1 – ISO metric hexagon bolts and screws, product grade C (commercial).
- AS 1112 – ISO metric hexagon nuts.
- AS 1237 – plain washers for metric bolts, screws and nuts, with requirements on hardness and dimensions.
- AS/NZS 1252.1 and AS/NZS 1252.2 – high-strength steel fastener assemblies (bolts, nuts and washers) for structural engineering and the related verification testing.
Together, these AS and AS/NZS standards form the backbone of fastener selection for steel structures, warehouses, industrial plants, agricultural machinery, trailers and many other applications across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific.
2. General-Purpose Bolts to AS 1110 and AS 1111
2.1 Scope of AS 1110 / AS 1110.1
AS 1110.1 specifies ISO metric hexagon head bolts, product grades A and B, with ISO metric coarse threads from 1.6 mm up to 64 mm in diameter. It covers dimensions, tolerances, and material requirements for these precision bolts.
In practice, bolts to AS 1110 / AS 1110.1 are used where better control of head geometry and thread tolerances is needed — for example in machinery, more precise steel fabrications or where fit and alignment are important.
2.2 Scope of AS 1111 / AS 1111.1
AS 1111 / AS 1111.1 covers ISO metric hexagon commercial bolts and screws (product grade C). These are sometimes still informally called “commercial bolts” in Australian documents.
They are widely used in:
- General building and light structural work
- Brackets and supports
- Storage systems and warehouse racking
- Agricultural machinery frames
- Trailer chassis and non-preloaded joints
When a drawing specifies “AS 1111 hex bolt, M12 × 40, property class 4.6, hot-dip galvanized”, local fabricators and suppliers immediately know what type of commercial bolt is required.
3. Nuts and Washers: AS 1112 and AS 1237
3.1 Hexagon Nuts to AS 1112
AS 1112 defines ISO metric hexagon nuts, including standard, thin, slotted and castle nuts. It links nut geometry with property classes so that the nut can safely be paired with bolts of appropriate strength.
Typical pairings in everyday projects include:
- Bolt: AS 1111, property class 4.6 → Nut: AS 1112, property class 5
- Bolt: high-strength structural assembly to AS/NZS 1252 (bolt class 8.8) → Nut: property class 8
Using matched property classes helps avoid under-strength nuts limiting the capacity of the joint.
3.2 Plain Washers to AS 1237
AS 1237 covers plain washers for metric bolts, screws and nuts. It defines dimensions, tolerances and — importantly for structural and industrial use — hardness requirements. Washers with hardness as specified in AS 1237.1 are typically used to distribute load and protect the contact surface.
In a typical specification you might see:
M16 × 50 hex bolt AS 1111, property class 4.6 + hex nut AS 1112, property class 5 + flat washer AS 1237
This compact notation tells everyone in the supply chain which standards and components belong together.
4. High-Strength Structural Bolt Assemblies to AS/NZS 1252
For steel structures such as bridges, multi-storey buildings and industrial frames, engineers often require high-strength structural bolt assemblies. This is where AS/NZS 1252 is essential.
4.1 From AS/NZS 1252:1996 to AS/NZS 1252.1 & 1252.2
The original AS/NZS 1252:1996 covered high-strength structural bolts, nuts and washers, referring to mechanical properties in AS/NZS 4291.
In 2016 the standard was revised and split into two documents:
- AS/NZS 1252.1:2016 – technical requirements for high-strength steel fastener assemblies for structural engineering (bolts, nuts and washers).
- AS/NZS 1252.2:2016 – verification testing for bolt assemblies.
Industry guidance from organisations such as the Steel Construction New Zealand (SCNZ) and the Australian steel industry highlights that this revision placed more emphasis on assembly testing and torque–tension behaviour to improve compliance and performance of high-strength bolts.
4.2 Scope and Typical Details
AS/NZS 1252.1 specifies the dimensional, material and marking requirements for assemblies comprising:
- Bolts of property class 8.8
- Nuts of property class 8
- Associated hardened and tempered washers
- ISO metric coarse pitch threads
- Diameter range typically M12–M36
The key point is that AS/NZS 1252.1 treats bolt, nut and washer as a tested assembly, not as separate items. When a drawing calls for an “AS/NZS 1252.1 M20 assembly”, the expectation is that the complete set has been designed and verified to work together in preloaded joints.
4.3 Torque–Tension Relationship and Assembly Types
The 2016 revision introduced clearer control of torque–tension behaviour, including defined assembly types and guidance on installation methods. Fact sheets published for the steel construction sector explain how these changes were intended to deliver more predictable bolt performance on site and to align with European EN 14399 system HR assemblies where appropriate.
For designers and installers, this means:
- More predictable tightening behaviour in preloaded joints
- Clearer expectations when sourcing high-strength assemblies
- Better alignment between design assumptions and field installation
5. Mechanical Properties to AS/NZS 4291
While AS 1110/1111 and AS/NZS 1252 define specific bolt types, AS/NZS 4291 describes the underlying mechanical properties of carbon-steel and alloy-steel fasteners:
- AS/NZS 4291.1 – bolts, screws and studs (tensile strength, proof load, yield ratio, etc.)
- AS/NZS 4291.2 – nuts with specified proof loads and property classes.
These documents link the familiar property classes (4.6, 8.8, 10.9 and so on) to numerical mechanical values. Understanding these values helps engineers and buyers choose suitable fasteners for the loads and safety margins in their designs.
