Hexagon nuts with clamping part ISO 7042-8 zincato a caldo M20

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).

Only one number is used for nuts. This indicates up to which strength class of the screw the nut can be used. For example, you can use a nut strength class 8 with a screw 8.8, but not with a screw 10.9. If you use nuts with a strength class that is too low, there is a risk of the thread stripping. Higher ones can be used without hesitation, but should only be used if the load on the screw is above the yield point.

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.

In hot-dip galvanising, a zinc coating is applied to the component by immersing it in molten zinc and then spinning it off. DIN EN ISO 10684 restricts its application to steel fasteners with standard threads ranging from M8 to M64, as well as strength classes up to 10.9 for bolts and 12 for nuts. The average coating thickness for fasteners is 50 micrometres, which ensures corrosion protection for many years.