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Socket Head Cap Screws – Dimensions, Properties, and Uses

September 24, 2023September 24, 2023 | 6:15 pm
Socket Head Cap Screws

Socket head cap screws, or Allen bolts or head screws, are a type of fastener commonly used in various industries such as automotive, construction, and manufacturing. These screws are known for their unique design, which includes a hexagonal socket at the top for a wrench or hex key to tighten and loosen them. This blog post will discuss the dimensions, properties, and uses of socket head cap screws in detail.

What is Socket Head Cap Screws?

A socket head cap screw, also known as an Allen bolt or Allen screw, is a type of fastener with a hexagonal recess. They secure parts together, often using a tool such as an Allen wrench or hex key. Socket head cap screws are stronger than traditional machine screws and require less clearance when inserted into materials. They can also be manufactured from various materials, including stainless steel and titanium. Socket head cap screws offer flexibility when installing hardware and provide superior mechanical properties due to their unique design.

Socket Head Cap Screw Dimensions:

Labeled diagram of socket head cap screw

Standard Socket Head Cap Screw Dimensions (Alloy & Stainless Steel)                                                                                                     ASME B18.3-2003
Basic Screw Diameter

Click on the size to shop products

 Body Diameter (D) Head Diameter (A) Head Height (H) Top Chamfer or Radius (C) Hex Socket Size (J)  Fillet Juncture Diameter at Bearing Surface (F)  Key Engage-ment (T) Wall Thick-ness (G) Bottom Chamfer or Radius (K)
Max Min Max Min Max Min Max  Nom  Max Min  Min Min  Max
0 0.0600 0.0568 0.096 0.091 0.060 0.057 0.004 0.050 0.074 0.062 0.025 0.020 0.007
1 0.0730 0.0695 0.118 0.112 0.073 0.070 0.005 1/16 0.087 0.075 0.031 0.025 0.007
2 0.0860 0.0822 0.140 0.134 0.086 0.083 0.008 5/64 0.102 0.090 0.038 0.029 0.007
3 0.0990 0.0949 0.161 0.154 0.099 0.095 0.008 5/64 0.115 0.102 0.044 0.034 0.007
4 0.1120 0.1075 0.183 0.176 0.112 0.108 0.009 3/32 0.130 0.117 0.051 0.038 0.008
5 0.1250 0.1202 0.205 0.198 0.125 0.121 0.012 3/32 0.145 0.132 0.057 0.043 0.008
6 0.1380 0.1329 0.226 0.218 0.138 0.134 0.013 7/64 0.158 0.144 0.064 0.047 0.008
8 0.1640 0.1585 0.270 0.262 0.164 0.159 0.014 9/64 0.188 0.172 0.077 0.056 0.008
10 0.1900 0.1840 0.312 0.303 0.190 0.185 0.018 5/32 0.218 0.202 0.090 0.065 0.008
1/4 0.2500 0.2435 0.375 0.365 0.250 0.244 0.025 3/16 0.278 0.261 0.120 0.095 0.010
5/16 0.3125 0.3053 0.469 0.457 0.312 0.306 0.033 1/4 0.347 0.329 0.151 0.119 0.010
3/8 0.3750 0.3678 0.562 0.550 0.375 0.368 0.040 5/16 0.415 0.397 0.182 0.143 0.010
7/16 0.4375 0.4294 0.656 0.642 0.438 0.430 0.047 3/8 0.484 0.465 0.213 0.166 0.015
1/2 0.5000 0.4919 0.750 0.735 0.500 0.492 0.055 3/8 0.552 0.531 0.245 0.190 0.015
5/8 0.6250 0.6163 0.938 0.921 0.625 0.616 0.070 1/2 0.689 0.664 0.307 0.238 0.015
3/4 0.7500 0.7406 1.125 1.107 0.750 0.740 0.085 5/8 0.828 0.800 0.370 0.285 0.015
7/8 0.8750 0.8647 1.312 1.293 0.875 0.864 0.100 3/4 0.963 0.932 0.432 0.333 0.020
1 1.0000 0.9886 1.500 1.479 1.000 0.988 0.114 3/4 1.100 1.068 0.495 0.380 0.020
1-1/4 1.2500 1.2336 1.875 1.852 1.250 1.236 0.144 7/8 1.370 1.333 0.620 0.475 0.020
1-1/2 1.5000 1.4818 2.250 2.224 1.500 1.485 0.176 1 1.640 1.601 0.745 0.570 0.020

Socket Head Cap Screw Properties:

Socket head cap screws are primarily made from stainless steel, carbon steel, and alloy steel. The screws are designed to provide high tensile strength, corrosion resistance, and durability. The threads on these screws are rolled, providing a higher degree of accuracy and strength than cut threads. Additionally, socket head cap screws have a higher load-carrying capacity, making them ideal for heavy-duty applications.

Socket Head Cap Screw Uses:

Socket head cap screws are commonly used in various applications and industries. They are popular for attaching machinery parts, assembling furniture, and securing electronics. Socket head cap screws are also used in automotive and aerospace industries for their high strength and durability. Additionally, these screws are used in applications where access is restricted, making them ideal for hard-to-reach areas.

Benefits of Socket Head Cap Screws:

One of the main benefits of socket head cap screws is their unique design that enables easy installation and removal, even in confined spaces. Their high-tensile strength and durability make them ideal for heavy-duty applications requiring high torque and pressure levels. Also, these screws have a smooth and sleek finish, which makes them visually appealing.

Tips for Installing Socket Head Cap Screws:

When installing socket head cap screws, using the right wrench or hex key is crucial. Using a wrong-sized tool can damage the screw and the fastening object. Additionally, it’s essential to use appropriate torque when tightening the screws. Over-tightening can cause the screw to break while under-tightening can result in the screw coming loose.

Conclusion:

Socket head cap screws are an essential type of fastener used in various industries due to their unique design, properties, and durability. In this blog post, we have discussed the dimensions, properties, and uses of socket head cap screws in detail. We hope this information has helped you understand the importance of socket head cap screws and how they can benefit your applications. Next time you need to fasten something in a confined space with high torque and pressure, consider using socket head cap screws.

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