A2 Stainless Steel (A2-70 (304)) is the most common stainless grade for indoor and general outdoor fasteners. When all-metal lock nuts are specified in this grade, the dimensions remain per ISO 7042 / DIN 980; the material determines corrosion behavior (good general corrosion resistance) and the service temperature range (approx. -200 °C to +400 °C). Both are covered below with the size table.
Why Choose A2 Stainless Steel for All-Metal Lock Nuts
The most common stainless grade for indoor and general outdoor fasteners. For all-metal lock nuts, this matters when good general corrosion resistance is the primary requirement.
Mechanical & Physical Properties
| Grade designation | A2-70 (304) |
|---|---|
| Magnetic response | Largely non-magnetic |
| Service temperature | approx. -200 °C to +400 °C |
| Corrosion characteristic | Good general corrosion resistance |
Galvanic & Galling Considerations
Two important notes for stainless all-metal lock nuts: (1) stainless can gall on stainless threads under load — use a thread lubricant or anti-galling compound, especially for M6 and below; (2) when joined to aluminum or galvanized steel, stainless can drive galvanic corrosion of the less-noble metal in wet service — isolate with a coating or sleeve where appropriate.
Comparable Grades
For All-Metal Lock Nuts, the alternative stainless grade is A4 (316). A2 (304) suits general indoor and outdoor service; A4 (316) adds molybdenum for marine and chloride environments. Where higher strength matters more than corrosion, switch to plated alloy-steel class 8.8 or 10.9.
Sizes of All-Metal Lock Nuts Available in A2 Stainless Steel
| Size | Pitch (mm) | Width across flats s (mm) | Nut height m (mm) | Reference standard | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M5 | 0.8 | 8.0 | 6.0 | ISO 7042 / DIN 980 | Deformed-top locking, high-temperature capable |
| M6 | 1.0 | 10.0 | 7.0 | ISO 7042 / DIN 980 | Deformed-top locking, high-temperature capable |
| M8 | 1.25 | 13.0 | 9.0 | ISO 7042 / DIN 980 | Deformed-top locking, high-temperature capable |
| M10 | 1.5 | 16.0 | 11.0 | ISO 7042 / DIN 980 | Deformed-top locking, high-temperature capable |
| M12 | 1.75 | 18.0 | 13.0 | ISO 7042 / DIN 980 | Deformed-top locking, high-temperature capable |
| M14 | 2.0 | 21.0 | 15.0 | ISO 7042 / DIN 980 | Deformed-top locking, high-temperature capable |
| M16 | 2.0 | 24.0 | 17.0 | ISO 7042 / DIN 980 | Deformed-top locking, high-temperature capable |
| M18 | 2.5 | 27.0 | 19.0 | ISO 7042 / DIN 980 | Deformed-top locking, high-temperature capable |
| M20 | 2.5 | 30.0 | 21.0 | ISO 7042 / DIN 980 | Deformed-top locking, high-temperature capable |
| M24 | 3.0 | 36.0 | 24.0 | ISO 7042 / DIN 980 | Deformed-top locking, high-temperature capable |
| M30 | 3.5 | 46.0 | 30.0 | ISO 7042 / DIN 980 | Deformed-top locking, high-temperature capable |
| M36 | 4.0 | 55.0 | 36.0 | ISO 7042 / DIN 980 | Deformed-top locking, high-temperature capable |