The M8 size of Socket Nuts (Hex Drive, Round Body) is dimensioned by Trade series (round body socket nut). 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.
M8 Dimensional Row (Trade series (round body socket nut))
| Thread size | Outer diameter (mm) | Nut height m (mm) | Hex socket s (mm) | Socket depth (mm) | Material | Finish | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M8 | 15.0 | 15.0 | 8.0 | 7.0 | Alloy steel | Black oxide | Fits 15 mm bore |
Spanner & Drive for M8 Socket Nuts (Hex Drive, Round Body)
The hex socket for M8 Socket Nuts (Hex Drive, Round Body) is shown in the spec table — use the matching Allen / hex key (an ISO 2936 hex key set covers the full range). A T-handle key gives the most feel when you are judging preload by hand; anything repeated across a batch wants a torque-controlled driver instead.
Tightening Torque for M8
| Class 8.8 (dry, ~µ 0.125) | ≈ 25 Nm |
|---|---|
| Class 10.9 (dry, ~µ 0.125) | ≈ 35 Nm |
| Class 12.9 (dry, ~µ 0.125) | ≈ 41 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 M8
| Tensile stress area As (ISO 898-1) | 36.6 mm² |
|---|---|
| Proof load, class 8.8 | 21 kN |
| Proof load, class 10.9 | 30 kN |
| Proof load, class 12.9 | 36 kN |
| Min. ultimate tensile, class 8.8 | 29 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.
Installation Tips for M8 Socket Nuts (Hex Drive, Round Body)
- 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.
When to Step Up or Down from M8
When the joint preload approaches the proof load of M8 class 8.8, step up to M10 class 8.8 (or move to M8 class 10.9). When the joint is over-specified, M6 often saves weight and cost without losing the safety margin.
