The ASTM D5657 test method is used to calculate the fluid-tightness ability of adhesives and is mainly used in the aerospace, chemical processing, railway, construction, metal, and mining industries. ASTM D5657 assesses the ability of adhesives used to lock and seal threaded fasteners to form leak-tight assemblies. This test technique involves applying 50 pounds of pressure to an adhesive-cured nut-and-bolt assembly and determining the cured glue’s sealing ability. This method quantifies specimen performance in inch-pound units.
ASTM D5657 Standard Test Method for Fluid Tightness Ability of Adhesives Used on Threaded Fasteners
What is ASTM D5657?
ASTM D5657 Sample Preparation Guide
The size of the specimens as mentioned in ASTM D5657 testing is as follows:
Steel Bolts – 3⁄8-inch size, Grade 5, in accordance with SAE J429, having a minimum length of 1 inch (25.4 mm) with a hexagonal head. Use thread series Unified National Fine, 24 threads per inch (3⁄8 by 24 UNF), or Unified National Coarse, 16 threads per inch (3⁄8 by 16 UNC) as agreed upon between the client and the manufacturer of the adhesive.
Steel Nuts – Type II, Style 4, nominally 21⁄64 inch (8.3 mm) thick, conforming to Federal Specification FF-N-836.
What is the Testing Procedure and Requirement of ASTM D5657?
As per ASTM D5657, all nut-and-bolt test specimens must be cleaned, degreased, and stored at constant relative humidity. An adhesive is applied to the threads of the test bolt and nut to assess the fluid-tightness. Before inserting into the test jig, thread the bolt through the corner hole and hand-screw the test nut onto the bolt. The adhesive is cured in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, with the test specimens standing vertically on the bolt heads. The resulting assemblies are then cured for 24 to 26 h at 70 to 77 °F (21 to 25 °C) and 45 to 55 % relative humidity.
After curing, position the fixture with the top plate up and fill the pressure vessel with room-temperature water to which sufficient soap or synthetic wetting agent has been added to reduce its surface tension. Set the O-ring or gasket and the test specimen in place and swivel the bottom plate over the specimen and the tightening studs. Clamp the test specimen in position by tightening the nuts of the studs against the bottom plate, forcing the nut of the test specimen against the O-ring or gasket. Reposition the apparatus so that the fluid level is above the test specimen. Apply 50 to 65 psi pressure to the water and determine if any leakage occurs between the threads of the test nut and bolt within 1 minute of applying the pressure.
ASTM D5657 Analysis Result and Interpretation:
- The ability of adhesives used to lock and seal threaded fasteners to form leak-tight assemblies is determined by this ASTM D5657 test method.
- For ASTM D5657 testing, the data stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
Updated on August 20, 2026
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