Dimensions
Wrench sizes follow ISO 4014 / ISO 4017. Older DIN 931 / DIN 933 bolts differ at several sizes (M10 = 17, M12 = 19, M14 = 22, M22 = 32) - check the bolt before choosing a spanner.
ISO 273 clearance holes (fine / medium / coarse).
Tightening torque estimate
Target preload is 75% of proof load; torque is estimated from T = K · F · d.
Strengths are ISO 898-1:2013 Table 3 for d ≤ 16 mm. Class 8.8 is size-banded - 580 MPa proof at or below 16 mm, 600 MPa above - while 10.9 and 12.9 hold one value across the range.
These figures assume a nut factor of K = 0.20 (dry / as-received steel). K captures thread and head friction and can swing torque by 30% or more - a lubricated joint needs noticeably less. Change the lubrication assumption in the bolt-torque calculator. Put M3 × 0.5 on a job sheet
The bolt schedule collects the fasteners for one job onto a single sheet - tap drill, wrench size, grade and tightening torque on every line, taken straight from pages like this one. Free schedules hold 3 lines and are saved in this browser only.
What tap drill do I need for M3 × 0.5?
For a M3 × 0.5 thread, drill the hole with a 2.5 mm tap drill (2.5 mm - the standard D − P rule) before tapping. That produces roughly 77% thread engagement, the usual target for a strong, tappable hole. The mating bolt has a major diameter of 3 mm and a pitch of 0.5 mm (≈50.8 TPI (converted)).
To pass a M3 × 0.5 bolt through a part rather than thread it, use a clearance hole: Close 3.2 · Normal 3.4 · Loose 3.6 mm.
All values are generated from the standard thread formulas (ISO 68-1 / ASME B1.1) and published standard tables - not hand-entered. See the full reference.
Frequently asked questions
What drill size do I need to tap a M3 × 0.5 thread?
Drill 2.5 mm before tapping M3 × 0.5. That leaves roughly 77% thread engagement, the usual target for a strong hole that still taps cleanly.
Is M3 × 0.5 a coarse or fine thread?
M3 × 0.5 is a metric coarse thread. Coarse is the default pitch for M3: when a drawing or supplier says just M3, it means this 0.5 mm pitch.
What size clearance hole does a M3 × 0.5 bolt need?
Drill 3.2 mm for a close fit, 3.4 mm for a normal fit or 3.6 mm for a loose fit (ISO 273). A clearance hole lets the M3 × 0.5 bolt pass through the part instead of threading into it.
How much torque should I use on a M3 × 0.5 bolt?
Estimated tightening torque for M3 × 0.5 runs from 1.31 N·m (Class 8.8) to 2.2 N·m (Class 12.9), targeting 75% of proof load with a dry nut factor of K = 0.20. Lubricated threads need noticeably less torque.