The M3 size of Thin Hex Nut is dimensioned by GB/T 6170 / ISO 4032. 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 6170 / ISO 4032)
| Size | Pitch (mm) | Width across flats s (mm) | Width across corners e (mm) | Nut height m (mm) | Reference standard |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M3 | 0.5 | 5.5 | 6.01 | 1.8 | ISO 4035 / GB/T 6172 |
Spanner & Drive for M3 Thin Hex Nut — GB/T 6170 / ISO 4032 (Series 058)
M3 Thin Hex Nut — GB/T 6170 / ISO 4032 (Series 058) 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.
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 Nut — GB/T 6170 / ISO 4032 (Series 058)
M3 Thin Hex Nut — GB/T 6170 / ISO 4032 (Series 058) 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 Nut — GB/T 6170 / ISO 4032 (Series 058)
- 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.