6. Where AS/NZS Fasteners Are Used in Real Projects
6.1 Building and Structural Steel
Warehouse frames, portal frames, mezzanine floors, purlin connections and bracing systems commonly use:
- Commercial hex bolts and nuts to AS 1111 / AS 1112 for non-preloaded joints
- High-strength structural assemblies to AS/NZS 1252.1/1252.2 for critical connections in structural steelwork
6.2 Automotive and Trailer Components
For trailers, towbars and related accessories, fasteners to AS 1110/1111 with property classes such as 8.8 provide a good balance between strength and cost. Hot-dip galvanizing or zinc-flake coatings are often chosen for corrosion protection in coastal environments.
6.3 Warehouse Storage and Material Handling
Pallet racking, shelving, cantilever racks and conveyor supports typically rely on:
- Standard hex bolts and nuts (AS 1110/1111 + AS 1112)
- Plain washers to AS 1237
- Anchor bolts and custom cold-formed parts designed to integrate with these standard fasteners
6.4 Agriculture and Livestock Equipment
Farm machinery and livestock equipment in Australia and New Zealand operate outdoors in mud, fertiliser, cleaning chemicals and sometimes salt air. Here, the focus is on:
- Appropriate property class for dynamic loads
- Robust coatings adapted to the environment
- Standard AS/AS-NZS dimensions for ease of replacement
6.5 Marine and Coastal Applications
Boat trailers, docks, coastal structures and marine fittings often combine:
- High-strength structural bolt assemblies to AS/NZS 1252 where preloaded joints are required
- Standard hex bolts, nuts and washers to AS 1110/1111, AS 1112 and AS 1237 in galvanized or stainless options
7. How to Specify AS/NZS Fasteners When You Order
Clear specifications make life easier for both buyers and suppliers. A good fastener description usually includes:
- Standard – e.g. AS 1111.1, AS/NZS 1252.1
- Nominal size – thread diameter and pitch (M8, M12, etc.)
- Length – under-head or overall length
- Property class – 4.6, 8.8, 10.9, etc.
- Coating – zinc plated, hot-dip galvanized, zinc-flake, etc.
- Head type and drive – hex head, flange head, socket head, etc.
- Packing requirements – bulk cartons, small boxes, plastic boxes or bags with labels
- Any special features – full/partial thread, special washers, kits or assemblies
Example for a structural bolt set:
High-strength steel fastener assembly to AS/NZS 1252.1, M20 × 70, bolt property class 8.8 with matching property class 8 nut and hardened washer, hot-dip galvanized, 25 sets per small carton with customer label.
This type of neutral, technical wording focuses on the actual requirements and leaves room for your supplier to propose a suitable manufacturing route and documentation based on your project needs.
8. Working With a Fastener Partner Focused on Cold Forming, Stamping and Assemblies
For buyers in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific, it is convenient to work with a partner who understands AS/NZS standards and also offers flexible production and packing options. Such a partner typically:
- Focuses on cold-formed fasteners such as bolts, screws and special pins for efficient production and consistent mechanical properties.
- Combines cold heading, machining, stamping, red forging, die casting and welding to supply both standard fasteners and non-standard parts.
- Provides complete assemblies – for example bolt + nut + washer sets, or fastener kits for trailers, farm machinery or building systems – to reduce packing work on the customer side.
- Offers small packing (branded cartons, plastic boxes, bags) that go straight onto distributors’ shelves.
- Can provide warehouse storage for customised items and arrange several shipments per year according to the customer’s plan.
For Pacific-region buyers who want to consolidate multiple SKUs (bolts, nuts, washers, turned parts, rigging hardware, plastic parts and even simple tools) into fewer shipments, this kind of partner can simplify logistics and documentation.
9. Practical Tips for the Pacific Market
If your projects are in Australia, New Zealand or nearby Pacific islands, here are some practical points to keep in mind:
- Check local preference for standards – Structural engineers in these regions usually reference AS or AS/NZS in their drawings.
- Clarify coating and environment – For coastal and marine use, hot-dip galvanizing or stainless solutions are common; inland applications may use zinc plating or zinc-flake depending on life-cycle expectations.
- Plan assortments and kits – Distributors often prefer small boxes or bags with mixed items (for example, a full set for one trailer or one fastening point on a building).
- Coordinate shipments and stock levels – For smaller markets, combining multiple orders into scheduled shipments can balance freight cost and stock risk.
A supplier who can support both standard AS/NZS bolts, nuts and washers and custom parts (stamped brackets, rigging hardware, turned bushings or plastic accessories) helps you serve your customers with fewer vendor relationships.
10. Conclusion
AS and AS/NZS fastener standards provide a clear and well-tested framework for bolts, nuts and washers in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific region.
- General-purpose bolts and screws mainly fall under AS 1110 / AS 1111.
- Matching nuts and washers are usually specified to AS 1112 and AS 1237.
- High-strength structural assemblies are covered by AS/NZS 1252.1 and AS/NZS 1252.2.
- Mechanical properties of the underlying steel are defined in AS/NZS 4291.1 and 4291.2.
By understanding how these AS/NZS standards relate to each other and by stating them clearly in your orders, you make it easier for suppliers to support your projects in construction, automotive, warehouse, livestock, agricultural and marine industries.
If your team would like to discuss AS/NZS bolt–nut–washer sets, cold-formed specials, stamped brackets, rigging items or small packing solutions for the Pacific market, you are welcome to reach out via www.linkworldfast.com for a detailed conversation based on your drawings and project requirements.