This page covers M18 Heavy Hex Socket Head Cap Screw to GB/T 1228 / ASTM A325: the full dimensional row, hole and tool sizes, proof-load data and typical applications. All values are taken from the governing standards (GB/T 1228 / ASTM A325 together with ISO 273, ISO 724 and ISO 898-1 where applicable).
M18 Dimensional Row (GB/T 1228 / ASTM A325)
| Size | Pitch (mm) | Length L (mm) | Head diameter dk (mm) | Head height k (mm) | Hex socket s (mm) | Reference standard |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M18 | 2.5 | 100 | 27.0 | 18 | 14.0 | ISO 4762 / GB/T 70.1 |
Spanner & Drive for M18 Heavy Hex Socket Head Cap Screw — GB/T 1228 / ASTM A325 (Series 046)
The hex socket for M18 Heavy Hex Socket Head Cap Screw — GB/T 1228 / ASTM A325 (Series 046) 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 Allen key gives the best feel for setting preload by feel; for production work use a torque-controlled driver.
Hole Sizes for M18
| Coarse-thread pitch (ISO 724) | 2.5 mm |
|---|---|
| Through-hole / clearance (ISO 273 medium) | 20 mm |
| Tapping drill, coarse thread | 15.5 mm |
Tightening Torque for M18
| Class 8.8 (dry, ~µ 0.125) | ≈ 290 Nm |
|---|---|
| Class 10.9 (dry, ~µ 0.125) | ≈ 405 Nm |
| Class 12.9 (dry, ~µ 0.125) | ≈ 485 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 M18
| Tensile stress area As (ISO 898-1) | 192 mm² |
|---|---|
| Proof load, class 8.8 | 115 kN |
| Proof load, class 10.9 | 159 kN |
| Proof load, class 12.9 | 186 kN |
| Min. ultimate tensile, class 8.8 | 154 kN |
Proof load = stress area × proof stress per ISO 898-1. Design joints so the working preload stays below the proof load of the selected class.
M18 Heavy Hex Socket Head Cap Screw — GB/T 1228 / ASTM A325 (Series 046) Weight
A steel M18 heavy hex socket head cap screw at the listed 100 mm length weighs approximately 449 g each — about 449 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.
Common Applications for M18 Heavy Hex Socket Head Cap Screw — GB/T 1228 / ASTM A325 (Series 046)
M18 Heavy Hex Socket Head Cap Screw — GB/T 1228 / ASTM A325 (Series 046) are commonly specified for heavy assembly and large machine mounts.
Installation Tips for M18 Heavy Hex Socket Head Cap Screw — GB/T 1228 / ASTM A325 (Series 046)
- 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.
- At M18 the stretch in the bolt becomes the controlling factor — for critical joints, use angle-controlled or stretch-controlled tightening instead of pure torque.
Mating Parts for M18
For M18, pair with a M18 hex nut (ISO 4032 / DIN 934) and, where used, a M18 flat washer (ISO 7089 / DIN 125A) under the head and under the nut.