BS 57 (1951)

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UDC 621.882.082.1(42)
Specification for
BRITISH STANDARD
B.A. Screws bolts and nuts
BS 57:1951
Incorporating Amendment Nos. 1, 2 and 3
BS 57:1951
Co-operating organizations
The Mechanical Engineering Industry Standards Committee, under whose supervision this British Standard was prepared, consists of representatives from the following Government departments and scientific and industrial organizations:
Admiralty* Air Ministry Association of Consulting Engineers (Incorporated) Associated Offices Technical Committee British Chemical Plant Manufacturers Association British Compressed Air Society British Electrical and Allied Manufacturers Association* British Engineers Association* British Internal Combustion Engine Manufacturers Association* British Iron and Steel Federation* British Railways, The Railway Executive* Crown Agents for the Colonies* Department of Scientific and Industrial Research Engineering Equipment Users Association* Institute of Marine Engineers Institute of Petroleum Institution of Civil Engineers Institution of Gas Engineers Institution of Heating and Ventilating Engineers Institution of Mechanical Engineers Institution of Mechanical Engineers (Automobile Division) Institution of Production Engineers* Locomotive Manufacturers Association* Machine Tool Trades Association* Ministry of Fuel and Power Ministry of Labour and National Service (Factory Department) Ministry of Supply* Ministry of Transport* Ministry of Works Office of the High Commissioner for India* War Office
The Government departments and scientific organizations marked with an asterisk in the above list, together with the following, were directly represented on the committee entrusted with the preparation of this British Standard:
Aircraft Bolt and Nut Manufacturers Association Bright Bolt and Nut Manufacturers Association Bright Steel Bar Association British Constructional Steelwork Association British Cycle and Motor Cycle Manufacturers and Traders Union Ltd British Steel Wire Industries Association Cold Headed Heat-treated Bolt Association Council of British Manufacturers of Petroleum Equipment General Post Office Institution of Naval Architects This British Standard, having been approved by the Mechanical Engineering Industry Standards Committee and endorsed by the chairman of the Engineering Divisional Council, was published under the authority of the General Council on 31 March 1951 BSI 09-1999 First published 1920 First revision September 1944 Second revision March 1951 Metal Thread Screw Manufacturers Association (Rolled Screw Section) Metal Thread Screw Manufacturers Association (Turned Screw Section) National Physical Laboratory Oil Companies Materials Committee Radio Industry Council Society of British Aircraft Constructors Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders Ltd. Telecommunications, Engineering and Manufacturing Association Washer Manufacturers Association
Amendments issued since publication Amd. No. 4329 5901 1528 Date of issue October 1961 August 1966 August 1974 Indicated by a sideline in the margin Comments
ISBN 0 580 00920 3
BS 57:1951
Contents
Page Co-operating organizations Inside front cover Foreword ii Section 1. Screws, bolts and nuts 1 Scope 1 2 Method of manufacture 1 3 Material 1 4 Dimensions 1 5 Length of screws and bolts 1 6 Ends of screws and bolts 1 7 Screw threads 2 8 Length of thread on screws and bolts 2 9 Chamfering and washer-facing 3 Section 2. Plain washers Deleted Appendix A Special types of screws not normally stocked 14 Appendix B Approximate proportions 16 Appendix C Metric slot widths 16 Figure 1 Alternative types of ends permissible on screws and bolts 2 Figure 2 Cheese head screw 4 Figure 3 Round head screw 5 Figure 4 Countersunk head screw 6 Figure 5 Raised-countersunk head screw 7 Figure 6 Hexagonal headed screw 8 Figure 7 Hexagonal headed bolt 8 Figure 8 Washer faced head 8 Figure 9 Hexagonal ordinary nut 9 Figure 10 Hexagonal thin (or lock) nut 9 Figure 11 Hexagonal ordinary nut 9 Figure 14 Raised cheese (fillister) head screw 14 Figure 15 Connection head screw 15 Table 1 Cheese head screws 4 Table 2 Round head screws 5 Table 3 Countersunk head screws 6 Table 4 Raised-countersunk (instrument) head screws 7 Table 5 Hexagonal headed screws and bolts 8 Table 6 Hexagonal ordinary (or full) and thin (or lock) nuts 9 Table 7 Lengths of steel and brass cheese and countersunk head B.A. screws (screwed to head) 10 Table 8 Lengths of steel and brass round head B.A. screws (screwed to head) 11 Table 9 Lengths of steel and brass raised-countersunk (instrument) head B.A. screws (screwed to head) 12 Table 10 Lengths of steel hexagonal head B.A. screws (screwed to head) and bolts (2 B.A. only) 13 Table 13 Raised cheese (fillister) head screws 14 Table 14 Connection head screws 15 Table 15 Slot widths 17
NOTE The requirements for washers in this standard have been superseded by the publication of BS 3410, Metal washers for general engineering purposes, to which reference should now be made.
BSI 09-1999
BS 57:1951
Foreword
This standard requires reference to the following: BS 93:1951, British Association (B.A.) screw threads, with tolerances for sizes 0 B.A. to 16 B.A. BS 4183:1967, Machine screws and machine screw nuts metric series. This British Standard was first issued in 1920. The provisions of that edition related solely to the dimensions of the heads of the various types of screws and the dimensions of ordinary hexagon nuts. When the first revision of the standard was published in 1944 its scope was extended to include requirements for the complete dimensions of screws, bolts and nuts; in addition, dimensions for lock nuts and for two sizes of washers were given. The edition was issued as a War Emergency British Standard and took into account recommendations, contained in instructions issued by the Ministry of Supply, which indicated those types, sizes and lengths of small screws and bolts regarded as standard production. General dimensions for all the common types and sizes of B.A. screws bolts and nuts were included in the standard, but the dimensions for types not recognized as standard were given in an Appendix. The tables in the body of the specification designated selected sizes as standard and all other sizes as specials. A table of Standard lengths of steel and brass B.A. bolts and screws for wartime production was given in an Appendix. The War Emergency edition has now been reviewed in the light of present-day conditions and, whilst the principles stated above have been largely adopted in the present revision, certain modifications which more recent experience has shown to be desirable have been incorporated. There has been some rearrangement of the tables of general dimensions, including the transfer of the table of dimensions for Raised-countersunk (instrument) head screws and bolts from the Appendix to the body of the standard. The ranges of nominal sizes given in these tables are now designated Preferred, Second choice and Not normally stocked; the table of standard lengths has been reviewed and tables are now included in the standard relating to each type of screw and showing the lengths in which each size is normally stocked and other lengths which may be regarded as standard, although they are not normally stocked. Finally, since the production of B.A. bolts is very small compared with that of B.A. screws, the title of the standard has been suitably revised. A British Standard does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a contract. Users of British Standards are responsible for their correct application. Compliance with a British Standard does not of itself confer immunity from legal obligations.
Summary of pages This document comprises a front cover, an inside front cover, pages i and ii, pages 1 to 17 and a back cover. This standard has been updated (see copyright date) and may have had amendments incorporated. This will be indicated in the amendment table on the inside front cover. ii
BSI 09-1999
BS 57:1951
Section 1. Screws, bolts and nuts 1 Scope

