M3 Rods | McMaster-Carr

	REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals) REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals)

REACH Compliant

	Tensile Strength Tensile Strength

50,000 psi

70,000 psi

Not Rated

	Finish Finish

Black Oxide

Nickel Plated

Zinc Plated

	Type Type

	Pipe

	Thread Spacing Thread Spacing

Coarse

	Thread Fit Thread Fit

Class 6g

Class 6H

	Mechanical Finish Mechanical Finish

Precision Ground

Polished

Turned

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67 Products

About Shafts

About Threaded Studs and Rods

How to Identify and Measure Fittings

Pipe size is an industry designation, not the actual size. View information about how to measure threaded and unthreaded pipe and pipe fittings.

About Nuts, Materials, and Finishes

Tapped End × Straight End

Tapped on Both Ends

Internal threads allow you to mount these shafts onto threaded studs and fasteners, no shaft supports needed. Smooth, hard, and wear resistant, linear motion shafts work with linear bearings to reduce friction in manual and automated systems, such as those found in packing, machine tool, and material handling operations. The smooth surface reduces friction and wear on the bearing—the lower the microinch value a shaft has, the smoother its finish and the less friction it will create. Shafts are case-hardened to increase hardness and wear resistance on the surface of the shaft while allowing the center to remain soft for absorbing stresses caused by shifting loads. The edges are chamfered to remove sharp corners, reducing damage to bearings, housings, and other components during installation. All are turned, ground, and polished to tight diameter and straightness tolerances.

52100 alloy steel shafts are good for high-load applications. They are, however, more difficult to machine than carbon steel shafts.

440C stainless steel shafts are more corrosion resistant than steel shafts but can be more difficult to machine.

For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.

Tapped End × Straight End

	Thread
Lg.	Size	Lg.	Straightness Tolerance	Surface Smoothness, microinch	Edge Type	Heat Treatment	Yield Strength, psi		Each
Metric—52100 Alloy Steel (Rockwell C60)
6mm Dia.
50mm	M3	6mm	0.050 mm per 300 mm	16	Chamfered	Case Hardened	57,000	00000000	000000
100mm	M3	6mm	0.050 mm per 300 mm	16	Chamfered	Case Hardened	57,000	00000000	00000
150mm	M3	6mm	0.050 mm per 300 mm	16	Chamfered	Case Hardened	57,000	00000000	00000
300mm	M3	6mm	0.050 mm per 300 mm	16	Chamfered	Case Hardened	57,000	00000000	00000
Metric—440C Stainless Steel (Rockwell C56)
6mm Dia.
50mm	M3	6mm	0.050 mm per 300 mm	16	Chamfered	Case Hardened	14,000	00000000	00000
300mm	M3	6mm	0.050 mm per 300 mm	16	Chamfered	Case Hardened	14,000	00000000	000000

Tapped on Both Ends

	Thread
Lg.	Size	Lg.	Straightness Tolerance	Surface Smoothness, microinch	Edge Type	Heat Treatment	Yield Strength, psi		Each
Metric—52100 Alloy Steel (Rockwell C60)
6mm Dia.
50mm	M3	6mm	0.050 mm per 300 mm	16	Chamfered	Case Hardened	57,000	00000000	000000
100mm	M3	6mm	0.050 mm per 300 mm	16	Chamfered	Case Hardened	57,000	00000000	00000
150mm	M3	6mm	0.050 mm per 300 mm	16	Chamfered	Case Hardened	57,000	00000000	00000
200mm	M3	6mm	0.050 mm per 300 mm	16	Chamfered	Case Hardened	57,000	00000000	00000
Metric—440C Stainless Steel (Rockwell C56)
6mm Dia.
50mm	M3	6mm	0.050 mm per 300 mm	16	Chamfered	Case Hardened	14,000	00000000	00000
150mm	M3	6mm	0.050 mm per 300 mm	16	Chamfered	Case Hardened	14,000	00000000	00000

Metric Low-Strength Steel Threaded Rods

These threaded rods are about half the strength of medium-strength steel threaded rods for light duty hanging, mounting, and fastening.

Zinc-plated steel threaded rods are corrosion resistant in wet environments.

For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.

Steel
Lg.	Thread Pitch, mm	Tensile Strength, psi	Hardness	Specifications Met	Pkg. Qty.		Pkg.
M3
1 m	0.5	50,000	Rockwell B49	__	1	000000000	00000
Zinc-Plated Steel
M3
12 mm	0.5	50,000	Rockwell B49	DIN 976	10	000000000	0000
25 mm	0.5	50,000	Rockwell B49	DIN 976	10	000000000	0000
50 mm	0.5	50,000	Rockwell B49	DIN 976	5	000000000	0000
300 mm	0.5	50,000	Rockwell B49	DIN 976	1	000000000	0000
1 m	0.5	50,000	Rockwell B49	__	1	000000000	00000

Metric 18-8 Stainless Steel Threaded Rods

These 18-8 stainless steel threaded rods have good chemical resistance and may be mildly magnetic.

