Grade 8.8 Steel (class 8.8) is the workhorse medium-carbon alloy grade for structural joints. When countersunk socket screws are specified in this grade, the dimensions remain per ISO 10642 / DIN 7991; the material determines corrosion behavior (requires plating (zinc) for corrosion protection) and the service temperature range (up to approx. +300 °C). Both are covered below with the size table.
Why Choose Grade 8.8 Steel for Countersunk Socket Screws
The workhorse medium-carbon alloy grade for structural joints. For countersunk socket screws, this matters when requires plating (zinc) for corrosion protection is the primary requirement.
Mechanical & Physical Properties
| Grade designation | class 8.8 |
|---|---|
| Magnetic response | Magnetic |
| Service temperature | up to approx. +300 °C |
| Corrosion characteristic | Requires plating (zinc) for corrosion protection |
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.
Comparable Grades
For Countersunk Socket Screws, class 10.9 or 12.9 is the comparable strength step. Move up when the joint preload approaches the proof load of the current class; move down when the joint is over-specified. For corrosion-critical service, switch to stainless A2 or A4.
Sizes of Countersunk Socket Screws Available in Grade 8.8 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 |