Section 1 of this British Standard specifies requirements and dimensions for both ferrous and non-ferrous screws, bolts and nuts.
5 Length of screws and bolts

a) Countersunk heads. The nominal length shall be the distance from the upper surface of the head to the extreme end of the shank, including any chamfer or radius. b) Raised-countersunk (instrument) heads. The nominal length shall be the distance from the upper surface of the head (excluding the raised portion) to the extreme end of the shank, including any chamfer or radius. c) Hexagonal, round, cheese, raised-cheese (fillister), and connection heads. The nominal length shall be the distance from the underside of the head to the extreme end of the shank, including any chamfer or radius.
NOTE The nominal lengths of screws normally stocked are given in Table 7, Table 8, Table 9 and Table 10. Bolts (screwed part way) are not normally stocked but should be ordered to the lengths given in Table 7, Table 8, Table 9 and Table 10.
2 Method of manufacture
Screws and bolts may be either turned from bars or forged.
3 Material
The material from which the screws, bolts and nuts are manufactured shall have an ultimate tensile stress of not less than the following: Steel Brass Aluminium alloy 25 tons/sq. in. 20 tons/sq. in. 20 tons/sq. in.
If the purchaser requires the screws, bolts and nuts to be manufactured from steel or brass of a higher tensile stress, or of another material, he shall specify the ultimate tensile stress of the material.
NOTE The choice of alloy should normally be left to the manufacturer, but among suitable light alloys satisfying the requirement are the following: For screws, bolts and nuts turned from wire or from the bar: BS 1475 or BS 1476 respectively: BS 1475, Aluminium and aluminium alloy wire for general purposes. H.G. 14. T H.G. 15 (Condition W or WP) BS 1476, Aluminium and aluminium alloy rods, bars and sections for general purposes. H.E. 11. WP H.E. 14. T H.E. 15 (Condition W or WP) For screws and bolts cold headed from wire: BS 1475, Aluminium and aluminium alloy wire for general purposes. N.G. 6. M H.G. 14. T H.G. 15 (Condition W or WP)
d) Tolerance on length. The permissible tolerance on the nominal length of screws and bolts shall be as follows:
Nominal length Tolerance
Up to and including (in. Above ( in., up to and including " in. Above " in.
+ 0.01 in. 0. + 0.02 in. 0. + 1/32 in. 0.
6 Ends of screws and bolts

a) Cut threads. The ends of screws and bolts with cut threads may, at the option of the manufacturer, be finished with either a flat chamfer with a 90 included angle to a depth slightly exceeding the depth of thread, or with a radius approximately equal to 1 times the nominal diameter of the shank. b) Rolled threads. When screws and bolts are made with rolled threads the lead formed at the end of the screw or bolt by the thread-rolling operation may be regarded as providing the necessary chamfer to the end and no other machining operation is necessary, unless the purchaser, in his enquiry and order, has specified that the ends shall be finished as in Clause 6 a) above.
NOTE For convenience, one type of end only is illustrated in the Figures at the head of Table 1 to Table 5 inclusive, and Table 13 and Table 14. The three alternative types of end permissible are shown in Figure 1 below.
4 Dimensions
The screws, bolts and nuts shall conform to the dimensions and tolerances given in Table 1, Table 2, Table 3, Table 4, Table 5, Table 6, Table 13 and Table 14, and Clauses 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9. The screw heads shall be concentric with the shank. The slots shall be clean and free from burrs and, on visual inspection, shall appear to be closely co-incident with the centre line of the head.
NOTE Screws and bolts turned from bars can be supplied with a smaller radius under the head if specially ordered.
BSI 09-1999
BS 57:1951
Figure 1 Alternative types of ends permissible on screws and bolts
7 Screw threads
a) Screws and bolts. The screw threads may be either cut or rolled, at the option of the manufacturer. Limits and tolerances shall be as specified for normal class bolts in BS 93:1951, British Association screw threads. Screws and bolts with close class threads are not normally stocked and should not be ordered, except for special work where refined accuracy of pitch and thread form is particularly required. If the limits and tolerances in respect of the screws and bolts are to be as specified for close class bolts in BS 93:1951, this shall be stated by the purchaser in his enquiry and order. b) Nuts. The limits and tolerances of the screw threads shall be as specified in BS 93:1951.
b) Screws: hexagonal, round, cheese, raised-cheese (fillister) and connection heads. These shall be threaded to leave a limited length of unthreaded shank under the head. The length of unthreaded shank is defined as the distance from the leading face of a nut which has been screwed as far as possible on to the screw by hand to the underside of the head. The nut shall have threads as specified in Clause 7 b) and shall not be countersunk. The length of unthreaded shank shall not exceed the following:
Nominal length of screw Length of unthreaded shank
8 Length of thread on screws and bolts

