A4 Stainless Steel (A4-80 (316)) is specified for marine, coastal and chemical applications. When socket set screws are specified in this grade, the dimensions remain per ISO 4026 / ISO 4029 / DIN 913-916; the material determines corrosion behavior (superior, including marine and chloride environments) and the service temperature range (approx. -200 °C to +400 °C). Both are covered below with the size table.
Why Choose A4 Stainless Steel for Socket Set Screws
Specified for marine, coastal and chemical applications. For socket set 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 |
Galvanic & Galling Considerations
Two important notes for stainless socket set 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.
Comparable Grades
For Socket Set Screws, the alternative stainless grade is A2 (304). 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 Socket Set Screws Available in A4 Stainless Steel
| Size | Pitch (mm) | Hex socket s (mm) | Engagement depth t min (mm) | Point diameter dp (mm) | End type | Reference standard |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M1.6 | 0.35 | 0.7 | 0.7 | 0.8 | Flat point | ISO 4026 / DIN 913-916 |
| M1.6 | 0.35 | 0.7 | 0.7 | 0.8 | Cone point | ISO 4027 / DIN 913-916 |
| M1.6 | 0.35 | 0.7 | 0.7 | 0.8 | Dog point | ISO 4028 / DIN 913-916 |
| M1.6 | 0.35 | 0.7 | 0.7 | 0.8 | Cup point | ISO 4029 / DIN 913-916 |
| M2 | 0.4 | 0.9 | 0.9 | 1.0 | Flat point | ISO 4026 / DIN 913-916 |
| M2 | 0.4 | 0.9 | 0.9 | 1.0 | Cone point | ISO 4027 / DIN 913-916 |
| M2 | 0.4 | 0.9 | 0.9 | 1.0 | Dog point | ISO 4028 / DIN 913-916 |
| M2 | 0.4 | 0.9 | 0.9 | 1.0 | Cup point | ISO 4029 / DIN 913-916 |
| M2.5 | 0.45 | 1.3 | 1.1 | 1.5 | Flat point | ISO 4026 / DIN 913-916 |
| M2.5 | 0.45 | 1.3 | 1.1 | 1.5 | Cone point | ISO 4027 / DIN 913-916 |
| M2.5 | 0.45 | 1.3 | 1.1 | 1.5 | Dog point | ISO 4028 / DIN 913-916 |
| M2.5 | 0.45 | 1.3 | 1.1 | 1.5 | Cup point | ISO 4029 / DIN 913-916 |
| M3 | 0.5 | 1.5 | 1.4 | 2.0 | Flat point | ISO 4026 / DIN 913-916 |
| M3 | 0.5 | 1.5 | 1.4 | 2.0 | Cone point | ISO 4027 / DIN 913-916 |
| M3 | 0.5 | 1.5 | 1.4 | 2.0 | Dog point | ISO 4028 / DIN 913-916 |
| M3 | 0.5 | 1.5 | 1.4 | 2.0 | Cup point | ISO 4029 / DIN 913-916 |
| M4 | 0.7 | 2.0 | 2.0 | 2.5 | Flat point | ISO 4026 / DIN 913-916 |
| M4 | 0.7 | 2.0 | 2.0 | 2.5 | Cone point | ISO 4027 / DIN 913-916 |
| M4 | 0.7 | 2.0 | 2.0 | 2.5 | Dog point | ISO 4028 / DIN 913-916 |
| M4 | 0.7 | 2.0 | 2.0 | 2.5 | Cup point | ISO 4029 / DIN 913-916 |
| M5 | 0.8 | 2.5 | 2.5 | 3.5 | Flat point | ISO 4026 / DIN 913-916 |
| M5 | 0.8 | 2.5 | 2.5 | 3.5 | Cone point | ISO 4027 / DIN 913-916 |
| M5 | 0.8 | 2.5 | 2.5 | 3.5 | Dog point | ISO 4028 / DIN 913-916 |
| M5 | 0.8 | 2.5 | 2.5 | 3.5 | Cup point | ISO 4029 / DIN 913-916 |
| M6 | 1.0 | 3.0 | 3.0 | 4.0 | Flat point | ISO 4026 / DIN 913-916 |
| M6 | 1.0 | 3.0 | 3.0 | 4.0 | Cone point | ISO 4027 / DIN 913-916 |
| M6 | 1.0 | 3.0 | 3.0 | 4.0 | Dog point | ISO 4028 / DIN 913-916 |
| M6 | 1.0 | 3.0 | 3.0 | 4.0 | Cup point | ISO 4029 / DIN 913-916 |
| M8 | 1.25 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 5.5 | Flat point | ISO 4026 / DIN 913-916 |
| M8 | 1.25 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 5.5 | Cone point | ISO 4027 / DIN 913-916 |

