The M20 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.
M20 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M20 | 2.5 | 46 | 30.0 | 22.4 | 19.67 | 16.0 | 11.0 | 0.8 | 14.0 | 7.5 | 2.0 | 28.83 | 40~100 | DIN 7984 |
Spanner & Drive for M20 Low Head Socket Cap Screws
The hex socket for M20 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). Ball-end keys are for reaching the screw, not for tightening it — finish on the plain end, and on 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) | ≈ 420 Nm |
|---|---|
| Class 10.9 (dry, ~µ 0.125) | ≈ 598 Nm |
| Class 12.9 (dry, ~µ 0.125) | ≈ 700 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 M20
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.
M20 Low Head Socket Cap Screws Weight
A steel M20 low head socket cap screws at the listed 40,100 mm length weighs approximately 222,508 g each — about 222,508 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 M20 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.
- 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.
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.
Custom manufacturing · Made to drawing
Need low head socket cap screws in a size this table does not list?
This page covers M20 low head socket cap screws. Where the standard stops, the drawing takes over: fine pitches, left-hand threads, partial threading, and property classes above the catalogued grade where material and heat treatment allow. Made by cold heading or warm forging.
Minimum order from 2,000 pieces; samples within 7 days of drawing approval.

