This page covers M42 Socket Head Cap Screws to ISO 4762 / DIN 912: the full dimensional row, hole and tool sizes, proof-load data and typical applications. All values are taken from the governing standards (ISO 4762 / DIN 912 together with ISO 273, ISO 724 and ISO 898-1 where applicable).
M42 Dimensional Row (ISO 4762 / DIN 912)
| Size | Pitch (mm) | Head diameter dk (mm) | Head height k (mm) | Hex key s (mm) | Socket depth t min (mm) | Reference standard |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M42 | 4.5 | 63.0 | 42.0 | 32.0 | 21.0 | ISO 4762 / DIN 912 |
Spanner & Drive for M42 Socket Head Cap Screws
The hex socket for M42 Socket Head 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 M42
| Coarse-thread pitch (ISO 724) | 4.5 mm |
|---|---|
| Through-hole / clearance (ISO 273 medium) | 45 mm |
| Tapping drill, coarse thread | 37.5 mm |
Tightening Torque for M42
| Class 8.8 (dry, ~µ 0.125) | ≈ Nm |
|---|---|
| Class 10.9 (dry, ~µ 0.125) | ≈ Nm |
| Class 12.9 (dry, ~µ 0.125) | ≈ 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 M42
| Tensile stress area As (ISO 724) | 1121 mm² |
|---|
Proof load = tensile stress area × the proof stress Sp of the class, per ISO 898-1 — Sp is a lower figure than the yield stress Rp0.2 and the two are not interchangeable. The stress area is computed from this size's own diameter and pitch, so a fine-pitch designation gives the fine-pitch figure. Design the joint so the working preload stays below the proof load of the class selected.
Installation Tips for M42 Socket Head 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 M42 the stretch in the bolt becomes the controlling factor — for critical joints, use angle-controlled or stretch-controlled tightening instead of pure torque.
Mating Parts for M42
For M42, pair with a M42 hex nut (ISO 4032 / DIN 934) and, where used, a M42 flat washer (ISO 7089 / DIN 125A) under the head and under the nut.
Custom manufacturing · Made to drawing
Need socket head cap screws in a size this table does not list?
This page covers M42 socket head cap screws. Thread size and pitch, length, property class, drive form, head geometry and head marking are all specifiable — the standard part is where it starts, not where it stops. Made by cold heading or warm forging.
Minimum order from 2,000 pieces; samples within 7 days of drawing approval.
