DIN 6912 Low Head Socket Cap Screw | A4 Stainless Steel (SUS316) | Pilot Recess

FULLERKREG DIN 6912 Low Head Socket Cap Screws — A4 Stainless Steel (SUS316) | Pilot Recess

FULLERKREG DIN 6912 A4 low head socket cap screws are precision-engineered metric fasteners combining a reduced-height hex socket head with a pilot recess (centre hole) in the socket. The pilot recess enables use of a ball-end hex key at angles up to 25°, making these screws ideal for confined spaces and recessed installations where straight-on access is impossible.

Manufactured from A4 stainless steel (SUS316 / 1.4401) — the marine-grade stainless steel — FULLERKREG DIN 6912 A4 screws deliver superior resistance to chloride-induced pitting and crevice corrosion compared to A2 (SUS304), making them the preferred choice for coastal, marine, offshore, chemical processing, and other aggressive environments.


Key Features

  • Standard: DIN 6912 — Hexagon socket head cap screws with low head and pilot recess
  • Material: A4 Stainless Steel (SUS316 / 1.4401) — molybdenum-alloyed marine-grade austenitic stainless steel
  • Property Class: A4-70 (per ISO 3506-1)
  • Head Style: Low profile (reduced height) hex socket cap head — approximately 60% of standard DIN 912 head height
  • Drive: Internal hex (Allen / hex socket) with pilot recess (centre hole)
  • Pilot Recess Advantage: Allows ball-end hex key engagement at up to 25° angle — critical for blind or angled access
  • Thread: Metric coarse thread (ISO 68-1), right-hand
  • Surface: Natural (as-machined) stainless — no coating required
  • Size Range: M3 to M20

DIN 6912 vs. DIN 7984 vs. DIN 912: Key Differences

Feature DIN 6912 (This Product) DIN 7984 DIN 912 (Standard Socket Cap)
Head Height Low (approx. 60% of DIN 912) Low (approx. 60% of DIN 912) Standard full height
Pilot Recess (Centre Hole) ✅ Yes — centre hole in socket ❌ No ❌ No
Ball-End Hex Key Access ✅ Up to 25° off-axis ⚠️ Limited — ball-end slips without pilot ⚠️ Limited — ball-end slips without pilot
Hex Key Size (e.g. M6) 4 mm 3 mm (smaller than DIN 6912) 5 mm (full size)
Head Diameter dk (e.g. M6) 10.0 mm 10.0 mm 10.0 mm
Head Height k (e.g. M6) 3.3 mm 3.0 mm 6.0 mm
Socket Depth (e.g. M6) Deeper — accommodates pilot recess Shallower — no pilot recess Full depth standard socket
Torque Capacity Medium — larger hex key than DIN 7984 Lower — smaller hex key size Full torque capacity
Clearance Required Minimal — ideal for thin flanges Minimal — ideal for thin flanges Standard clearance needed
Governing Standard DIN 6912 / ISO 14580 DIN 7984 DIN 912 / ISO 4762
Best For Low clearance + angled access required Low clearance, straight-on access only General-purpose, high-torque applications

A4 vs. A2 Stainless Steel: Why Choose A4?

The critical difference between A4 (SUS316) and A2 (SUS304) is the addition of 2–3% molybdenum (Mo) in A4, which dramatically improves resistance to chloride-induced pitting and crevice corrosion — the primary failure mode of stainless steel in marine and chemical environments.

Property A4 / SUS316 (This Product) A2 / SUS304
Molybdenum Content 2.0 – 3.0% None
Chloride / Salt Resistance ✅ Excellent — marine grade ⚠️ Moderate — susceptible to pitting
Coastal / Marine Use ✅ Recommended ❌ Not recommended
Chemical Processing ✅ Suitable for many acids & chlorides ⚠️ Limited
Swimming Pool Environments ✅ Suitable ❌ Risk of pitting
Food & Pharmaceutical ✅ Preferred grade ✅ Acceptable
Tensile Strength (A-70 class) 700 MPa (min.) 700 MPa (min.)
Cost Higher (Mo alloy premium) Lower

Material & Mechanical Properties

Manufactured from A4 stainless steel (SUS316 / EN 1.4401) — molybdenum-alloyed austenitic stainless steel with superior corrosion resistance, particularly in chloride-rich environments.

