For Button Head Socket Screws, the M20 thread sits in the heavy-duty range of the catalog and is one of the most-asked button head socket screws in this family. The dimensional and assembly data follow.
M20 Dimensional Row (ISO 7380)
| Size | Pitch (mm) | Head diameter dk (mm) | Head height k (mm) | Hex socket s (mm) | Reference standard |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M20 | 2.5 | 35.0 | 11.0 | 12.0 | ISO 7380-1 / DIN 7380 |
Spanner & Drive for M20 Button Head Socket Screws
The hex socket for M20 Button Head Socket 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 Allen key gives the best feel for setting preload by feel; for production work use a torque-controlled driver.
Hole Sizes for M20
| Coarse-thread pitch (ISO 724) | 2.5 mm |
|---|---|
| Through-hole / clearance (ISO 273 medium) | 22 mm |
| Tapping drill, coarse thread | 17.5 mm |
Tightening Torque for M20
| Class 8.8 (dry, ~µ 0.125) | ≈ 410 Nm |
|---|---|
| Class 10.9 (dry, ~µ 0.125) | ≈ 580 Nm |
| Class 12.9 (dry, ~µ 0.125) | ≈ 690 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.
Installation Tips for M20 Button Head Socket 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.
- At M20 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 M20
For M20, pair with a M20 hex nut (ISO 4032 / DIN 934) and, where used, a M20 flat washer (ISO 7089 / DIN 125A) under the head and under the nut.
When to Step Up or Down from M20
When the joint preload approaches the proof load of M20 class 8.8, step up to M24 class 8.8 (or move to M20 class 10.9). When the joint is over-specified, M16 often saves weight and cost without losing the safety margin.