Specifying Countersunk Socket Screws in Grade 12.9 Steel pairs the dimensional form of Countersunk Socket Screws (ISO 10642 / DIN 7991) with the engineering properties of Grade 12.9 Steel. This page explains when to choose the grade, how it behaves in service, and which grades to compare it against.
Why Choose Grade 12.9 Steel for Countersunk Socket Screws
The highest common strength class, for high-load machine assembly. For countersunk socket screws, this matters when requires plating or black-oxide protection is the primary requirement.
Mechanical & Physical Properties
| Grade designation | class 12.9 |
|---|---|
| Magnetic response | Magnetic |
| Service temperature | up to approx. +300 °C |
| Corrosion characteristic | Requires plating or black-oxide protection |
Corrosion Behavior in Service
Carbon and alloy steel countersunk socket screws require a coating for corrosion protection. Zinc plating (with or without passivation) is the most common; hot-dip galvanizing is used for outdoor structural service; black-oxide is mainly a tarnish-prevention finish for tool-room use.
Galvanic & Galling Considerations
For countersunk socket screws in steel, the dominant compatibility issue is hydrogen embrittlement at high property classes (10.9 and above) when electroplated. Plating must be followed by an appropriate baking treatment, or a non-electroplated finish (mechanical zinc, zinc flake) should be substituted.
Sizes of Countersunk Socket Screws Available in Grade 12.9 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 |