Property Value Standard Reference
Material Grade A4 (SUS316 / 1.4401) ISO 3506 / EN 10088
Property Class A4-70 ISO 3506-1
Tensile Strength (min.) 700 MPa ISO 3506-1
0.2% Proof Stress (min.) 450 MPa ISO 3506-1
Elongation (min.) 20% ISO 3506-1
Hardness (max.) 220 HV ISO 3506-1
Chromium Content 16.0 – 18.0% EN 10088
Nickel Content 10.0 – 14.0% EN 10088
Molybdenum Content 2.0 – 3.0% EN 10088
Magnetic Non-magnetic (annealed state)
Corrosion Resistance Excellent — marine grade, chloride-resistant
Operating Temperature −50°C to +300°C (continuous)

Dimensional Specifications (DIN 6912)

All dimensions per DIN 6912:2021. Thread per ISO 68-1 metric coarse.

Size Thread Pitch (mm) Head Dia. dk (mm) Head Height k (mm) Hex Key Size s (mm) Pilot Recess Dia. (mm) Common Lengths (mm)
M3 0.5 5.5 1.65 2.0 1.0 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16, 20
M4 0.7 7.0 2.2 2.5 1.5 6, 8, 10, 12, 16, 20, 25
M5 0.8 8.5 2.75 3.0 2.0 8, 10, 12, 16, 20, 25, 30
M6 1.0 10.0 3.3 4.0 2.0 10, 12, 16, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40
M8 1.25 13.0 4.4 5.0 2.5 12, 16, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 50
M10 1.5 16.0 5.5 6.0 3.0 16, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 50, 60
M12 1.75 18.0 6.6 8.0 4.0 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 50, 60, 70
M14 2.0 21.0 7.7 10.0 4.0 25, 30, 35, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80
M16 2.0 24.0 8.8 10.0 4.0 25, 30, 35, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 100
M20 2.5 30.0 11.0 12.0 5.0 30, 35, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 100

All dimensions are nominal per DIN 6912:2021. Consult FULLERKREG product listings for exact available size/length combinations. Tolerances per ISO 4759-1.


The Pilot Recess: Why It Matters

The pilot recess (also called centre hole or pilot hole) is a small cylindrical bore at the centre of the hex socket. It serves two critical functions:

  • Ball-end hex key engagement: The pilot recess guides and stabilises the ball end of a ball-point hex key, allowing reliable torque transmission at angles up to 25° off-axis. Without the pilot recess, ball-end keys tend to slip out of the socket under load.
  • Alignment aid: The recess acts as a visual and tactile centre reference during assembly, reducing the risk of cam-out and socket damage.

This feature makes DIN 6912 the preferred choice over DIN 7984 for recessed bolt patterns, flanged joints, and any assembly where the fastener is not directly accessible from above.


Corrosion Resistance of A4 (SUS316) Stainless Steel

A4 (SUS316) stainless steel contains 2–3% molybdenum, which significantly enhances resistance to chloride pitting and crevice corrosion compared to standard austenitic grades. The passive chromium oxide layer self-repairs when exposed to oxygen:

  • Marine & coastal environments — seawater splash zones, boat fittings, harbour structures
  • Offshore & subsea — oil & gas platforms, subsea equipment (above cathodic protection threshold)
  • Chemical processing — dilute acids, chloride solutions, organic solvents
  • Swimming pools & water treatment — chlorinated water environments
  • Food & pharmaceutical — preferred grade for hygienic processing equipment
  • Atmospheric exposure — all urban, industrial, and rural environments
  • ⚠️ Strong reducing acids (concentrated HCl, H₂SO₄) — consult a corrosion engineer for specific concentrations
  • ⚠️ Full seawater immersion — A4 performs well in splash zones; for continuous immersion, duplex or super-duplex grades may be required for critical applications