a) Screws: countersunk and raised-countersunk heads. These shall be threaded right up to the head.
Up to and including 5 times the diameter. Greater than 5 times the diameter.
Not to exceed 1 times the pitch. Not to exceed 2 times the pitch.
c) Bolts. The length of thread on bolts shall be the distance from the end of the bolt (including any chamfer or radius) to the leading face of a nut which has been screwed as far as possible on to the bolt by hand. The nut shall have threads as specified in Clause 7 b) and shall not be countersunk.
BSI 09-1999
BS 57:1951
The length of thread shall be not less than three times the nominal diameter of the bolt.
9 Chamfering and washer-facing

a) Hexagonal headed screws and bolts. These shall have a chamfer of approximately 30 on their upper faces. The underside of the head may, at the option of the manufacturer, be finished flat, or in the case of sizes 0 to 6 B.A. inclusive, have a washer-face.
b) Hexagonal ordinary (or full) nuts. These shall have a chamfer of approximately 30 on both faces, but sizes 13 B.A. and smaller may, at the option of the manufacturer, be chamfered on one face only. c) Hexagonal thin (or lock) nuts. These shall have a chamfer of approximately 30 on both faces.
BSI 09-1999
BS 57:1951
Table 1 Cheese head screws
Figure 2 Cheese head screw

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Radius under head R min. in. max. in. max. in. 10 11 Slot Width H min. in. Depth J nom. in. 12 Diameter of shank and major diameter of thread D max. mm. in. max. in.
B.A. No.
Diameter of head A min. in.
Depth of head B max. in.
8 10 12 0a 1 Second choice 3 5 7 9 11 13 14 15 16
Preferred
2 4 6
4.7 3.6 2.8 2.2 1.7 1.3 6.0 5.3 4.1 3.2 2.5 1.9 1.5 1.2 1.0 0.9 0.79
0.185 0.142 0.110 0.087 0.067 0.051 0.236 0.209 0.161 0.126 0.098 0.075 0.059 0.047 0.039 0.035 0.031
0.319 0.252 0.194 0.157 0.112 0.095 0.413 0.366 0.283 0.221 0.173 0.128 0.110 0.081 0.064 0.064 0.058
0.309 0.242 0.184 0.147 0.107 0.090 0.403 0.356 0.273 0.211 0.183 0.123 0.105 0.076 0.059 0.059 0.054
0.130 0.101 0.078 0.063 0.045 0.038 0.167 0.148 0.113 0.088 0.069 0.052 0.045 0.032 0.026 0.026 0.023
0.123 0.095 0.073 0.059 0.041 0.035 0.159 0.141 0.107 0.083 0.064 0.048 0.041 0.029 0.023 0.023 0.020
0.015 0.010 0.010 0.010 0.007 0.005 0.015 0.015 0.015 0.010 0.010 0.007 0.005 0.005 0.003 0.003 0.003
0.052 0.040 0.033 0.030 0.024 0.020 0.064 0.058 0.047 0.040 0.033 0.030 0.024 0.020 0.015 0.015 0.013
0.044 0.034 0.027 0.024 0.019 0.015 0.056 0.050 0.039 0.034 0.027 0.024 0.019 0.015 0.011 0.011 0.009
0.058 0.045 0.035 0.027 0.020 0.017 0.075 0.066 0.051 0.040 0.031 0.024 0.020 0.014 0.012 0.012 0.010
Not normally stocked
NOTE If the slot is produced by plunge milling, dimension J is measured from the upper surface of the head to the point at which the slot breaks out on the surface of the head. a It is recommended that in. B.S.F. screws to BS 450, Bright countersunk, round and cheese head screws (B.S.W. and B.S.F.), be used in preference to O.B.A.
BSI 09-1999
BS 57:1951
Table 2 Round head screws
Figure 3 Round head screw

