ISO 7380 Button Head Socket Cap Screw — Full Specifications, Dimensions & Applications Guide

ISO 7380 defines the button head socket cap screw — a fully threaded metric fastener with a low-profile domed head and hexagon socket drive. Available as Part 1 (plain button head, M3-M20) and Part 2 (flanged button head, M5-M16). Equivalent to DIN 7380.

High-quality machine screws with hex socket drive for industrial applications. Precision-engineered for durability and reliable fastening in various manufacturing and construction projects.

What Is an ISO 7380 Button Head Socket Screw?

The ISO 7380 button head socket cap screw is a metric fastener characterised by its low-profile, dome-shaped head with an internal hexagon (Allen) socket. The button head profile provides a sleeker appearance than a standard socket cap head while delivering reliable clamping force for general-purpose assemblies.

ISO 7380 is published in two parts:

  • ISO 7380-1 — Button head hexagon socket head cap screw (plain dome head, M3-M20)
  • ISO 7380-2 — Button head hexagon socket head cap screw with flange (M5-M16)

ISO 7380 is functionally equivalent to DIN 7380 and is widely manufactured in China, Germany, Taiwan, and India for global industrial supply chains.

How the ISO 7380 Button Head Works

The button head geometry achieves a balance between a low installation profile and an adequate bearing surface. The dome radius distributes underhead compressive stress across the mating surface, and when tightened to the specified torque, the large-diameter head face generates sufficient friction to maintain joint preload under vibration.

Key geometry: The head diameter-to-shank ratio of ISO 7380-1 is approximately 1.75x, giving a bearing area roughly 200% larger than the screw cross-section. The flanged ISO 7380-2 extends this further, making it preferable for aluminium extrusions, plastic panels, or thin sheet metal where a washer would otherwise be needed.

Drive system: The hexagon socket (Allen drive) provides high torque in a compact space, prevents slipping (unlike Phillips/Pozidriv), and allows installation where external wrenching is impossible.

Close-up of a hexagon socket button head screw with flange, showing detailed threading and head design, used in industrial applications.

ISO 7380-1 Full Dimensions Table (M3-M20)

Complete dimensional data per ISO 7380-1:2011. All values in millimetres.

Thread (d)Pitch (P) Head Dia. dk maxHead Height k max Socket (s)Socket Depth t min Key Engage. e min
M30.505.701.6521.042.30
M40.707.602.202.51.302.87
M50.809.502.7531.563.44
M61.0010.503.3042.084.58
M81.2514.004.4052.605.72
M101.5017.505.5063.126.86
M121.7521.006.6084.169.15
M162.0028.008.80105.2011.43
M202.5033.0011.00126.2413.72

All dimensions in mm. Per ISO 7380-1:2011. Tolerance: 6g thread, h15 head.

ISO 7380-2 Flanged Variant Dimensions (M5-M16)

The flanged version adds a washer-style flange at the base of the head, increasing the bearing area and reducing the risk of head pull-through in soft substrates.

Thread (d)Pitch (P) Head Dia. dkFlange Dia. dc Head Height kSocket (s)Socket Depth t
M50.809.5011.502.7531.56
M61.0010.5013.003.3042.08
M81.2514.0017.004.4052.60
M101.5017.5021.505.5063.12
M121.7521.0025.006.6084.16
M162.0028.0034.008.80105.20

ISO 7380-2 flanged variant. Flange provides wider bearing area, reducing substrate stress. Dimensions in mm.

Recommended Tightening Torques

The following torques achieve approximately 90% of yield load for each property class under dry conditions. Reduce values by 20% when using lubrication. Always apply anti-galling compound to stainless steel threads before assembly.

SizeGrade 10.9 (Nm)A2-70 Stainless (Nm)A4-70 Stainless (Nm)
M31.31.01.0
M42.92.42.4
M55.74.64.6
M69.77.87.8
M823.618.918.9
M1046.737.437.4
M1281.265.065.0
M16196157157
M20385308308

Dry (unlubricated) condition. Reduce 20% with lubrication. Apply anti-galling compound to stainless threads.

ISO 7380 vs ISO 4762 vs DIN 916 — Comparison

Selecting the correct screw type depends on the application load, clearance, and appearance requirements.

Property ISO 7380-1 (Button Head) ISO 7380-2 (Flanged Button) ISO 4762 (Socket Cap) DIN 916 (Set Screw)
Head TypeLow domeLow dome + flangeTall cylindricalHeadless
Profile HeightLowLowHighFlush/recessed
Clamping ForceModerateHigher (wider bearing)HighN/A (locking)
Soft Material UseGoodExcellentModerateSpecialist
Aesthetic AppealHighHighIndustrialMinimal
Typical Grade10.9 / A2 / A410.9 / A2 / A412.9 / A2 / A445H / A2 / A4
Size RangeM3-M20M5-M16M1.6-M36M1.4-M24

Materials & Property Classes

ISO 7380 screws are manufactured in the following materials and grades. Always specify the grade when ordering to ensure correct mechanical properties.

