Overview
EN ISO 15480:2019 (ISO 15480:2019) defines the characteristics of steel hexagon washer head drilling screws with tapping screw thread, covering thread sizes ST2,9 to ST6,3 and product grade A. The standard sets dimensional requirements (Figure 1 and Table 1), references related normative documents, and provides designation and acceptance guidance. It is intended to ensure consistent manufacturing, inspection and interchangeability for applications that require drilling and tapping into sheet or plate.
Key Topics
- Scope and product grade: Applies to hexagon washer head drilling screws made of steel, product grade A.
- Dimensions & symbols: Dimensions are specified in the standard (see Figure 1 and Table 1) with symbols defined by ISO 225.
- Thread sizes: Covers tapping thread sizes ST2,9 through ST6,3.
- Drilling point & function: The drilling point function is specified referencing ISO 10666.
- Material and finish: Material is steel; finishes include as-processed (no coating) or electroplated coatings per ISO 4042. Additional finishes are by agreement between supplier and purchaser.
- Tolerances & acceptance: Product grade tolerances follow ISO 4759-1; acceptance inspection is to ISO 3269.
- Designation example: "Hexagon head drilling screw ISO 15480 – ST3,5 × 16" (example provided in the standard).
Why this matters: The standard ensures manufacturing consistency and reliable fitment when selecting hexagon washer head drilling screws for sheet-metal assemblies, improving design certainty and supply-chain quality control.
Applications
- Fastening operations where a drilling screw must form or tap threads in sheet or plate material.
- Use in light-to-medium sheet-metal assemblies, metal panels and components where hexagon washer head form is required for bearing surface and drive.
- Practical for designers, purchasers and manufacturers who need clear specification for dimensions, coatings and acceptance criteria.
Practical guidance:
- Select the correct thread size (ST2,9–ST6,3) and nominal length according to sheet thickness and any air gap; the standard notes that nominal length l is measured from bearing face to the last major thread diameter and additional allowance may be needed for air gaps.
- Specify any non-standard coatings, lengths or additional requirements by agreement between purchaser and manufacturer.
- Use ISO 3269 procedures for acceptance inspection to ensure lot compliance.
Related Standards
The standard references and aligns with several ISO documents that should be consulted when specifying or inspecting these fasteners:
- ISO 10666 - Drilling screws with tapping screw thread (mechanical and functional properties)
- ISO 1478 - Tapping screw thread
- ISO 3269 - Fasteners - Acceptance inspection
- ISO 4042 - Electroplated coating systems for fasteners
- ISO 4759-1 - Tolerances for fasteners - Product grades A, B and C
- ISO 8992 - General requirements for bolts, screws, studs and nuts
- ISO 225 - Symbols and descriptions of dimensions
- ISO 7053 - Hexagon washer head tapping screws (related form)
For specification, procurement and quality assurance, reference EN ISO 15480:2019 together with the normative standards listed above to ensure complete compliance and interoperability across suppliers and applications.