The commonly accepted standards of workmanship for fabricated structural steel framing assure satisfactory fit and appearance at minimum cost for the vast majority of buildings and bridges. More restrictive tolerances, while sometimes justified by special conditions, are sometimes stipulated only because owners, architects, or engineers are not familiar with standard fabricating practice, nor with the economic effect of special workmanship requirements. This Commentary discusses some common problems involving fabricating tolerances and procedures and provides AISC recommendations for their clarification and solution.