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Slot Width H max. in. min. in. Depth J nom. in. 13 Diameter of shank and major diameter of thread D max. mm. in. max. in. Radius Radius under of head head R min. in. max. in. F approx. in.
B.A. No.
Preferred
2 4 6
4.7 3.6 2.8 2.2 1.7 6.0 5.3 4.1 3.2 2.5 1.9 1.5 1.3 1.2 1.0 0.9 0.79
0.185 0.142 0.110 0.087 0.067 0.236 0.209 0.161 0.126 0.098 0.075 0.059 0.051 0.047 0.039 0.035 0.031
0.319 0.252 0.194 0.157 0.112 0.413 0.366 0.283 0.221 0.173 0.128 0.110 0.095 0.081 0.064 0.064 0.058
0.309 0.242 0.184 0.147 0.107 0.403 0.356 0.273 0.211 0.163 0.123 0.105 0.090 0.076 0.059 0.059 0.054
0.130 0.101 0.078 0.063 0.045 0.167 0.148 0.113 0.088 0.069 0.052 0.045 0.038 0.032 0.026 0.026 0.023
0.123 0.095 0.073 0.059 0.041 0.159 0.141 0.107 0.083 0.064 0.048 0.041 0.035 0.029 0.023 0.023 0.020
0.015 0.010 0.010 0.010 0.007 0.015 0.015 0.015 0.010 0.010 0.007 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.003 0.003 0.003
0.319 0.252 0.194 0.157 0.112 0.413 0.366 0.283 0.221 0.173 0.128 0.110 0.095 0.081 0.064 0.064 0.058
0.052 0.040 0.033 0.030 0.024 0.084 0.058 0.047 0.040 0.033 0.030 0.024 0.020 0.020 0.015 0.015 0.013
0.044 0.034 0.027 0.024 0.019 0.056 0.050 0.039 0.034 0.027 0.024 0.019 0.015 0.015 0.011 0.011 0.009
0.071 0.056 0.043 0.035 0.025 0.092 0.081 0.062 0.048 0.038 0.029 0.025 0.021 0.018 0.014 0.014 0.013
8 10 0a 1 Second choice 3 5 7 9 11 Not normally stocked 12 13 14 15 16
NOTE 1 If the slot is produced by plunge milling, dimension J is measured from the upper surface of the head to the point at which the slot breaks out on the surface of the head. NOTE 2 Shape of head. The shape of the head shall closely approximate to a half-ellipse Radius G (struck off the underside of the head) must pass through diameter A and touch radius F. a It is recommended that in. B.S.F. screws to BS 450, Bright countersunk, round and cheese head screws (B.S.W. and B.S.F.), be used in preference to O.B.A.
BSI 09-1999
BS 57:1951
Table 3 Countersunk head screws
Figure 4 Countersunk head screw

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Total B min. in. nom. in. E max. in. max. in. 8 9 Width H min. in. 10 Slot Depth J nom. in. 11 Major diameter of thread D max. mm. in. max. in. Diameter of head A Depth of head
B.A. No.
8 10 12 0a 1 Second choice 3 5 7 9 11 13 14 15 16
Preferred
2 4 6
4.7 3.6 2.8 2.2 1.7 1.3 6.0 5.3 4.1 3.2 2.5 1.9 1.5 1.2 1.0 0.9 0.79
0.185 0.142 0.110 0.087 0.067 0.051 0.236 0.209 0.161 0.126 0.098 0.075 0.059 0.047 0.039 0.035 0.031
0.319 0.252 0.194 0.157 0.112 0.095 0.413 0.366 0.283 0.221 0.173 0.128 0.110 0.081 0.064 0.064 0.058
0.309 0.242 0.184 0.147 0.107 0.090 0.403 0.356 0.273 0.211 0.163 0.123 0.105 0.076 0.059 0.059 0.054
0.077 0.065 0.051 0.043 0.030 0.028 0.099 0.089 0.071 0.058 0.047 0.035 0.033 0.023 0.019 0.021 0.019
0.010 0.010 0.009 0.008 0.007 0.006 0.010 0.010 0.010 0.010 0.009 0.008 0.007 0.006 0.006 0.006 0.005
0.052 0.040 0.033 0.030 0.024 0.020 0.064 0.058 0.047 0.040 0.033 0.030 0.024 0.020 0.015 0.015 0.013
0.044 0.034 0.027 0.024 0.019 0.015 0.056 0.050 0.039 0.034 0.027 0.024 0.019 0.015 0.011 0.011 0.009
0.036 0.031 0.024 0.021 0.016 0.014 0.045 0.041 0.033 0.028 0.023 0.018 0.016 0.012 0.011 0.011 0.010
NOTE If the slot is produced by plunge milling, dimension J is measured from the upper surface of the head to the point at which the slot breaks out on the surface of the head. a It is recommended that in. B.S.F. screws to BS 450, Bright countersunk, round and cheese head screws (B.S.W. and B.S.F.), be used in preference to O.B.A.
BSI 09-1999
BS 57:1951
Table 4 Raised-countersunk (instrument) head screws
Figure 5 Raised-countersunk head screw

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Depth of head E min. in. max. in. B nom. in. M approx. in. 9 10 Radius F nom. in. max. in. 11 Width H min. in. 12 Slot Depth J nom. in. 13 Major of diameter of thread D max. mm. in. max. in. Diameter of head A
B.A. No.
Preferred
2 4 6 8 10 0a 1 3 5 7 9 11 12 13 14 15 16
4.7 3.6 2.8 2.2 1.7 6.0 5.3 4.1 3.2 2.5 1.9 1.5 1.3 1.2 1.0 0.9 0.79
0.185 0.142 0.110 0.087 0.067 0.236 0.209 0.161 0.126 0.098 0.075 0.059 0.051 0.047 0.039 0.035 0.031
0.319 0.252 0.194 0.157 0.112 0.413 0.366 0.283 0.221 0.173 0.128 0.110 0.095 0.081 0.064 0.064 0.058
0.309 0.242 0.184 0.147 0.107 0.403 0.356 0.273 0.211 0.163 0.123 0.105 0.090 0.076 0.059 0.059 0.054
0.010 0.010 0.009 0.008 0.007 0.010 0.010 0.010 0.010 0.009 0.008 0.007 0.006 0.006 0.006 0.006 0.005
0.077 0.065 0.051 0.043 0.030 0.099 0.089 0.071 0.058 0.047 0.035 0.033 0.028 0.023 0.019 0.021 0.019
0.036 0.029 0.023 0.019 0.013 0.048 0.042 0.035 0.026 0.022 0.014 0.013 0.012 0.009 0.008 0.008 0.006
0.370 0.283 0.220 0.173 0.134 0.472 0.417 0.323 0.252 0.197 0.150 0.118 0.102 0.094 0.079 0.071 0.062
0.052 0.040 0.033 0.030 0.024 0.064 0.058 0.047 0.040 0.033 0.030 0.024 0.020 0.020 0.015 0.015 0.013
0.044 0.034 0.027 0.024 0.019 0.056 0.050 0.039 0.034 0.027 0.024 0.019 0.015 0.015 0.011 0.011 0.009
0.059 0.049 0.039 0.033 0.024 0.075 0.067 0.056 0.045 0.037 0.027 0.024 0.022 0.018 0.016 0.016 0.013
NOTE If the slot is produced by plunge milling, dimension J is measured from the upper surface of the head to the point at which the slot breaks out on the surface of the head. a It is recommended that in. B.S.F. screws (which will be included in the revised BS 450) be used in preference to O.B.A.
BSI 09-1999
BS 57:1951
Table 5 Hexagonal headed screws and bolts
Figure 6 Hexagonal headed screw
Figure 7 Hexagonal headed bolt
Figure 8 Washer faced head

