MIL-B-857 — Bolts, Nuts, and Studs (Legacy)
MIL-B-857 covered standard steel bolts, nuts, studs, and tap rivets for general shipboard use. It was formally cancelled on January 13, 1976, with future procurement directed to MIL-S-1222 — which itself later became today's active standard, MIL-DTL-1222.
At a Glance
Overview
MIL-B-857 originally covered standard steel bolts, nuts, studs, and tap rivets for general shipboard use within a defined range of sizes. The original 1956 issue and its amendments were cancelled by Notice 1 on January 13, 1976, which explicitly directed that future procurement of bolts, nuts, and studs be made under MIL-S-1222 (Studs, Bolts, Hex Cap Screws, and Nuts) instead.
MIL-S-1222 was itself later converted to the "DTL" (detail specification) format and is maintained today as MIL-DTL-1222, which remains active and is the correct document to reference for any new bolt, stud, or nut procurement that would previously have cited MIL-B-857.
- MIL-B-857 material responses referenced documents such as QQ-S-763 (corrosion resistant steel bars/wire/shapes/forgings), ASTM A193 (alloy/stainless bolting for high temp/pressure service), and ASTM A194 (nuts for the same service).
- Some legacy hardware and NSN cross-references still list "MIL-B-857" as a material response even though the specification itself is cancelled — this reflects historical part qualification, not current procurement guidance.
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 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.
MIL-B-857 — Frequently Asked Questions
Is MIL-B-857 still a valid specification to call out?
No. It was cancelled on January 13, 1976. The cancellation notice 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, and MIL-S-1222 was subsequently reissued in the "DTL" detail-specification format as MIL-DTL-1222, which is the current active document.
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.
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