Metric Fastener Specifications

[zora65]

Hopefully this is not an off the wall question, I come from a background of specifying hardware by using a MIL-Spec and dash number to describe exactly the part I want. For example, in the old days I would call out MS51957-3 and I knew I was going to get a “Screw, Machine, Pan Head, 2-56 x .250L” part. I could reference the MS number on a BOM and I knew that the purchasing department could source this part from anywhere.

Currently, my career takes me down the path of metric hardware. I am trying to get my purchasing department to buy some ISO specifications so I can familiarize myself with them but wanted to know if someone could tell me if Metric specifications are somewhat similar to a Mil-Spec. Specifically, do metric specifications detail parts like the example above? Are there dash numbers detailing out thread sizes, length, etc..? Or are they vague?
I appreciate any input you may have.

 

[TVP]

The following is an example designation from ISO 14583:

A hexalobular socket pan head screw with thread M5, nominal length l = 20 mm and property class 4.8 is designated as follows:

Hexalobular socket pan head screw ISO 14583 - M5 x 20 - 4.8

 

[KENAT]

zora65, from memory I don't think they specify them quite as explicitly as the MS standards. However I worked British Standards and some of the older ones may not have been fully aligned with the actual ISOs.

I have the same frustration here, we don't define our hardware properly, certainly don't call up MS etc.

KENAT,

Have you reminded yourself of faq731-376 recently?

 

[unclesyd]

Until you get the ISO or ASTM Standards here is little information that might help.

http://euler9.tripod.com/bolt-database/22.html

http://mdmetric.com/tech/267part9.htm