Safety factor 2 — or 4 with people involved

Use a safety factor around 2 for well-known static loads, 4 or more for dynamic loads, uncertainty, or human safety.

Why it works

Classic machine-design guidance (Vidosic). The factor covers what you did not model: overloads, defects, corrosion, misuse.

Do it exactly

Estimate with the rule, then check it against the calculator that models it properly.

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More in Mechanical

• The bolt-torque shortcutTightening torque ≈ 0.2 × preload × bolt diameter (dry steel).
• Torque mostly fights frictionRoughly 90% of tightening torque is lost to friction; only ~10% actually stretches the bolt.
• Deflection limits: span/250Keep beam deflection under span/250 generally, span/360 where people will notice a bouncy floor.
• Depth beats width, cubedDouble a beam’s depth and its deflection drops 8-fold. Double its width and it only halves.

What safety factor should you design to?

Use a safety factor around 2 for well-known static loads, 4 or more for dynamic loads, uncertainty, or human safety. Classic machine-design guidance (Vidosic).

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