For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.

18-8 Stainless Steel
Lg.	Thread Pitch, mm	Tensile Strength, psi	Hardness	Specifications Met	Pkg. Qty.		Pkg.
M3
12 mm	0.5	70,000	Not Rated	DIN 976	10	000000000	00000
16 mm	0.5	70,000	Not Rated	DIN 976	10	000000000	00000
20 mm	0.5	70,000	Not Rated	DIN 976	10	000000000	00000
25 mm	0.5	70,000	Not Rated	DIN 976	10	000000000	00000
300 mm	0.5	70,000	Not Rated	DIN 976	1	000000000	0000
500 mm	0.5	70,000	Not Rated	DIN 976	1	000000000	0000
1 m	0.5	70,000	Not Rated	DIN 976	1	000000000	0000
2 m	0.5	70,000	Not Rated	DIN 976	1	000000000	00000

Metric Super-Corrosion-Resistant 316 Stainless Steel Threaded Rods

These 316 stainless steel threaded rods are more corrosion resistant than 18-8 and 410 stainless steel threaded rods and have excellent resistance to chemicals and salt water. They may be mildly magnetic. All meet DIN 976 specifications for dimensional standards.

For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.

316 Stainless Steel
Lg.	Thread Pitch, mm	Tensile Strength, psi	Hardness	Specifications Met	Pkg. Qty.		Pkg.
M3
12 mm	0.5	70,000	Not Rated	DIN 976	5	000000000	00000
25 mm	0.5	70,000	Not Rated	DIN 976	5	000000000	0000
300 mm	0.5	70,000	Not Rated	DIN 976	1	000000000	0000
500 mm	0.5	70,000	Not Rated	DIN 976	1	000000000	0000
1 m	0.5	70,000	Not Rated	DIN 976	1	000000000	00000
2 m	0.5	70,000	Not Rated	DIN 976	1	000000000	00000

Metric Brass Threaded Rods

These brass threaded rods are corrosion resistant in wet environments, electrically conductive, and nonmagnetic.

For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.

Brass
Lg., m	Thread Pitch, mm	Tensile Strength, psi	Hardness	Specifications Met		Each
M3
1	0.5	50,000	Rockwell B55	DIN 976	000000000	000000

Metric Partially Threaded Studs

Screw the threaded end of these metric studs into a tapped hole and use the unthreaded end as a pivot point, hinge, shaft, or locator pin. All can be installed and adjusted by hand or with a slotted screwdriver. These studs are steel for strength and wear resistance. They’re best for dry environments, since moisture will cause them to rust. All meet ISO 2342 (formerly DIN 427), an international standard for fastener dimensions.

For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.

		Shaft
Lg., mm	Thread Lg., mm	Lg., mm	Dia., mm	Dia. Tolerance, mm	Tensile Strength	Hardness	Drive Style	Specifications Met	Pkg. Qty.		Pkg.
Steel
M3 × 0.5 mm
6	3.6	2.4	3	-0.25 to 0	Not Rated	Rockwell B76	Slotted	DIN 427, ISO 2342	25	000000000	00000
10	3.6	6.4	3	-0.25 to 0	Not Rated	Rockwell B76	Slotted	DIN 427, ISO 2342	25	000000000	0000
12	3.6	8.4	3	-0.25 to 0	Not Rated	Rockwell B76	Slotted	DIN 427, ISO 2342	25	000000000	0000

Stainless Steel Press-Fit Studs

18-8 stainless steel studs have good chemical resistance and may be mildly magnetic. Press them into a drilled or punched hole with an arbor press or similar pressure tool. Also known as self-clinching studs, ribs under the head hold the stud firmly in place. Length listed is overall length.

For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.

