What is BS (British Standard)?
BS (British Standard) refers to technical standards originally developed by the British Standards Institution (BSI) to govern the design, dimensions, and performance of industrial products used within the United Kingdom and Commonwealth markets.
As a leading supplier, Jade Alloys ensures all British Standard fasteners are manufactured in accordance with defined BS specifications, which establish requirements for dimensions, thread forms, tolerances, and mechanical performance. These standards were widely adopted across structural, mechanical, and general engineering applications before the global transition toward ISO standards.
Although many British Standard fastener specifications have since been superseded or harmonized with ISO equivalents, BS standards remain a critical part of our Fastener Standards reference hub. They remain relevant for legacy equipment, maintenance projects, exports, and replacement fasteners where original British specifications must be maintained. BS specifications are still referenced in infrastructure, marine, rail, and industrial systems worldwide.
British Standard Fasteners
British Standard fastener specifications historically covered a wide range of bolts, nuts, studs, and threaded fasteners, defining dimensional and performance requirements for carbon steel, alloy steel, and stainless steel fasteners.
| BS Standard | Fastener Type | Description / Application |
|---|---|---|
| BS 3692 | Bolts & Nuts | ISO metric fasteners with British Standard adoption. |
| BS 1768 | Stud Bolts & Nuts | High-strength bolting for pressure and industrial applications. |
| BS 1083 | Stud Bolts | Steel stud bolts for engineering assemblies. |
| BS 4190 | Hex Bolts & Nuts | ISO metric hex bolts and nuts (superseded but still referenced). |
| BS 4882 | Bolting Assemblies | High-strength structural bolting assemblies. |
| BS 4886 | Bolting Materials | Mechanical property requirements for high-strength bolts and nuts. |
These British Standard fasteners continue to be used in legacy plants, export projects, refurbishment works, and international supply chains where BS compliance is specified.
BS Specifications vs ISO Standards
Many BS fastener standards served as the foundation for modern ISO specifications.
- BS specifications define traditional British dimensional and performance requirements.
- ISO standards represent globally harmonized metric fastener specifications.
In practical use, BS fasteners are often supplied for replacement or compatibility purposes, while new projects typically reference ISO standards.
Applications of British Standard Fasteners
British Standard fasteners are commonly used in:
- Legacy industrial plants
- Infrastructure and civil engineering projects
- Marine and shipbuilding applications
- Railways and transportation systems
- Export-oriented equipment and assemblies
British Standard Fasteners Supplied by Jade Alloys
At Jade Alloys, we manufacture and supply British Standard fasteners in full compliance with applicable BS specifications, supporting both legacy and export requirements.
Our Capabilities Include:
- BS-compliant hex bolts, stud bolts, and nuts
- Supply for replacement and maintenance projects
- Material grades aligned with ASTM equivalents where applicable
- Full Material Test Certificates (MTC)
- Third-party inspection on request
