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.
At a Glance
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.
Because NASM1312 methods are cited by number rather than reproduced inside each part drawing, a single revision to a method (say, an updated hardness testing procedure) automatically propagates to every fastener standard that references it — which is also why buyers verifying a certificate of conformance need to check which specific NASM1312 method revision was current when the parts were manufactured, not just the method number.
- 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.
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 |
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.
Compliance & Sourcing References
Verify the current governing document and method revisions through official government sources.
Because NASM1312 was adopted by the Department of Defense as the successor to the MIL-STD-1312 series, its individual methods can be located through the Defense Logistics Agency's ASSIST QuickSearch portal. When reviewing a certificate of conformance, confirm which NASM1312 method revision was current on the manufacture date, since methods are revised independently of one another. Ananka Fasteners tests and certifies fasteners to the current applicable NASM1312 methods called out on the governing drawing.
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.
Why does the specific method revision matter on a certificate of conformance?
Because NASM1312 methods are updated independently rather than in one release, a fastener tested under an older revision of a method may not reflect the current procedure — reviewers should check the revision in effect on the manufacture date, not just the method number.
Need NASM1312-Tested Fasteners?
Ananka Fasteners tests and certifies hardware to the applicable NASM1312 methods called out on your engineering drawing.
Prefer email? sales@anankafasteners.com