Alternative type of head permissible on screw and bolts, sizes 0 to 6 B.A. inclusive only [see Clause 9 a)].
7 Width across corners E max. in.
10 Radius under head R max. in.
11
12
13 Length of thread of bolts L min. in.
B.A. No.
Diameter of shank and major diameter of thread D max. mm. in.
Width across flats A max. in. min. in.
Thickness of head B max. in. min. in.
Diameter of washer face C max. in. min. in.
Preferred
2 4 0a 1 3 5 6 7 8 9 10
4.7 3.6 6.0 5.3 4.1 3.2 2.8 2.5 2.2 1.9 1.7
0.185 0.142 0.236 0.209 0.161 0.126 0.110 0.098 0.087 0.075 0.067
0.324 0.248 0.413 0.365 0.282 0.220 0.193 0.172 0.152 0.131 0.117
0.319 0.243 0.408 0.360 0.277 0.216 0.189 0.169 0.149 0.128 0.114
0.37 0.29 0.48 0.42 0.33 0.25 0.22 0.20 0.18 0.15 0.14
0.139 0.106 0.177 0.156 0.121 0.094 0.083 0.074 0.065 0.056 0.050
0.132 0.100 0.169 0.149 0.115 0.089 0.078 0.070 0.061 0.052 0.046
0.015 0.010 0.015 0.015 0.015 0.010 0.010 0.010 0.010 0.007 0.007
0.319 0.243 0.408 0.360 0.277 0.216 0.189
0.309 0.233 0.398 0.350 0.267 0.206 0.179
0.55 0.43 0.71 0.63 0.48 0.38 0.33 0.29 0.26 0.22 0.20
a It
is recommended that in. B.S.F. screws and bolts to BS 1083, Precision hexagon bolts, screws, nuts (B.S.W. and B.S.F. threads) and plain washers, be used in preference to O.B.A.
BSI 09-1999
BS 57:1951
Table 6 Hexagonal ordinary (or full) nuts and thin (or lock) nuts
Figure 9 Hexagonal ordinary nut
Figure 10 Hexagonal thin (or lock) nut
Figure 11 Hexagonal ordinary nut Alternative chamfering permissible on sizes 13 B.A. and smaller. [see Clause 9 b)].
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Width across corners E min. in. max. in. max. in. 8 9 Thickness Ordinary (or full) nuts B min. in. max. in. Thin (or lock) nuts C min. in. 10 11 Nominal diameter of thread D max. mm. in. in.
Width across flats A
B.A. No.
8 10 12 0a 1 Second choice 3 5 7 9 11 13 14 15 16
Preferred
2 4 6
4.7 3.6 2.8 2.2 1.7 1.3 6.0 5.3 4.1 3.2 2.5 1.9 1.5 1.2 1.0 0.9 0.79
0.185 0.142 0.110 0.087 0.067 0.051 0.236 0.209 0.161 0.126 0.098 0.075 0.059 0.047 0.039 0.035 0.031
0.324 0.248 0.193 0.152 0.117 0.090 0.413 0.365 0.282 0.220 0.172 0.131 0.103 0.083 0.069 0.062 0.056
0.319 0.243 0.189 0.149 0.114 0.088 0.408 0.360 0.277 0.216 0.169 0.128 0.101 0.081 0.067 0.060 0.054
0.37 0.29 0.22 0.18 0.14 0.10 0.48 0.42 0.33 0.25 0.20 0.15 0.12 0.10 0.08 0.07 0.07
0.167 0.135 0.105 0.082 0.064 0.049 0.213 0.188 0.153 0.120 0.094 0.071 0.056 0.045 0.037 0.034 0.029
0.157 0.125 0.095 0.075 0.057 0.044 0.203 0.178 0.143 0.110 0.087 0.064 0.051 0.040 0.032 0.029 0.024
0.123 0.094 0.073 0.058 0.157 0.139 0.108 0.084
0.113 0.084 0.063 0.051 0.147 0.129 0.098 0.074
It is recommended that in. B.S.F. nuts to BS 1083, Precision hexagon bolts, screws, nuts (B.S.W. and B.S.F. threads) and plain washers, be used in preference to O.B.A. BSI 09-1999
BS 57:1951
Table 7 Lengths of steel and brass cheese and countersunk head B.A. screws (screwed to head)
Length in inches
1
Preferred B.A. sizes 2 4 6 8 10 12
Second choice B.A. sizes 0 1 3 5 7
B.A. sizes not normally stocked 9 11 13 14 15 16
/16 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 2 1 2 2 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 2 2 1 1 1 1 2 1 2 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 2 1 1 2 2 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 2 1 2 1 2
1 1 1 1 1 2 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
3 3 3 3 3 3 3
3 3 3 3 3 3 3
3 3 3 3 3 3 3
3 3 3 3 3
3 3 3 3 3
5/ 64 3 /32
/64 1/ 8 5/ 32
7
/16 /32 1 /4
3 7 5/ 16 3 /8 7 /16 1/ 2 9/ 16 5 /8
/4 7/ 8
3
1 11/8 11/4 13/8 11/2 13/4 2
NOTE 1 The column headings Preferred, Second choice and Not normally stocked refer to the B.A. sizes, which have been grouped in accordance with Table 1 and Table 3. For choice of lengths, see above. NOTE 2 Stock lengths are those shown as 1 and 2. They relate to screws having normal class threads; screws with close class threads are not normally stocked. The lengths shown as 1 are those normally stocked and should be used whenever possible; the lengths shown as 2 are less likely to be obtained immediately from stock than those shown as 1. The lengths shown as 3 are not normally stocked. Intermediate lengths not shown in the above table should be avoided. NOTE 3 Aluminium alloy cheese and countersunk head B.A. screws are not normally stocked. NOTE 4 Bolts (screwed part way) are not normally stocked and their use should be avoided. If required they should be ordered to the lengths shown in the table.
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BS 57:1951
Table 8 Lengths of steel and brass round B.A. screws (screwed to head)
Length in inches
1
Preferred B.A. sizes 2 4 6 8 10
