Screws are used to fasten items together and are a necessary tool for many jobs. They come in different sizes and types of materials to hold equipment, furniture and more securely. Screws are also a good alternative to nails, as they are strong and offer a stronger bond that prevents flexing during removal. However, it can be difficult to understand how screws are sized and what their requirements are. In this article, we will look at what size screw is M8.
Metric screws are measured using the M (for metric) system, which includes several measurements for bolt diameter and thread pitch. The M stamped on the bolt designates that it is a metric screw, and the number indicates how many millimeters the shank size is in diameter. This measurement is what separates metric bolts from imperial bolts, and it is important to know when to use one or the other.
The M8 bolt is a metric bolt that is 8mm (8) in diameter and has a thread pitch of 1.25mm. You can find this type of bolt on bicycles, and it is often used to connect shifter cables, brake levers and more. You can use 6mm Allen wrenches or 13mm hexagonal wrenches to screw and unscrew M8 bolts and nuts.
In addition to the M stamped on the bolt, metric screws have a number indicating the thread size. The larger the number, the finer the thread. The number is usually written in a fraction form, and it’s important to know the fraction before you purchase a new bolt to ensure that you have the right size.
If you don’t have a metric wrench on hand, you can easily determine the thread pitch by measuring the bolt’s diameter. The shaft diameter of a metric bolt is slightly larger than the hole that it will fit into, and it’s common to drill clearance holes that are slightly bigger to allow for misalignment.
Metric bolts are also offered in coarse and fine thread pitches, and there are even extra-fine options for certain diameters. Coarse thread pitches have a lower susceptibility to cross-threading, seizing and galling, while fine threads have more tendency to loosen.
To install an M8 expansion bolt, you will need to first drill a pilot hole in the location of the attachment point. This pilot hole should be a little smaller than the actual bolt, and it should have a smooth surface. Next, you will need to tap the hole with a threading tool, which will create the screw’s threads. It’s important to note that you should only tap a bolt when it is firmly in place, as tapping it too early can result in looseness or stripped threads. Lastly, you will need to apply a sealant to the head of the bolt and nut to keep them in place. This will prevent moisture from damaging the threads and preventing them from being tightened. When you’re finished, your M8 expansion bolt will be completely secure and ready to support whatever weight you need it to hold up.