The M3 size of Hex Nut, Fine Pitch is dimensioned by GB/T 6171 / ISO 8673. The table below gives the dimensional row from the standard, followed by the drive and the installation notes for this type.
Values are taken from the governing standard rather than from a general machine-thread table, because this type is not selected on one.
M3 Dimensional Row (GB/T 6171 / ISO 8673)
| 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 | 2.4 | ISO 4032 / GB/T 6170 |
Spanner & Drive for M3 Hex Nut, Fine Pitch — GB/T 6171 / ISO 8673 (Series 067)
M3 Hex Nut, Fine Pitch — GB/T 6171 / ISO 8673 (Series 067) have a width across flats of 5.5 mm — fit a 5.5 mm open-ended spanner or socket. A 6-point socket grips all six flats of the 5.5 mm hex and is what to reach for once a fastener has been on and off a few times; a 12-point ring spanner starts rounding a worn head. For repeatable preload, torque rather than feel.
Tightening Torque for M3
| Class 8.8 (dry, ~µ 0.125) | ≈ 1.3 Nm |
|---|---|
| Class 10.9 (dry, ~µ 0.125) | ≈ Nm |
| Class 12.9 (dry, ~µ 0.125) | ≈ 2.2 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
Nuts are graded to ISO 898-2 by the proof load the nut itself will hold (classes 04, 05, 5, 6, 8, 10 and 12), not by the 8.8 / 10.9 / 12.9 scale used for bolts. A class-8 nut is the correct mate for a class-8.8 bolt, and the joint is designed on the bolt, so no bolt-tension figure is quoted here.
Installation Tips for M3 Hex Nut, Fine Pitch — GB/T 6171 / ISO 8673 (Series 067)
- 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.
Custom manufacturing · Made to drawing
Need hex nut, fine pitch in a size this table does not list?
This page covers M3 hex nut, fine pitch. Thread, height, across-flats, property class, locking feature and flange form can all be varied, including thread sizes the standard series does not run to. Made by cold heading or tapping.
Minimum order from 2,000 pieces; samples within 7 days of drawing approval.
