NASM1312 — Fastener Test Methods

NASM1312 is a multi-part family of standardized fastener test methods covering both SI and inch-pound units. Rather than a single procedure, it's an umbrella document made up of dozens of individually numbered methods — hardness, shear, coating thickness, torque, and more — each referenced by name from a specific fastener drawing.

Type: Test Method Family Supersedes: MIL-STD-1312 series Initial Adoption: 1 Aug 1997 Issuing Body: AIA Status: Active / Living Document

At a Glance

Full Title

Fastener Test Methods

Structure

Numbered sub-methods (Method 1, 2, 3...)

Units

SI and Inch-Pound (I-P)

FSC Class

53GP

Precedence Rule

Item spec governs over general method

Related Docs

ASME B46.1, ASTM E4, ANSI Z540.3

Update Cadence

Individual methods revised independently

Issuing Body

Aerospace Industries Association

Overview

NASM1312 establishes reproducible methods for testing the physical and mechanical properties of fasteners, for use in research, development, procurement, or product application. It exists as a dynamic, "state-of-the-art" standard, meaning individual methods within the family are added or revised on their own schedule rather than as a single monolithic release.

Each numbered method — for example Method 4 (lap joint shear), Method 6 (hardness), Method 12 (thickness of metallic coatings), or Method 13 (double shear) — is a self-contained test procedure that a specific fastener drawing (an AN, MS, NAS, or NASM part standard) calls out by number when it requires that property to be verified. Where a particular item specification's own test procedure conflicts with the general NASM1312 method, the item specification takes precedence.

The family was adopted to succeed the earlier MIL-STD-1312 series test methods, with several sub-methods explicitly noted as replacing their MIL-STD-1312 counterparts.
Individual methods reference outside standards where applicable — for example Method 13 (double shear) and Method 20 (single shear) both reference ASTM force-calibration practices.

Method Lookup

Select a method number to see what property it verifies.

NASM1312 Method

Method 6 — Hardness: Hardness testing procedure applicable to all types of structural fasteners — single and multi-piece, blind, threaded, and non-threaded.

Common NASM1312 Methods

Method	Property Tested	Referenced By (example)
Method 4	Lap Joint Shear	Sheet-metal joint fasteners
Method 6	Hardness	NASM45915, SAE AS7467
Method 12	Thickness of Metallic Coatings	NAS4160, NAS4006
Method 13	Double Shear	General structural bolts/rivets
Method 20	Single Shear	NASM8975 blind fasteners
Method 25	Driving Recess Torque	Recessed-drive screws

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NASM1312 is a test-method umbrella, not a part drawing — you won't order "NASM1312" hardware directly. Instead, a fastener's own drawing (e.g. NASM25027, NAS4160) calls out the specific NASM1312 method number required to verify a property like hardness, shear strength, or coating thickness.

NASM1312 — Frequently Asked Questions

Is NASM1312 a fastener part standard?

No — it's a family of test methods used to verify fastener properties. Individual part standards (bolts, nuts, plating specs, etc.) reference the specific NASM1312 method number they require, such as "tested per NASM1312-13" for double shear.

What happens if a method conflicts with an item's own test procedure?

The individual item specification takes precedence over the general NASM1312 method whenever the two conflict, per the standard's own applicability clause.

Does NASM1312 replace older military test standards?

Yes, several NASM1312 methods explicitly supersede their MIL-STD-1312 counterparts — for example, NASM1312-13 (double shear) supersedes MIL-STD-1312-13A while keeping the same test method designation.

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