MIL-B-857 Bolts, Nuts, and Studs (Legacy)
The legacy military specification for MIL-B-857 bolts originally covered standard steel bolts, nuts, studs, and tap rivets designed for general shipboard use. The specification was formally cancelled on January 13, 1976, and all future procurement of these Federal Specification fasteners was explicitly directed to MIL-S-1222—which subsequently transitioned into today's active standard, MIL-DTL-1222.
At a Glance
MIL-B-857 Bolts Overview
Initially published in 1956, the specification for MIL-B-857 bolts established the primary manufacturing guidelines for standard steel fasteners, including MIL-B-857 nuts and studs, utilized predominantly across naval shipboard construction. The standard ensured that critical marine fasteners met rigorous strength and corrosion-resistance thresholds necessary for prolonged saltwater exposure.
The original issue and its successive amendments were completely cancelled by Notice 1 on January 13, 1976. This notice explicitly directed that any future procurement of these heavy-duty bolts, nuts, and studs be conducted under the authority of MIL-S-1222 (Studs, Bolts, Hex Cap Screws, and Nuts). As military standardization modernized, MIL-S-1222 was converted to the detail specification format and is actively maintained today as MIL-DTL-1222.
- The original standard required robust material responses by citing stringent testing documents, such as QQ-S-763 for corrosion-resistant steel forgings and ASTM A193/A194 for high-temperature, high-pressure alloy bolting.
- Today, you may still encounter legacy hardware blueprints or older National Stock Number (NSN) catalogs referencing "MIL-B-857" as a material response. This reflects the part's historical qualification rather than current procurement guidance. For active military transition documentation, consult the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) ASSIST index.
Historical Shipboard Applications
The original implementation of MIL-B-857 bolts was heavily driven by the Naval Sea Systems Command. Shipboard environments impose unique, aggressive conditions—including constant cyclical vibration from engines, extreme thermal variations, and highly corrosive saltwater spray. By standardizing the physical geometry and material sourcing of MIL-B-857 nuts and studs, the military ensured that critical ship infrastructure, from piping flanges to deck machinery, would remain securely fastened. The transition to MIL-DTL-1222 preserved these demanding environmental survivability requirements while modernizing the metallurgical testing procedures.
Legacy Material Cross-References
| Referenced Document | Covers |
|---|---|
| QQ-S-763 | Corrosion resistant steel bars, wire, shapes, and forgings |
| ASTM A193 | Alloy/stainless bolting for high-temperature or high-pressure service |
| ASTM A194 | Carbon/alloy/stainless nuts for bolts in high-pressure or high-temperature service |
MIL-B-857 is cancelled. Current and future procurement should strictly reference MIL-DTL-1222, "Studs, Bolts, Screws and Nuts for Applications Where a High Degree of Reliability is Required." This page is retained for legacy drawing cross-reference only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is MIL-B-857 still a valid specification to call out?
No. It was fully cancelled on January 13, 1976. The cancellation notice officially directed future bolt, nut, and stud procurement to MIL-S-1222, which is maintained today as MIL-DTL-1222.
Why do I still see "MIL-B-857" on some parts catalogs and NSNs?
Some National Stock Number records and distributor catalogs retain the original material-response designation from when the part was first qualified, even though the governing specification has since been superseded. For new orders, always confirm against the current MIL-DTL-1222 requirement.
What replaced MIL-B-857?
MIL-S-1222 replaced it directly. Subsequently, MIL-S-1222 was reissued in the modern detail-specification format as MIL-DTL-1222, which remains the current active document for these fasteners.
Need Fasteners to MIL-DTL-1222?
Ananka Fasteners manufactures current MIL-DTL-1222 studs, bolts, and nuts with full material traceability and Mill Test Certification on every lot.
Prefer email? sales@anankafasteners.com