Typical Applications

  • Marine deck hardware, boat fittings, and rigging components in saltwater environments
  • Coastal and offshore structural fastening where A2 is insufficient
  • Food processing equipment, dairy machinery, and beverage production lines
  • Pharmaceutical and cleanroom assemblies requiring highest corrosion resistance
  • Swimming pool equipment, water treatment plants, and desalination systems
  • Chemical plant equipment exposed to chloride solutions or mild acids
  • Thin-flange and low-clearance assemblies requiring reduced head height
  • Precision machinery and instrumentation in corrosive environments
  • Architectural facades and exterior metalwork in coastal locations
  • Any assembly requiring angled hex key access in harsh environments

Installation & Torque Guidelines

Recommended installation torque values for A4-70 DIN 6912 screws (dry, unlubricated, μ = 0.12):

Size Recommended Torque (N·m) Hex Key Size (mm) Notes
M3 0.5 – 0.7 2.0 Use T-handle or short-arm key; avoid over-torque
M4 1.2 – 1.5 2.5
M5 2.5 – 3.0 3.0
M6 4.5 – 5.5 4.0
M8 11 – 13 5.0
M10 22 – 26 6.0
M12 38 – 45 8.0
M14 60 – 72 10.0
M16 95 – 110 10.0
M20 185 – 215 12.0

Torque values are indicative for dry conditions with standard thread fit. Lubrication reduces required torque by approximately 20–25%. For critical joints, use a calibrated torque wrench and refer to joint-specific engineering calculations. A4 stainless is susceptible to galling — apply anti-seize compound (e.g., molybdenum disulphide or PTFE-based) for M10 and above, or where repeated assembly/disassembly is required.


Anti-Galling Note for Stainless Steel Fasteners

Stainless steel fasteners — including A4 — are prone to galling (cold welding / thread seizure) during installation, particularly at larger diameters and higher torques. To prevent galling:

  • Apply a thin coat of anti-seize compound (molybdenum disulphide, copper-based, or PTFE-based) to the thread and under the head before installation
  • Drive at low speed — avoid high-speed power tools without torque control
  • Ensure threads are clean and free of debris before assembly
  • Use A4 nuts with A4 screws — mixing grades increases galling risk
  • If galling occurs during removal, apply penetrating oil and use a slow, steady torque — do not force

Compliance & Standards

  • DIN 6912:2021 — Hexagon socket head cap screws with low head and pilot recess
  • ISO 3506-1 — Mechanical properties of corrosion-resistant stainless steel fasteners — bolts, screws and studs
  • ISO 68-1 — Metric screw threads: General plan
  • ISO 4759-1 — Tolerances for fasteners
  • EN 10088 — Stainless steels: List of stainless steels (1.4401 / SUS316)
  • RoHS compliant — no restricted substances in A4 stainless steel

Packaging & Supply

  • Available in bulk bags, plastic boxes, and custom packaging for OEM and MRO supply
  • Standard packaging quantities: 10 pcs, 25 pcs, 50 pcs, 100 pcs, 500 pcs (size-dependent)
  • Wholesale and B2B pricing available — contact FULLERKREG for volume quotations
  • Full material certifications (mill certs, ISO 3506 compliance, material test reports) available on request
  • Custom lengths and non-standard sizes available on request (MOQ applies)
  • RoHS and REACH compliant documentation available

Why Choose FULLERKREG DIN 6912 A4 Stainless?

  • A4 (SUS316) marine-grade stainless — superior chloride and pitting resistance vs. A2 for demanding environments
  • Manufactured to DIN 6912:2021 dimensional standards — not nominal equivalents
  • A4-70 mechanical properties verified per ISO 3506-1 with full material traceability
  • Pilot recess geometry precisely formed for reliable ball-end hex key engagement at up to 25°
  • Full size range M3–M20 with broad length availability for versatile application coverage
  • Consistent natural stainless finish — no coating variation or adhesion concerns
  • Competitive lead times for standard sizes; custom configurations on request
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