The M3 size of Hex Bolt is dimensioned by GB/T 5783 / ISO 4017. 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.
M3 Dimensional Row (GB/T 5783 / ISO 4017)
| Size | Pitch (mm) | Nominal diameter d (mm) | Length L (mm) | Width across flats s (mm) | Width across corners e (mm) | Head height k (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M3 | 0.5 | 3 | 20 | 5.5 | 6.01 | 2.0 |
Spanner & Drive for M3 Hex Bolt — GB/T 5783 / ISO 4017 (Series 010)
M3 Hex Bolt — GB/T 5783 / ISO 4017 (Series 010) have a width across flats of 5.5 mm — fit a 5.5 mm open-ended spanner or socket. Use a 6-point socket for tight clearances and to reduce rounding; for repeated assembly choose a torque wrench so the joint preload is repeatable.
Hole Sizes for M3
| Coarse-thread pitch (ISO 724) | 0.5 mm |
|---|---|
| Through-hole / clearance (ISO 273 medium) | 3.4 mm |
| Tapping drill, coarse thread | 2.5 mm |
Tightening Torque for M3
| Class 8.8 (dry, ~µ 0.125) | ≈ 1.3 Nm |
|---|---|
| Class 10.9 (dry, ~µ 0.125) | ≈ 1.8 Nm |
| Class 12.9 (dry, ~µ 0.125) | ≈ 2.1 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 M3
| Tensile stress area As (ISO 898-1) | 5.03 mm² |
|---|---|
| Proof load, class 8.8 | 2.9 kN |
| Proof load, class 10.9 | 4.2 kN |
| Proof load, class 12.9 | 4.9 kN |
| Min. ultimate tensile, class 8.8 | 4 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.
M3 Hex Bolt — GB/T 5783 / ISO 4017 (Series 010) Weight
A steel M3 hex bolt at the listed 20 mm length weighs approximately 1.5 g each — about 1.5 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 M3 Hex Bolt — GB/T 5783 / ISO 4017 (Series 010)
M3 Hex Bolt — GB/T 5783 / ISO 4017 (Series 010) are commonly specified for precision instruments, small machinery and consumer-electronics enclosures.
Installation Tips for M3 Hex Bolt — GB/T 5783 / ISO 4017 (Series 010)
- Use a 6-point socket where access allows — 12-point sockets are more prone to rounding the corners on smaller sizes.
- On flanged or serrated variants, do NOT add a separate flat washer — the flange already spreads the load and the washer can defeat the locking serrations.
- At M3 the joint is sensitive to over-torque — use a torque-limiting driver and check the head doesn't bury into a softer counterpart.
When to Step Up or Down from M3
When the joint preload approaches the proof load of M3 class 8.8, step up to M4 class 8.8 (or move to M3 class 10.9). When the joint is over-specified, M2 often saves weight and cost without losing the safety margin.