FF-B-588 Toggle Bolt & Expansion Sleeve Screw
The original specification for the FF-B-588 toggle bolt covered self-contained hollow-wall anchoring devices equipped with spring-loaded wings that open automatically once pushed through a hole accessible from only one side. Revision D (with Notice 1, 31 December 1996) is the final issue; the document was cancelled with no direct superseding specification, though its Type designations remain heavily referenced in commercial hardware today.
At a Glance
FF-B-588 Toggle Bolt Overview
An FF-B-588 toggle bolt, alongside the related expansion sleeve screws, functions as a self-contained anchoring device designed for structural blind-spots. The wings automatically open or swing into place once pushed through a drilled hole in a wall or panel that is only accessible from a single side. By expanding behind the substrate, the wings (or the sleeve in the case of expansion types) effectively distribute the heavy fastening load across a significantly wider surface area than the drilled hole itself.
This design makes them exceptionally suitable for securing fixtures to hollow-wall materials like drywall, hollow concrete block, and metal studs that lack the sheer density to support standard screw anchors or mechanical wedges.
The government specification was cancelled effective December 31, 1996, with no direct superseding federal or military document. Unlike most military hardware specifications, spring-wing toggle bolt hardware was left to commercial and industry consensus practices. Despite this cancellation, the term "FF-B-588D Type V" remains an extensively used shorthand in engineering catalogs to describe the time-tested spring-wing design.
Common Toggle Anchor Types
The standard classified multiple configurations. The most heavily referenced today is Type V.
Material and Installation Guidelines
While the original government paperwork is obsolete, modern manufacturers producing an FF-B-588 toggle bolt equivalent rely on zinc-plated carbon steel or stainless steel (like 304 and 316 grades) to ensure maximum longevity and rust prevention inside damp wall cavities.
When installing these hollow-wall anchors, it is critical to pre-drill a hole large enough to accommodate the folded wings, not just the threaded machine screw. The overall load capacity is typically dictated by the strength of the base material (e.g., standard 1/2" drywall vs. hollow cinder block) rather than the shear strength of the steel toggle bolt itself.
The specification is cancelled with no replacement federal or military document. Fastener hardware today is generally sourced against manufacturer catalog specifications or commercial standards, though "Type V" remains a standard way to order this configuration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this specification still active for procurement?
No — it was cancelled effective December 31, 1996, and unlike most other Federal Specifications in this family, no direct superseding document was ever issued by the government.
Why do product listings still cite "FF-B-588D Type V"?
It remains a widely understood shorthand for the classic spring-wing toggle bolt design. Manufacturers use it as a familiar reference point for buyers who need standard hollow-wall anchors.
Need Toggle Bolts or Hollow-Wall Anchors?
Ananka Fasteners supplies hollow-wall anchoring hardware to current commercial specifications with full documentation.
Prefer email? sales@anankafasteners.com
