Low Prices, High Risk: Independent Tests Expose Substandard Grade 8.8 Rods
Dear Valued Customer,
T&I Chalmers Engineering recently conducted testing on Grade 8.8 threaded rods available in the market. This investigation was prompted by unusually low competitor pricing, which raised concerns around material quality and compliance. We were determined to understand how such pricing was being achieved and whether the products met the required standards.
Samples sold as Grade 8.8 were sourced from multiple suppliers and submitted to third-party laboratories for chemical, mechanical, and metallurgical testing. The results showed that several samples did not comply with Grade 8.8 requirements, with some identified as mild steel or free-cutting steel. In addition, a number of samples exceeded 1000 MPa tensile strength, presenting an increased risk of hydrogen embrittlement during common galvanising processes.
The findings highlight the importance of verifying material quality, test results, and certification when sourcing critical fastening components. This exercise reinforces our commitment to supplying fully compliant, correctly certified products and to maintaining transparency with our customers.
