Specifying Self-Drilling Screws in Grade 8.8 Steel pairs the dimensional form of Self-Drilling Screws (DIN 7504) with the engineering properties of Grade 8.8 Steel. This page explains when to choose the grade, how it behaves in service, and which grades to compare it against.
Why Choose Grade 8.8 Steel for Self-Drilling Screws
The workhorse medium-carbon alloy grade for structural joints. For self-drilling 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 self-drilling 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 Self-Drilling 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 Self-Drilling Screws Available in Grade 8.8 Steel
| Size | Nominal diameter (mm) | Pitch (mm) | Head diameter dk (mm) | Head height k (mm) | Drill point capacity (mm) | Common length range (mm) | Reference standard | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ST3.5 | 3.5 | 1.27 | 6.9 | 2.1 | 0.7~2.0 | 13~25 | DIN 7504 K/N | Tek self-drilling screw, drill flute point |
| ST3.9 | 3.9 | 1.29 | 7.5 | 2.3 | 0.7~2.5 | 13~32 | DIN 7504 K/N | Tek self-drilling screw, drill flute point |
| ST4.2 | 4.2 | 1.41 | 8.2 | 2.5 | 0.7~3.0 | 13~38 | DIN 7504 K/N | Tek self-drilling screw, drill flute point |
| ST4.8 | 4.8 | 1.59 | 9.5 | 2.9 | 0.7~4.0 | 16~50 | DIN 7504 K/N | Tek self-drilling screw, drill flute point |
| ST5.5 | 5.5 | 1.81 | 10.9 | 3.3 | 1.0~5.0 | 19~60 | DIN 7504 K/N | Tek self-drilling screw, drill flute point |
| ST6.3 | 6.3 | 1.81 | 12.5 | 3.8 | 1.0~6.0 | 19~80 | DIN 7504 K/N | Tek self-drilling screw, drill flute point |