Second choice B.A. sizes 0 1 3 5 7
B.A. sizes not normally stocked 9 11 12 13 14 15 16
/16 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 2 1 2 2 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 2 2 1 1 1 1 2 1 2 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 2 1 1 2 2 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 2 1 2 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
3 3 3 3 3 3 3
3 3 3 3 3 3 3
3 3 3 3 3 3 3
3 3 3 3 3 3 3
3 3 3 3 3
3 3 3 3 3
5/ 64 3/ 32
/64 /8 5/ 32
7 1
/16 /32 1 /4
3 7
/16 /8 7 /16
5 3
/2 9/ 16 5/ 8
1 3 7
/4 /8
1 11/8 11/4 13/8 11/2 13/4 2
NOTE 1 The column headings Preferred, Second choice and Not normally stocked refer to the B.A. sizes, which have been grouped in accordance with Table 2. For choice of lengths, see above. NOTE 2 Stock lengths are those shown as 1 and 2. They relate to screws having normal class threads: screws with close class threads are not normally stocked. The lengths shown as 1 are those normally stocked and should be used whenever possible. The lengths shown as 2 are less likely to be obtained immediately from stock than those shown as 1. The lengths shown as 3 are not normally stocked. Intermediate lengths not shown in the above table should be avoided. NOTE 3 Aluminium alloy round head B.A. screws are not normally stocked. NOTE 4 Bolts (screwed part way) are not normally stocked and their use should be avoided. If required they should be ordered to the lengths shown in the table.
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BS 57:1951
Table 9 Lengths of steel and brass raised-countersunk (instrument) head B.A. screws (screwed to head)
Length in inches
1/ 16 5 3 7 1
Preferred B.A. sizes 2 4 6 8 10 0 1 3
B.A. sizes not normally stocked 5 7 9 11 12 13 14 15 16
3 3 3 3 2 3 1 3 1 2 1 2 1 3 2 3 2 3 3 3 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 3 2 3 3 3 1 2 1 2 1 3 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 1 1 1 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 1 3 1 3 1 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
3 3 3 3 3 3 3
/64 /32
3 3 3 3 3 3 3
3 3 3 3 3 3 3
3 3 3 3 3
3 3 3 3 3
/64 /8 5 /32
3/ 16 7 /32 1 /4 5/ 16 3/ 8 7 /16
/2 9/ 16 5/ 8
1 3 7
/4 /8
1 1 /8 11/4 13/8
1
11/2 13/4 2
NOTE 1 The column headings Preferred and Not normally stocked refer to the B.A. sizes which have been grouped in accordance with Table 4. For choice of lengths, see above. NOTE 2 Stock lengths are those shown as 1 and 2. They relate to screws having normal class. threads: screws with close class threads are not normally stocked. The lengths shown as 1 are those normally stocked and should be used whenever possible. The lengths shown as 2 are less likely to be obtained immediately from stock than those shown as 1. The lengths shown as 3 are not normally stocked. Intermediate lengths not shown in the above table should be avoided. NOTE 3 Aluminium alloy raised-countersunk (instrument) head B.A. screws are not normally stocked. NOTE 4 Bolts (screwed part way) are not normally stocked and their use should be avoided. If required they should be ordered to the lengths shown in the table.
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BSI 09-1999
BS 57:1951
Table 10 Lengths of steel hexagonal head B.A. screws (screwed to head) and bolts (2 B.A. only)
Preferred B.A. sizes Length in inches
3/ 16 1 5 3 7
2 B.A. Screws Bolts
4 B.A. Screws 0 1 3
B.A. sizes not normally stocked 5 6 7 8 9 10
/4 /16
3 2 2 1 2 1 1 1 2 1 3 1 3 1 2 2
3 1 2 1 2 1 1 1 2 1 3 1 3 2 2 2
3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
/8 /16 1 /2
9/ 16 5 /8 3 /4 7/ 8
1 3 1 3 1 3 1 2 2 2 2
1 11/8 11/4 13/8 11/2 13/4 2 21/4 21/2
NOTE 1 The column headings Preferred and Not normally stocked refer to the B.A. sizes which have been grouped in accordance with Table 5. For choice of lengths see above. NOTE 2 Stock lengths are those shown as 1 and 2. They relate to screws and bolts having normal class threads: screws and bolts with close class threads are not normally stocked. The lengths shown as 1 are those normally stocked and should be used whenever possible. The lengths shown as 2 are less likely to be obtained immediately from stock than those shown as 1. The lengths shown as 3 are not normally stocked. Intermediate lengths not shown in the above table should be avoided. NOTE 3 Brass and aluminium alloy hexagonal head B.A. screws and bolts are not normally stocked. NOTE 4 With the exception of certain lengths of 2 B.A. bolts (shown in Table 10 above), bolts (screwed part way) are not normally stocked and their use should be avoided. If required they should be ordered to the lengths shown in the table.
Section 2. Plain washers

