Thanks for your followup- I did figure out what the ASTM A153 means, ala the galvanizing coating, and since there are no "radial lines" on the heads of the hex bolts, I'm assuming that they are "grade 2", which may be a tad bit too "soft" for my application. I also noted that when I received the old nuts and bolts, they were larger square heads, alluding to your assertion about using lower grades but larger surface areas. Another catch 22 that I just realized is that the legs on the Wincharger tower are too narrow on the insides to attach a socket over the bolt head- instead, I think they put the square head on the inside, and having the leg side walls "hold" the head inplace, while tightening the lockwasher/nut on the outside of the leg, if you know what I mean........Anyway, since I have to replace the hex nuts for the legs, because I can't attach a socket to them (not enough room in the inner leg area), then I'll probably go with a medium carbon content grade 3 "square" head bolt in a square head, if they still make them.........Maybe Fastenall has them.........I love these old towers and their unexpected contingencies- they're like huge erector sets for adults, and a hellava lot cheaper than Rohn SSVs....Am I getting anywhere on this, or is it all in my head?
