The M3 size of Thin Hex Castle Nut is dimensioned by GB/T 6181 / ISO 4035. The table below gives the dimensional row from the standard, followed by the drive and the installation notes for this type.
M3 Dimensional Row (GB/T 6181 / ISO 4035)
| Size | Pitch (mm) | Width across flats s (mm) | Width across corners e (mm) | Total height m (mm) | Slot width (mm) | Reference standard |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M3 | 0.5 | 5.5 | 6.01 | 4.0 | 1.2 | ISO 7036 / GB/T 6180 |
Spanner & Drive for M3 Thin Hex Castle Nut — GB/T 6181 / ISO 4035 (Series 053)
Drive geometry for M3 Thin Hex Castle Nut — GB/T 6181 / ISO 4035 (Series 053) is given by the row above; match the tool to the listed values.
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.
Common Applications for M3 Thin Hex Castle Nut — GB/T 6181 / ISO 4035 (Series 053)
M3 Thin Hex Castle Nut — GB/T 6181 / ISO 4035 (Series 053) are commonly specified for paired with the same-size screws on PCB hardware, light enclosures and small-scale assemblies.
Installation Tips for M3 Thin Hex Castle Nut — GB/T 6181 / ISO 4035 (Series 053)
- 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.