deleted
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BS 57:1951
Appendix A Special types of screws not normally stocked

Table 13 Raised cheese (fillister) head screws
NOTE These screws are not standard. The dimensions are included in this standard solely in order that they may be kept on record. When required, these screws should be ordered to the lengths given in Table 7 (Cheese and countersunk head screws).
Figure 14 Raised cheese (fillister) head screw

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Radius 11 Radius under head 12 13 slot Width F min. in. 0.207 0.182 0.158 0.143 0.125 0.109 0.096 0.086 0.078 0.062 0.054 0.054 0.047 0.038 0.031 0.031 nom. in. 0.472 0.417 0.370 0.323 0.283 0.252 0.220 0.197 0.173 0.150 0.134 0.118 0.102 0.094 0.079 0.071 R max. in. 0.015 0.015 0.015 0.015 0.010 0.010 0.010 0.010 0.010 0.007 0.007 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.003 0.003 max. in. 0.064 0.058 0.052 0.047 0.040 0.040 0.033 0.033 0.030 0.030 0.024 0.024 0.020 0.020 0.015 0.015 H min. in. 0.056 0.050 0.044 0.039 0.034 0.034 0.027 0.027 0.024 0.024 0.019 0.019 0.015 0.015 0.011 0.011 Depth J nom. in. 0.107 0.094 0.082 0.074 0.065 0.057 0.050 0.045 0.041 0.033 0.029 0.029 0.025 0.020 0.017 0.017 14 Diameter of shank and major diameter of thread D max. mm. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 6.0 5.3 4.7 4.1 3.6 3.2 2.8 2.5 2.2 1.9 1.7 1.5 1.3 1.2 1.0 0.9 in. 0.236 0.209 0.185 0.161 0.142 0.126 0.110 0.098 0.087 0.075 0.067 0.059 0.051 0.047 0.039 0.035 max. in. 0.413 0.366 0.319 0.283 0.252 0.221 0.194 0.173 0.157 0.128 0.112 0.110 0.095 0.081 0.064 0.064
B.A. No.
Diameter of head A min. in. 0.403 0.356 0.309 0.273 0.242 0.211 0.184 0.163 0.147 0.123 0.107 0.105 0.090 0.076 0.059 0.059 B nom. in. 0.163 0.144 0.126 0.111 0.099 0.086 0.076 0.067 0.061 0.050 0.043 0.043 0.037 0.031 0.025 0.025
Depth of head Total depth M approx. in. 0.048 0.042 0.036 0.035 0.029 0.026 0.023 0.022 0.019 0.014 0.013 0.013 0.012 0.009 0.008 0.008 max. in. 0.215 0.189 0.165 0.149 0.131 0.114 0.101 0.091 0.082 0.066 0.058 0.058 0.050 0.041 0.034 0.034 K
16 0.79 0.031 0.058 0.054 0.022 0.006 0.029 0.026 0.062 0.003 0.013 0.009 0.014 NOTE If the slot is produced by plunge milling, dimension J is measured from the upper surface of the head to the point at which the slot breaks out on the surface of the head.
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BS 57:1951
Table 14 Connection head screws

NOTE These screws are not standard. The dimensions are included in this standard solely in order that they may be kept on record. When required these screws should be ordered to the lengths given in Table 7 (Cheese and countersunk head screws).
Figure 15 Connection head screw

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Radius under head R min. in. max. in. max. in. 9 Width H min. in. 10 Slot Depth J nom. in. 11 Diameter of shank and major diameter of thread D max. mm. in. max. in.
B.A. No.
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
6.0 5.3 4.7 4.1 3.6 3.2 2.8 2.5 2.2 1.9 1.7 1.5 1.3 1.2 1.0 0.9 0.79
0.236 0.209 0.185 0.161 0.142 0.126 0.110 0.098 0.087 0.075 0.067 0.059 0.051 0.047 0.039 0.035 0.031
0.473 0.413 0.366 0.319 0.283 0.252 0.221 0.194 0.173 0.157 0.128 0.110 0.110 0.095 0.081 0.064 0.064
0.463 0.403 0.356 0.309 0.273 0.242 0.211 0.184 0.163 0.147 0.123 0.105 0.105 0.090 0.076 0.059 0.059
0.168 0.146 0.130 0.113 0.100 0.088 0.078 0.068 0.061 0.055 0.046 0.039 0.039 0.033 0.028 0.023 0.023
0.160 0.139 0.123 0.107 0.094 0.083 0.073 0.064 0.057 0.051 0.042 0.036 0.036 0.030 0.025 0.020 0.020
0.015 0.015 0.015 0.015 0.010 0.010 0.010 0.010 0.010 0.007 0.007 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.003 0.003 0.003
0.064 0.058 0.052 0.047 0.040 0.040 0.033 0.033 0.030 0.030 0.024 0.024 0.020 0.020 0.015 0.015 0.013
0.056 0.050 0.044 0.039 0.034 0.034 0.027 0.027 0.024 0.024 0.019 0.019 0.015 0.015 0.011 0.011 0.009
0.075 0.066 0.058 0.051 0.045 0.040 0.035 0.031 0.027 0.024 0.020 0.020 0.017 0.014 0.012 0.012 0.010
NOTE If the slot is produced by plunge milling, dimension J is measured from the upper surface of the head to the point at which the slot breaks out on the surface of the head.
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BS 57:1951
Appendix B Approximate proportions

