The M16 size of Low Head Socket Cap Screws is dimensioned by DIN 7984. The tables below give the dimensional row from the standard, the drill and spanner sizes that go with it, and the assembly torque per property class. The technical drawing on this page redraws to the exact values selected.
M16 Dimensional Row (DIN 7984)
| Size | Pitch P (mm) | b (mm) | Head diameter dk (mm) | da (mm) | ds_min (mm) | e (mm) | Head height k (mm) | r (mm) | Hex socket s (mm) | t (mm) | v (mm) | dw (mm) | Length range l (mm) | Reference standard |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M16 | 2.0 | 38 | 24.0 | 17.7 | 15.73 | 13.72 | 9.0 | 0.6 | 12.0 | 5.5 | 1.6 | 22.83 | 30~80 | DIN 7984 |
Spanner & Drive for M16 Low Head Socket Cap Screws
The hex socket for M16 Low Head Socket Cap Screws is shown in the spec table — use the matching Allen / hex key (an ISO 2936 hex key set covers the full range). A T-handle key gives the most feel when you are judging preload by hand; anything repeated across a batch wants a torque-controlled driver instead.
Hole Sizes for M16
| Coarse-thread pitch (ISO 724) | 2 mm |
|---|---|
| Through-hole / clearance (ISO 273 medium) | 17.5 mm |
| Tapping drill, coarse thread | 14 mm |
Tightening Torque for M16
| Class 8.8 (dry, ~µ 0.125) | ≈ 209 Nm |
|---|---|
| Class 10.9 (dry, ~µ 0.125) | ≈ 306 Nm |
| Class 12.9 (dry, ~µ 0.125) | ≈ 358 Nm |
Indicative dry-joint values. Lubrication can lower the required torque by 15–25%. Always confirm against the joint design, especially when going up a strength class.
Proof Load & Strength for M16
This is a reduced-height head. The head, not the thread, limits what the screw will carry — ISO 7380-1 caps a button head at roughly 80% of the thread's capacity — so the thread's proof load overstates the assembly. Size the joint on the head, or use a cap screw where the full class strength is needed.
M16 Low Head Socket Cap Screws Weight
A steel M16 low head socket cap screws at the listed 3,080 mm length weighs approximately 10,938 g each — about 10,938 kg per 1,000 pieces. Stainless A2/A4 weighs roughly the same (density 7.9–8.0 g/cm³).
Actual weight varies slightly with head form, thread and finish; use this figure for freight estimation only.
Installation Tips for M16 Low Head Socket Cap Screws
- Use a quality Allen key fully seated in the socket — partial engagement is the most common cause of stripped sockets at this size.
- For countersunk and button-head variants, chamfer the through-hole to seat the head flush without preloading the head/shank fillet.
When to Step Up or Down from M16
When the joint preload approaches the proof load of M16 class 8.8, step up to M20 class 8.8 (or move to M16 class 10.9). When the joint is over-specified, M12 often saves weight and cost without losing the safety margin.
Custom manufacturing · Made to drawing
Need low head socket cap screws in a size this table does not list?
This page covers M16 low head socket cap screws. Lengths and thread lengths outside the standard table are the commonest request, followed by a drive the standard does not offer and a head marked with your own part number. Made by cold heading or warm forging.
Minimum order from 2,000 pieces; samples within 7 days of drawing approval.

