Overview
ISO 262:2023 specifies selected sizes for bolts, screws, studs, and nuts utilizing ISO general purpose metric screw threads (M). Covering nominal diameters from 1 mm to 100 mm, this standard provides an internationally recognized reference for fastener dimensions adopting the basic and design profiles set out in ISO 68-1. The document’s size selections are based on the established diameter and pitch combinations identified in ISO 261, ensuring compatibility and uniformity within global supply chains. This standard is essential for manufacturers, designers, and engineers seeking reliable, interoperable metric thread sizes in commercial and industrial applications.
Key Topics
- Nominal Diameter and Pitch: Defines a comprehensive list of standardized thread sizes and their associated coarse and fine pitches for bolts, screws, studs, and nuts.
- Applicability: Focuses on general-purpose metric screw threads intended for commercial fasteners, supporting use in a variety of industries.
- Selection Criteria: Sizes and pitch combinations are chosen to maximize versatility, manufacturing efficiency, and interchangeability.
- Designation Guidance: Reference to ISO 965-1 for clear and standardized thread designation practices.
- Terminology: Utilizes vocabulary as per ISO 5408, aligning terms with global best practices for technical communication.
Applications
ISO 262:2023 is fundamental for the following use cases:
- Mechanical Engineering: Standardizing screws and bolts for machine assemblies, ensuring that components sourced from disparate suppliers fit together seamlessly.
- Manufacturing and Production: Streamlining procurement of fasteners and enabling batch production with consistent thread dimensions.
- Automotive and Aerospace: Applying global thread standards for parts subject to high safety and reliability requirements.
- Construction and Infrastructure: Ensuring compatibility and reliability in bolted connections for building and civil engineering.
- Quality Assurance: Providing manufacturers and specifiers with a definitive set of fastener sizes, reducing variation and improving supply chain efficiency.
By unifying metric screw thread sizing, ISO 262:2023 simplifies product selection, boosts operational consistency, and lowers the risk of assembly errors.
Related Standards
- ISO 68-1: Defines the basic and design profiles for ISO general purpose screw threads, establishing the fundamental geometry used in ISO 262.
- ISO 261: Outlines the general plan for metric screw thread sizes, from which the selections in ISO 262 are derived.
- ISO 965-1: Provides tolerance principles and data, ensuring unified thread designation and inspection criteria.
- ISO 5408: Details the vocabulary for screw threads, enabling clear, consistent communication across documentation and international markets.
ISO 262:2023 is central to the standardization of metric fastener sizes and supports efficient, globalized procurement and manufacturing processes. Utilizing these internationally accepted thread sizes contributes significantly to sustainable production, maintenance efficiency, and reduced supply chain risk. For organizations operating in any sector utilizing fasteners, adherence to ISO 262:2023 is a critical factor for successful product development and lifecycle management.
Open preview (PDF)ISO general purpose metric screw threads — Selected sizes for bolts, screws, studs and nuts