This standard outlines test methods and practices which can detect embrittlement of steel parts. It is a process control or referee verification test. The risk of embrittlement of steel is minimized by using best practices in the finishing/coating process. One such practice is described in SAE/USCAR-5, Avoidance of Hydrogen Embrittlement of Steel.

A bolt-load retention (BLR) test is a practical test to determine the bolt load of a fastener joint with time and at given temperatures. There are three types of BLR tests described in this standard, namely general-purpose test, design-purpose test, and screening material test. A general-purpose BLR test may be used for screening materials, while a design-purpose BLR test is usually used to verify the BLR behavior of a specific joint. The screening material test is an example of the general-purpose test for typical automotive applications.

This standard provides a test method for determining the torque-tension relationship of a fastener finish as applied to a surrogate screw for the purpose of measuring the frictional characteristic of the fastener finish. The results obtained by this test shall be used as a process control attribute of the fastener finish and shall not be utilized for specific applications.

This procedure is used to test and evaluate the resistance of fastener surface finishes to laboratory salt spray testing.

This SAE Metric Aerospace Standard (MA) provides minimum design, installation, and removal requirements for MA3520 and MA3521 thin wall inserts and is applicable when specified on engineering drawings or in procurement documents.