Screws
Type of screw Diameter of head (max.) Depth of head (max.)
Cheese head screw
Based on the rule A = 1.75D; but the dimensions have been Round head screw adjusted slightly so that they Countersunk head screw come within the diameters of Raised countersunk (instrument) available round bars to BS limits. head screw Raised cheese (fillister) head screw Connection head screw Based on 2D, but see note above.
0.7D 0.7D 0.45D Countersunk portion = 0.45D Total depth = 0.65D Cylindrical portion = 0.7D Total depth = 0.9D 0.7D
Hexagonal screw and bolt heads and nuts

Width across flats (max.) Thickness (max.)
Screws and bolts Ordinary (or full) nuts Thin (or lock) nuts
1.75D 1.75D 1.75D
0.75D 0, 1, and 2 B.A. = 0.9D 3 B.A. and smaller = 0.95D 2/3D
Appendix C Metric slot widths

In order to achieve rationalization of slotting saws and screwdriver blades, it has been agreed that metric slot widths as specified in BS 4183 should be applied to all types of slotted screws. The metric slot widths which will be applicable to the screws in this obsolescent British Standard are shown below. During the remainder of the life of this standard, manufacturers will gradually introduce the metric slot widths and during this period screws with slot widths conforming to the dimensions given in either Table 1, Table 2, Table 3, Table 4, Table 13 and Table 14 or the table below, are deemed acceptable.
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BS 57:1951
Table 15 Slot widths

B.A. No. Slot widths max. mm min. mm max. in. min. in.
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
1.91 1.51 1.51 1.20 1.00 1.00 0.80 0.80 0.70 0.70 0.60 No change No change No change No change No change No change
BSI 09-1999
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BS 57:1951
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BS 57 (1951)

Uploaded by

BS 57 (1951)

Uploaded by

Licensed Copy: Technical Information Services Dept .

A single copy of this British Standard is licensed to

B.A. Screws bolts and nuts

Incorporating Amendment Nos. 1, 2 and 3

ISBN 0 580 00920 3

Section 1. Screws, bolts and nuts 1 Scope

5 Length of screws and bolts

+ 0.01 in. 0. + 0.02 in. 0. + 1/32 in. 0.

6 Ends of screws and bolts

Figure 1 Alternative types of ends permissible on screws and bolts

8 Length of thread on screws and bolts

9 Chamfering and washer-facing

Table 1 Cheese head screws

Figure 2 Cheese head screw

Diameter of head A min. in.

Depth of head B max. in.

Not normally stocked

Table 2 Round head screws

Figure 3 Round head screw

Diameter of head A min. in.

Depth of head B max. in.

8 10 0a 1 Second choice 3 5 7 9 11 Not normally stocked 12 13 14 15 16

Table 3 Countersunk head screws

Figure 4 Countersunk head screw

Not normally stocked

Table 4 Raised-countersunk (instrument) head screws

Figure 5 Raised-countersunk head screw

Not normally stocked

Table 5 Hexagonal headed screws and bolts

Figure 6 Hexagonal headed screw

Figure 7 Hexagonal headed bolt

Figure 8 Washer faced head

7 Width across corners E max. in.

10 Radius under head R max. in.

13 Length of thread of bolts L min. in.

Diameter of shank and major diameter of thread D max. mm. in.

Width across flats A max. in. min. in.

Thickness of head B max. in. min. in.

Diameter of washer face C max. in. min. in.

0.319 0.243 0.408 0.360 0.277 0.216 0.189

0.309 0.233 0.398 0.350 0.267 0.206 0.179

Not normally stocked

Figure 9 Hexagonal ordinary nut

Figure 10 Hexagonal thin (or lock) nut

Width across flats A

0.123 0.094 0.073 0.058 0.157 0.139 0.108 0.084

0.113 0.084 0.063 0.051 0.147 0.129 0.098 0.074

Not normally stocked

Preferred B.A. sizes 2 4 6 8 10 12

Second choice B.A. sizes 0 1 3 5 7

B.A. sizes not normally stocked 9 11 13 14 15 16

1 11/8 11/4 13/8 11/2 13/4 2

Preferred B.A. sizes 2 4 6 8 10

Second choice B.A. sizes 0 1 3 5 7

B.A. sizes not normally stocked 9 11 12 13 14 15 16

1 11/8 11/4 13/8 11/2 13/4 2

Preferred B.A. sizes 2 4 6 8 10 0 1 3

B.A. sizes not normally stocked 5 7 9 11 12 13 14 15 16

2 B.A. Screws Bolts

B.A. sizes not normally stocked 5 6 7 8 9 10

1 11/8 11/4 13/8 11/2 13/4 2 21/4 21/2

Section 2. Plain washers

Appendix A Special types of screws not normally stocked

Figure 14 Raised cheese (fillister) head screw

Table 14 Connection head screws

Figure 15 Connection head screw

Diameter of head A min. in.

Depth of head B max. in.

Appendix B Approximate proportions

Cheese head screw

Hexagonal screw and bolt heads and nuts

1.75D 1.75D 1.75D

0.75D 0, 1, and 2 B.A. = 0.9D 3 B.A. and smaller = 0.95D 2/3D

Appendix C Metric slot widths

Table 15 Slot widths

BSI British Standards Institution