Bicycle General Threaded Fasteners are used primarily for matching a bicycle service thread and pitch to the component location rather than diameter alone. This page lists the industries and assemblies where they are specified, the selection criteria that matter for each application, installation practice, and the cases where a different fastener type is the correct choice. Parts are supplied to Trade series (bicycle threaded fasteners). Stocked across roughly M2.2 to M8, they cover general to heavy-duty work.
Typical Applications for Bicycle General Threaded Fasteners
The most common settings where these are specified:
- Bicycle assembly: Metric thread families cover adjustment, brake, rack and accessory hardware.
- Bike service shops: The pitch distinction prevents a similar-size replacement from cross-threading.
- Performance bicycles: M5 and M6 hardware secures common frame and brake points.
- Wheel building: The spoke thread is a separate selection from the machine fasteners.
How to Specify Bicycle General Threaded Fasteners for Your Application
- Size: Match the nominal size to the mating thread or hole. This product spans M2.2–M8; check the full table below for the exact dimensions of each size.
- Drive & head: Pick the drive (socket, cross, slot) and head style for the tool access and seating surface; a recessed drive resists cam-out under power tools.
- Environment: For damp, coastal or chemical exposure prefer A4/316 stainless or a suitable coating; indoors, plated steel or A2 is usually sufficient.
- Standard: This product is supplied to Trade series (bicycle threaded fasteners). Quoting the standard on your order guarantees interchangeable dimensions between suppliers.
Installation & Assembly Practice
- Match the driver exactly to the recess (PH ≠ PZ; hex key sizes per ISO 2936) and keep the tool axial — side load is the main cause of stripped drives.
- In tapped holes, engage a thread length of at least 1× the nominal diameter in steel, 2× in aluminum.
- Set power tools to a torque that seats the head without embedding it into the mating surface.
Common Selection Mistakes with Bicycle General Threaded Fasteners
- Under-sizing the drive for the installation torque — a small recess at high torque strips before the screw is seated.
- Using a countersunk head in thin sheet where the countersink removes most of the load-bearing material.
- Specifying stainless in high-strength duty: A2-70 is roughly class 7 steel, not a 10.9 substitute.
Where Bicycle General Threaded Fasteners Are Not the Right Choice
Not for high-preload structural joints (use a property-class bolt and nut), and not in thin sheet where a self-drilling or self-tapping type suits better.
