DIN 7981 is the standard cited for self-tapping screws. This page sets out what the standard controls for this part, reproduces the dimensional table supplied against it, and notes the related designations referenced on drawings.
DIN 7981 — Scope
The table below lists the dimensions catalogued for self-tapping screws under DIN 7981. The scope of DIN 7981 itself is not summarised here — where a figure matters, confirm it against the published document.
Tolerance & Product Grades
Product grade is a concept from dimensional fastener standards and does not apply to DIN 7981. Tolerances for this part are the limits shown against each dimension in the table.
Dimensions Specified by DIN 7981
| Size | Nominal diameter (mm) | Pilot hole (mm) | Pitch (mm) | Head diameter dk (mm) | Head height k (mm) | Plate thickness (mm) | Reference standard | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ST2.2 | 2.2 | 1.7 | 0.71 | 4.2 | 1.4 | 0.5~1.0 | ISO 7049 / DIN 7981 | Cross-recess pan-head self-tapping |
| ST2.9 | 2.9 | 2.3 | 0.94 | 5.6 | 1.7 | 0.6~1.6 | ISO 7049 / DIN 7981 | Cross-recess pan-head self-tapping |
| ST3.5 | 3.5 | 2.8 | 1.27 | 6.9 | 2.1 | 0.8~2.0 | ISO 7049 / DIN 7981 | Cross-recess pan-head self-tapping |
| ST3.9 | 3.9 | 3.1 | 1.29 | 7.5 | 2.3 | 0.9~2.5 | ISO 7049 / DIN 7981 | Cross-recess pan-head self-tapping |
| ST4.2 | 4.2 | 3.4 | 1.41 | 8.2 | 2.5 | 1.0~2.5 | ISO 7049 / DIN 7981 | Cross-recess pan-head self-tapping |
| ST4.8 | 4.8 | 3.9 | 1.59 | 9.5 | 2.9 | 1.2~3.0 | ISO 7049 / DIN 7981 | Cross-recess pan-head self-tapping |
| ST5.5 | 5.5 | 4.5 | 1.81 | 10.9 | 3.3 | 1.5~3.5 | ISO 7049 / DIN 7981 | Cross-recess pan-head self-tapping |
| ST6.3 | 6.3 | 5.1 | 1.81 | 12.5 | 3.8 | 2.0~4.0 | ISO 7049 / DIN 7981 | Cross-recess pan-head self-tapping |
| ST8.0 | 8.0 | 6.7 | 2.12 | 16.0 | 4.8 | 2.5~5.0 | ISO 7049 / DIN 7981 | Cross-recess pan-head self-tapping |
| ST9.5 | 9.5 | 8.0 | 2.12 | 19.0 | 5.7 | 3.0~6.0 | ISO 7049 / DIN 7981 | Cross-recess pan-head self-tapping |
Companion Standards
A complete specification for self-tapping screws normally cites several documents: one for the geometry, one for the material or mechanical properties, and one for the finish. DIN 7981 is one of them, not all of them.
When to Specify DIN 7981
DIN 7981 is still widely used in European mechanical engineering and as a cross-reference on legacy drawings; its ISO equivalent is preferred for new designs.
Custom manufacturing · Made to drawing
Need a screw to this standard in a non-standard size?
Parts built to DIN 7981 are already in the catalog, so a special is usually a variation on existing tooling rather than a new design — which is what keeps the cost down. Made by cold heading or warm forging.
Minimum order from 2,000 pieces; samples within 7 days of drawing approval.