MaterialGradeTensile StrengthHardnessBest For
Carbon Steel10.91040 MPa min33-39 HRCGeneral machinery, automotive, structural
Stainless SteelA2-70700 MPa minMax 250 HVFood equipment, mild corrosion environments
Stainless SteelA4-70700 MPa minMax 250 HVMarine, chemical, high-moisture
Stainless SteelA2-80800 MPa minMax 250 HVHigher-strength corrosion-resistant needs
Titanium Grade 5Ti-6Al-4V895 MPa min30-36 HRCAerospace, cycling, weight-critical

Note on stainless steel (A2/A4): Stainless button head screws are prone to galling (cold welding of threads during tightening). Always apply a copper-based anti-galling lubricant (e.g., Molykote 1000 or Copaslip) before assembly. Tighten slowly and steadily.

Key Applications of ISO 7380 Screws

The low-profile dome head makes ISO 7380 the preferred fastener where clearance is limited, aesthetics matter, or substrate damage must be minimised:

  • Electronics & enclosures — PCB mounting, chassis assembly, control panel covers
  • Aluminium extrusion profiles — T-slot framing, CNC machine guards, conveyor frames
  • Consumer products & furniture — Flat-pack assemblies, display fixtures, retail shelving
  • Automotive trim & interior — Interior trim panels, dashboard components, light clusters
  • Bicycle & sports equipment — Stem clamps, derailleur guards, water bottle mounts
  • Medical devices — Equipment casings, surgical trolleys (A4-70 for sterile environments)
  • Marine & outdoor — Grade A4-70 for rigging hardware, deck equipment, pontoon fittings

How to Install ISO 7380 Screws — 5 Steps

  1. Select the correct hex key: Match the socket size (e.g., 5 mm for M8). Use a T-handle or L-key for best torque control. Never use a worn or oversized key.
  2. Prepare the thread: Ensure tapped holes are clean and free of chips. For stainless screws, apply anti-galling lubricant to both the thread and underhead bearing surface.
  3. Hand-start the screw: Thread in by hand until finger-tight. Cross-threading at this stage will damage both the screw and the tapped hole.
  4. Apply torque with a calibrated torque wrench: Tighten to the specified value in a single smooth movement. Avoid rapid or jerky tightening, especially with stainless.
  5. Inspect the installed head: The dome should sit flush or just above the mating surface. Tilting or socket damage indicates insufficient thread engagement or misalignment.

Minimum thread engagement: 1x diameter in steel; 1.5-2x in aluminium; 2-3x in plastic or zinc die-cast.

How to Order ISO 7380 — Specification Format

ISO 7380-1 - M8 x 25 - A2
  • ISO 7380-1 = Button head socket screw (plain head)
  • ISO 7380-2 = Flanged button head socket screw
  • M8 = Nominal thread diameter
  • x 25 = Nominal length in mm
  • A2 = Grade: A2 stainless (or 10.9 for carbon steel, A4 for marine)

For surface treatment, add: plain (self-colour), zinc-plated, black oxide, or hot-dip galvanised.

High-Strength Industrial Fasteners for Machinery and Equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions About ISO 7380

ISO 7380-1 specifies the plain button head socket screw (smooth dome head only), while ISO 7380-2 adds an integral flange under the head. The flange distributes the clamping load over a larger bearing area, making the flanged version better for soft materials such as aluminium and plastics, or where a washer would normally be needed.
ISO 7380-1 and 7380-2 are manufactured in property class 10.9 (carbon steel) and grades A2-70, A2-80, A4-70, and A4-80 (stainless steel). The 10.9 carbon steel version has a minimum tensile strength of 1040 MPa and is the most common for general-purpose industrial use.
ISO 7380 button head screws are suitable for moderate-load structural joints. The low-profile dome head has a smaller bearing area than an ISO 4762 socket cap screw head, which limits the clamp force before the head indents the surface. For heavy structural loads, ISO 4762 (socket cap) or a flanged variant (ISO 7380-2) is preferred.
An M8 ISO 7380 button head screw requires a 5 mm hexagon socket key (per the standard). Use a well-fitting key to avoid rounding the socket. A ball-end hex key is acceptable at low angles but should not be used to apply full torque.
For M6 ISO 7380-1 in grade A2-70 stainless steel, the recommended tightening torque is approximately 7.8 Nm (dry). Always apply an anti-galling compound such as copper paste or Molykote 1000 before tightening stainless fasteners. With lubricant, reduce the torque value by approximately 20%.
ISO 7380 and DIN 7380 specify the same button head socket screw. The DIN standard was largely superseded by the ISO standard, and most manufacturers now reference ISO 7380. The dimensional differences are negligible and the screws are functionally interchangeable.
Common surface treatments include: zinc electroplating (bright or yellow passivated, RoHS-compliant), black oxide (mild corrosion resistance, aesthetic), hot-dip galvanising (heavy corrosion protection), and Geomet/Dacromet coating (excellent galvanic corrosion resistance). Stainless steel grades ship in self-colour (plain) condition.
For ISO 7380-1 and 7380-2, the screw is fully threaded when the nominal length is 4x the nominal diameter or shorter (e.g., M8 x 32 and shorter are fully threaded). For longer lengths, there is an unthreaded shank under the head. Thread engagement should be at least 1x the nominal diameter in steel, and 1.5-2x in aluminium.