Applications and selection
Sheet-metal assemblies whose material stack falls within the specified screw drilling capability.
Include the metal type, combined thickness, point type, head, drive and finish. The drill capacity must be confirmed for the exact screw.
Dimensions & technical reference
ISO 15480:2019
The hexagon washer head shown uses ISO 15480. ISO 15481 specifies a cross-recessed pan head, and ISO 15482 a cross-recessed countersunk head. Specify drilling capacity for the actual sheet stack.
| Nominal size | P | dc max | k max | s max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ST2.9 | 1.1 | 6.30 | 2.80 | 4.00 |
| ST3.5 | 1.3 | 8.3 | 3.4 | 5.5 |
| ST4.2 | 1.4 | 8.8 | 4.1 | 7 |
| ST4.8 | 1.6 | 10.5 | 4.3 | 8 |
| ST5.5 | 1.8 | 11 | 5.4 | 8 |
| ST6.3 | 1.8 | 13.5 | 5.9 | 10 |
Dimensional source: 164580 · ISO 15480:2019 ↗. “—” means no value listed for this combination. P is thread pitch; min / max are dimensional limits. The selection above is not the full standard or a stock list.
Other head forms
Choose the head form before selecting dimensions. The following tables are separate specifications.
| Nominal size | P | dk max | k max | Cross recess number |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ST2.9 | 1.1 | 5.6 | 2.4 | 1 |
| ST3.5 | 1.3 | 7 | 2.6 | 2 |
| ST4.2 | 1.4 | 8 | 3.1 | 2 |
| ST4.8 | 1.6 | 9.5 | 3.7 | 2 |
| ST5.5 | 1.8 | 11 | 4 | 3 |
| ST6.3 | 1.8 | 12 | 4.6 | 3 |
Dimensional source: 164580 · ISO 15481:1999 · cross-recessed pan head ↗. “—” means no value listed for this combination. P is thread pitch; min / max are dimensional limits. The selection above is not the full standard or a stock list.
| Nominal size | P | dk actual max | k max | Cross recess number |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ST2.9 | 1.1 | 5.5 | 1.7 | 1 |
| ST3.5 | 1.3 | 7.3 | 2.35 | 2 |
| ST4.2 | 1.4 | 8.4 | 2.6 | 2 |
| ST4.8 | 1.6 | 9.3 | 2.8 | 2 |
| ST5.5 | 1.8 | 10.3 | 3 | 3 |
| ST6.3 | 1.8 | 11.3 | 3.15 | 3 |
Dimensional source: 164580 · ISO 15482:1999 · cross-recessed countersunk head ↗. “—” means no value listed for this combination. P is thread pitch; min / max are dimensional limits. The selection above is not the full standard or a stock list.
ISO 15480 official scope · ISO 15481 official scope. The ISO head-form tables shown cover ST2.9–ST6.3. Larger catalog inquiries are drawing-based.
Catalog inquiry range: ST3.5 - ST8.8. Availability, lengths, grades and finishes are confirmed by quotation. Sizes outside the cited reference table require the applicable standard dimensions or an approved drawing. Quote the exact standard and edition; DIN, ISO and U.S. references are not automatically interchangeable.
Materials, surface finishes and standards
Materials for this series: Carbon Steel, Stainless Steel. Surface finishes: Ruspert, Zinc Plated. Compatibility between the grade, finish and operating environment needs to be confirmed.
For titanium, nickel alloy or other non-ferrous requirements, include the exact material grade and drawing. Required mechanical properties, inspection documents and traceability should be stated in the inquiry.
SAE J78 covers carbon-steel self-drilling tapping screws and performance requirements. Confirm point style, drilling capacity and substrate. Standards from different systems can vary in dimensions, threads, product scope and test requirements. Confirm the exact designation and edition in the quotation.
Ordering standard
ISO 15480:2019 (hex washer head); ISO 15481:1999 (pan); ISO 15482:1999 (countersunk)
United States references for a separate inquiry: SAE J78 (U.S. self-drilling tapping screw reference). Confirm the exact form, thread system and drawing before quoting.
What to send for a quotation
- Self-drilling screws or your part number, with the relevant standard and edition.
- Exact dimensions, thread details, quantity and any critical tolerances.
- Material grade, surface finish, inspection requirements and delivery destination.
- For customization, a drawing revision and a description of the mating assembly.
Common questions about self-drilling screws
Can one self-drilling screw work through every sheet thickness?
No. The drilling capability depends on the screw design and the materials being joined. Include the actual material stack in the inquiry.
Can I request a size or material outside this listing?
Yes. Send the required dimensions and exact material grade for review. A quotation is needed to confirm feasibility, price and lead time.
