A2 Stainless Steel (ISO 3506 group A2 (304 / 1.4301), commonly supplied A2-70) is the most common stainless group for indoor and general outdoor fasteners. When hex slotted castle nut (type 2) are specified in this grade, the dimensions remain per GB/T 6180 / ISO 7036; the material determines corrosion behavior (good general corrosion resistance) and the service temperature range (approx. -200 °C to +400 °C, subject to the property class and the joint). Both are covered below with the size table.
Why Choose A2 Stainless Steel for Hex Slotted Castle Nut (Type 2) — GB/T 6180 / ISO 7036 (Series 050)
The most common stainless group for indoor and general outdoor fasteners. For hex slotted castle nut (type 2) — gb/t 6180 / iso 7036 (series 050), this matters when good general corrosion resistance is the primary requirement.
Mechanical & Physical Properties
| Grade designation | ISO 3506 group A2 (304 / 1.4301), commonly supplied A2-70 |
|---|---|
| Magnetic response | Largely non-magnetic |
| Service temperature | approx. -200 °C to +400 °C, subject to the property class and the joint |
| Corrosion characteristic | Good general corrosion resistance |
Galvanic & Galling Considerations
Two important notes for stainless hex slotted castle nut (type 2) — gb/t 6180 / iso 7036 (series 050): (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 Hex Slotted Castle Nut (Type 2) — GB/T 6180 / ISO 7036 (Series 050), 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.
Using Stainless Fasteners in Aluminum
Stainless steel is more noble than aluminum, so in the presence of an electrolyte — rain, condensation, salt spray — the aluminum becomes the anode and corrodes at the joint. The effect is driven by the area ratio: a small stainless fastener in a large aluminum section is normally acceptable, while a large stainless fastener in thin aluminum is not. Where the joint is wet, isolate the two metals with a coated or nylon washer and a sealant, or specify an aluminum or coated fastener instead.
Sizes of Hex Slotted Castle Nut (Type 2) — GB/T 6180 / ISO 7036 (Series 050) Available in A2 Stainless Steel
| Size | Pitch (mm) | Width across flats s (mm) | Width across corners e (mm) | Total height m (mm) | Slot width (mm) | Reference standard |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M3 | 0.5 | 5.5 | 6.01 | 4.0 | 1.2 | ISO 7036 / GB/T 6180 |
| M4 | 0.7 | 7.0 | 7.66 | 5.0 | 1.5 | ISO 7036 / GB/T 6180 |
| M5 | 0.8 | 8.0 | 8.79 | 6.7 | 1.8 | ISO 7036 / GB/T 6180 |
| M6 | 1.0 | 10.0 | 11.05 | 7.7 | 2.0 | ISO 7036 / GB/T 6180 |
| M8 | 1.25 | 13.0 | 14.38 | 9.8 | 2.5 | ISO 7036 / GB/T 6180 |
| M10 | 1.5 | 16.0 | 17.77 | 12.4 | 2.8 | ISO 7036 / GB/T 6180 |
| M12 | 1.75 | 18.0 | 20.03 | 15.8 | 3.5 | ISO 7036 / GB/T 6180 |
| M14 | 2.0 | 21.0 | 23.36 | 17.8 | 4.0 | ISO 7036 / GB/T 6180 |
| M16 | 2.0 | 24.0 | 26.75 | 20.8 | 4.5 | ISO 7036 / GB/T 6180 |
| M18 | 2.5 | 27.0 | 30.14 | 22.5 | 4.5 | ISO 7036 / GB/T 6180 |
| M20 | 2.5 | 30.0 | 33.53 | 24.0 | 5.5 | ISO 7036 / GB/T 6180 |
| M24 | 3.0 | 36.0 | 39.98 | 29.5 | 6.0 | ISO 7036 / GB/T 6180 |
| M30 | 3.5 | 46.0 | 50.85 | 36.0 | 7.0 | ISO 7036 / GB/T 6180 |
| M36 | 4.0 | 55.0 | 60.79 | 43.0 | 8.0 | ISO 7036 / GB/T 6180 |

