Dimensional and assembly data for M5 Hex Bolts to ISO 4014 / ISO 4017. Includes head size and width across flats, clearance-hole and tapping-drill diameters, tightening torque per property class, and the sizes to step up or down to when the joint requires it.
M5 Dimensional Row (ISO 4014 / ISO 4017)
| Size | Pitch coarse (mm) | Width across flats s (mm) | Width across corners e min (mm) | Head height k nom (mm) | Nominal diameter d (mm) | Reference standard | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M5 | 0.8 | 8.0 | 8.79 | 3.5 | 5.0 | ISO 4014/4017 | Fully threaded |
Spanner & Drive for M5 Hex Bolts
M5 Hex Bolts have a width across flats of 8.0 mm — fit a 8.0 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 M5
| Coarse-thread pitch (ISO 724) | 0.8 mm |
|---|---|
| Through-hole / clearance (ISO 273 medium) | 5.5 mm |
| Tapping drill, coarse thread | 4.2 mm |
Tightening Torque for M5
| Class 8.8 (dry, ~µ 0.125) | ≈ 5.8 Nm |
|---|---|
| Class 10.9 (dry, ~µ 0.125) | ≈ 8.1 Nm |
| Class 12.9 (dry, ~µ 0.125) | ≈ 9.7 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 M5
| Tensile stress area As (ISO 898-1) | 14.2 mm² |
|---|---|
| Proof load, class 8.8 | 8.2 kN |
| Proof load, class 10.9 | 11.8 kN |
| Proof load, class 12.9 | 13.8 kN |
| Min. ultimate tensile, class 8.8 | 11.4 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 M5 Hex Bolts
M5 Hex Bolts are commonly specified for precision instruments, small machinery and consumer-electronics enclosures.
Installation Tips for M5 Hex Bolts
- 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 M5 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 M5
When the joint preload approaches the proof load of M5 class 8.8, step up to M6 class 8.8 (or move to M5 class 10.9). When the joint is over-specified, M4 often saves weight and cost without losing the safety margin.

