For square nuts in Grade 8.8 Steel, the controlling selection factors are corrosion exposure, strength requirement and service temperature. The grade data for Grade 8.8 Steel (class 8.8) is summarized below together with every size supplied.
Why Choose Grade 8.8 Steel for Square Nuts
The workhorse medium-carbon alloy grade for structural joints. For square nuts, 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 |
Corrosion Behavior in Service
Carbon and alloy steel square nuts 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 square nuts 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 Square Nuts Available in Grade 8.8 Steel
| Size | Pitch (mm) | Width across flats s (mm) | Width across corners e min (mm) | Nut height m (mm) | Reference standard | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M5 | 0.8 | 8.0 | 11.1 | 4.0 | DIN 557 / DIN 562 | Square nut, general / channel use |
| M6 | 1.0 | 10.0 | 13.9 | 5.0 | DIN 557 / DIN 562 | Square nut, general / channel use |
| M8 | 1.25 | 13.0 | 18.0 | 6.5 | DIN 557 / DIN 562 | Square nut, general / channel use |
| M10 | 1.5 | 17.0 | 23.6 | 8.0 | DIN 557 / DIN 562 | Square nut, general / channel use |
| M12 | 1.75 | 19.0 | 26.5 | 10.0 | DIN 557 / DIN 562 | Square nut, general / channel use |
| M16 | 2.0 | 24.0 | 33.5 | 13.0 | DIN 557 / DIN 562 | Square nut, general / channel use |
| M20 | 2.5 | 30.0 | 42.0 | 16.0 | DIN 557 / DIN 562 | Square nut, general / channel use |