Specifying Countersunk Socket Screws in A4 Stainless Steel pairs the dimensional form of Countersunk Socket Screws (ISO 10642 / DIN 7991) with the engineering properties of A4 Stainless Steel. This page explains when to choose the grade, how it behaves in service, and which grades to compare it against.
Why Choose A4 Stainless Steel for Countersunk Socket Screws
Specified for marine, coastal and chemical applications. For countersunk socket screws, this matters when superior, including marine and chloride environments is the primary requirement.
Mechanical & Physical Properties
| Grade designation | A4-80 (316) |
|---|---|
| Magnetic response | Largely non-magnetic |
| Service temperature | approx. -200 °C to +400 °C |
| Corrosion characteristic | Superior, including marine and chloride environments |
Corrosion Behavior in Service
A4 (316) adds 2–3% molybdenum to the A2 (304) composition, which dramatically improves resistance to chloride-pitting corrosion. For Countersunk Socket Screws in marine, coastal, swimming-pool or food-processing environments, A4 is the default selection.
Galvanic & Galling Considerations
Two important notes for stainless countersunk socket screws: (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.
Sizes of Countersunk Socket Screws Available in A4 Stainless Steel
| Size | Pitch (mm) | Head diameter dk (mm) | Head height k (mm) | Hex key s (mm) | Countersink angle (deg) | Reference standard |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M3 | 0.5 | 6.72 | 1.86 | 2.0 | 90 | ISO 10642 / DIN 7991 |
| M4 | 0.7 | 8.96 | 2.48 | 2.5 | 90 | ISO 10642 / DIN 7991 |
| M5 | 0.8 | 11.2 | 3.1 | 3.0 | 90 | ISO 10642 / DIN 7991 |
| M6 | 1.0 | 13.44 | 3.72 | 4.0 | 90 | ISO 10642 / DIN 7991 |
| M8 | 1.25 | 17.92 | 4.96 | 5.0 | 90 | ISO 10642 / DIN 7991 |
| M10 | 1.5 | 22.4 | 6.2 | 6.0 | 90 | ISO 10642 / DIN 7991 |
| M12 | 1.75 | 26.88 | 7.44 | 8.0 | 90 | ISO 10642 / DIN 7991 |
| M14 | 2.0 | 30.0 | 8.4 | 10.0 | 90 | ISO 10642 / DIN 7991 |
| M16 | 2.0 | 33.6 | 9.3 | 10.0 | 90 | ISO 10642 / DIN 7991 |
| M20 | 2.5 | 40.32 | 11.2 | 12.0 | 90 | ISO 10642 / DIN 7991 |
| M24 | 3.0 | 47.04 | 13.0 | 14.0 | 90 | ISO 10642 / DIN 7991 |