US Standard Inches

Hex Head Cap Screws have hexagonal heads and machine threads for use in a tapped hole or with a nut. They are generally used in applications where tight tolerances are required. The most common grades for Inch Hex Head Cap Screws include 2, 5 and 8.

F refers to the width of the underside of the head of a hex cap screw, while G is the width from point to point. H is the head height, and Lt is the thread length.
F G H Lt
Size Width Across Flats Width Across Corners Max Head Height Thread Length
6" and shorter Over 6"
1/4 7/16 0.505 5/32 0.750 1.000
5/16 1/2 0.577 13/64 0.875 1.125
3/8 9/16 0.650 15/64 1.000 1.250
7/16 5/8 0.722 9/32 1.125 1.375
1/2 3/4 0.866 5/16 1.250 1.500
6/16 13/16 0.938 23/64 1.375 1.625
5/8 15/16 1.083 25/64 1.500 1.750
3/4 1 1/8 1.299 15/32 1.750 2.000
7/8 1 5/16 1.516 35/64 2.000 2.250
1 1 1/2 1.732 39/64 2.250 2.500
1 1/8 1 11/16 1.949 11/16 2.500 2.750
1 1/4 1 7/8 2.165 25/32 2.750 3.000
1 1/2 2 1/4 2.598 15/16 3.250 3.500

Grade 2 Hex Head Cap Screws

Grade 2 Hex Cap Screws are made from low or medium-carbon steel. They’re typically used for economical and non-critical applications where the fastener is not subject to extreme temperatures or stress.

Grade 5 Hex Head Cap Screws

Grade 5 Hex Head Cap Screws are made of medium carbon steel and are heat-treated. Because of this, they’re stronger than Grade 2 screws.

A grade 5 hex cap screw
Core Hardness 1/4 thru 1" diameter: Rockwell C25-C34
1-1/8 thru 1-1/2" diameter: Rockwell C19-C30
Surface Hardness 1/4 thru 1" diameter: Rockwell 30N54 max.
1-1/8 thru 1-1/2" diameter: Rockwell 30N50 max.
Proof Load 1/4 thru 1" diameter: 85,000 psi
1-1/8 thru 1-1/2" diameter: 74,000 psi
Yield Strength 1/4 thru 1" diameter: 92,000 psi min.
1-1/8 thru 1-1/2" diameter: 81,000 psi min.
Tensile Strength 1/4 thru 1" diameter: 120,000 psi min.
1-1/8 thru 1-1/2" diameter: 105,000 psi min.
Elongation 14% minimum
Reduction of Area Core Hardness 35% minimum
A grade 8 hex cap screw

Grade 8 Hex Head Cap Screws

Grade 8 Hex Head Cap Screws are manufactured from medium carbon steel and are heat-treated. Grade 8 screws have higher tensile strength than Grade 5 screws. They are designed for use in high-stress applications.

Core Hardness 1/4 thru 1-1/2 diameter: Rockwell C33-C39
Surface Hardness 1/4 thru 1-1/2 " diameter: Rockwell 30N58.6 maximum
Proof Load 1/4 thru 1-1/2 diameter: 120,000 psi
Yield Strength 1/4 thru 1-1/2 diameter: 130,000 psi min.
Tensile Strength 1/4 thru 1-1/2 diameter: 150,000 psi min.
Elongation 12% minimum
Reduction of Area 35% minimum

Stainless Steel Hex Head Cap Screws

Stainless Steel Hex Head Cap Screws are made from austenitic alloys. The most common types are 18-8 and 316.
The top and side view of a stainless steel hex cap screw
Applications/Advantages 18-8 Used in products that require general atmospheric corrosion resistance, such as chemical and food-processing equipment. Some chemical environments may require special corrosion-resistant materials and precautions.
316 The molybdenum content gives this type of stainless steel even greater corrosion resistance than 18-8, as well as superior strength at high temperatures.
Material 18-8 Cap screws are made from one of the following austenitic alloys: 303, 303Se, 304, XM7, all of which are characterized as having a chromium content of 17-19% and nickel content of 8-10%.
316 Cap screws are made from 316 stainless steel, an austenitic alloy which differs from 18-8 by its molybdenum content (2-3%) and a higher nickel content (10-14%).
Hardness 1/4 thru 5/8 diameter: Rockwell B95-C32
3/4 thru 1 diameter: Rockwell B80-C32
Tensile Strength 1/4 thru 5/8 dia, 2.25D and longer: 100,000-150,000psi
3/4 (2.25D & longer) & 7/8 thru 1 dia (3D & longer): 85-000-14,000pcs

L9® Hex Head Cap Screws

Grade L9® screws have 9 engineering design features that make them the “world’s strongest and safest fastening system for the world’s toughest industry.”

An L9® Hex Head Cap Screw

L9® screws feature:

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