Hexagon nuts flat left-hand fine thread DIN 936-14H Steel blank M20x1,5

The wrench sizes for hexagon bolts and nuts are specified in ISO 272: 1982-01. The nominal wrench size on the workpiece (e.g. bolt, nut) is the same as that on the tool. However, there is some play between the two to allow the tool to be fitted without difficulty. The relationship between the nominal diameter d of the thread and the wrench size s is standardised in EN ISO 4014 and EN ISO 4017 for hexagon bolts, and in EN ISO 4032 for hexagon nuts (dimensions in mm).

Hardness classes are specified for set screws and similar fasteners that are not subject to tensile stress, which are regulated for stainless austenitic steels in ISO 3506-3 and for carbon steel and alloy steel in ISO 898-5. ISO 3506-3 defines the two hardness classes 12H and 21H, ISO 898-5 defines the four hardness classes 14H, 22H, 33H and 45H. The hardness class designation 14H means 140 HV (Vickers hardness).

Steel is an iron-carbon alloy with a maximum carbon content of 2% by mass. The steels achieve their intended physical and mechanical properties through various hardening, annealing and tempering processes. It is also possible to harden the edge zone by surface hardening, case hardening or nitriding. Well-known steel grades are structural steels, free-machining steels, case-hardening steels, nitriding steels, tempering steels, tool steels and stainless steels.

The term plain indicates a completely untreated, merely oiled, smooth surface for all DIN and ISO screws such as wood screws, hexagon head screws, threaded rods, nuts and many types of washers.