Metric 18-8 Stainless Steel
Lg., mm	Thread Pitch, mm	PEM® Part Number	Thread Lg., mm	Drill Bit Size, mm	For Min. Material Thick., mm	For Min. Lg. Between Hole Center and Sheet Edge, mm	For Hole Dia., mm	Hole Size Tolerance, mm	Base Dia., mm	Tensile Strength	Hardness	Pkg. Qty.		Pkg.
M3
6	0.5	FHS-M3-6	4	3.0	1.000	5.5	3	0.000 to 0.08	4.2	Not Rated	Not Rated	25	000000000	00000
8	0.5	FHS-M3-8	6	3.0	1.000	5.5	3	0.000 to 0.08	4.2	Not Rated	Not Rated	25	000000000	0000
10	0.5	FHS-M3-10	8	3.0	1.000	5.5	3	0.000 to 0.08	4.2	Not Rated	Not Rated	50	000000000	00000
12	0.5	FHS-M3-12	10	3.0	1.000	5.5	3	0.000 to 0.08	4.2	Not Rated	Not Rated	25	000000000	0000
15	0.5	FHS-M3-15	13	3.0	1.000	5.5	3	0.000 to 0.08	4.2	Not Rated	Not Rated	25	000000000	0000
18	0.5	FHS-M3-18	16	3.0	1.000	5.5	3	0.000 to 0.08	4.2	Not Rated	Not Rated	25	000000000	0000
20	0.5	FHS-M3-20	18	3.0	1.000	5.5	3	0.000 to 0.08	4.2	Not Rated	Not Rated	10	000000000	0000
25	0.5	FHS-M3-25	23	3.0	1.000	5.5	3	0.000 to 0.08	4.2	Not Rated	Not Rated	10	000000000	0000

Steel Press-Fit Studs

These steel studs are zinc plated to resist corrosion in wet environments. Press them into a drilled or punched hole with an arbor press or similar pressure tool. Also known as self-clinching studs, ribs under the head hold the stud firmly in place. Length listed is overall length.

For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.

Metric Zinc-Plated Steel
Lg., mm	Thread Pitch, mm	PEM® Part Number	Thread Lg., mm	Drill Bit Size	For Min. Material Thick., mm	For Min. Lg. Between Hole Center and Sheet Edge, mm	For Hole Dia., mm	Hole Size Tolerance, mm	Base Dia., mm	Tensile Strength	Hardness	Pkg. Qty.		Pkg.
M3
6	0.5	FH-M3-6	4	3.0 mm	1.000	5.5	3	0.000 to 0.08	5	Not Rated	Not Rated	50	000000000	000000
8	0.5	FH-M3-8	6	3.0 mm	1.000	5.5	3	0.000 to 0.08	5	Not Rated	Not Rated	50	000000000	00000
10	0.5	FH-M3-10	8	3.0 mm	1.000	5.5	3	0.000 to 0.08	5	Not Rated	Not Rated	50	000000000	00000
12	0.5	FH-M3-12	10	3.0 mm	1.000	5.5	3	0.000 to 0.08	5	Not Rated	Not Rated	50	000000000	00000
15	0.5	FH-M3-15	13	3.0 mm	1.000	5.5	3	0.000 to 0.08	5	Not Rated	Not Rated	50	000000000	00000
18	0.5	FH-M3-18	16	3.0 mm	1.000	5.5	3	0.000 to 0.08	5	Not Rated	Not Rated	50	000000000	00000
20	0.5	FH-M3-20	18	3.0 mm	1.000	5.5	3	0.000 to 0.08	5	Not Rated	Not Rated	25	000000000	0000
25	0.5	FH-M3-25	23	3.0 mm	1.000	5.5	3	0.000 to 0.08	5	Not Rated	Not Rated	25	000000000	0000

Metric Low-Strength Steel Coupling Nuts

Often referred to as extension nuts, use these to connect and extend threaded rods. They're about half the strength of medium-strength steel coupling nuts for use in light duty fastening applications.

Zinc-plated steel coupling nuts resist corrosion in wet environments.

Black-oxide steel coupling nuts have a dark surface color and are mildly corrosion resistant in dry environments.

For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.

Thread					Each
Size	Pitch, mm	Lg., mm	Wd., mm		1-9	10-Up
Zinc-Plated Steel
M3	0.5	9	6	000000000	00000	00000
Black-Oxide Steel
M3	0.5	9	6	000000000	000	000

Metric 18-8 Stainless Steel Coupling Nuts

Stainless Steel

Black-Oxide Stainless Steel

Made from 18-8 stainless steel, these metric coupling nuts have good chemical resistance and may be mildly magnetic. Also known as extension nuts, use them to connect and extend threaded rods.

Coupling nuts with a black-oxide finish have a dark surface color.

For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.

Thread					Each
Size	Pitch, mm	Lg., mm	Wd., mm		1-9	10-Up
18-8 Stainless Steel
M3	0.5	9	5	000000000	00000	00000
Black-Oxide 18-8 Stainless Steel
M3	0.5	9	5	000000000	0000	0000

Aluminum Coupling Nuts

One-third the weight of steel, these aluminum coupling nuts are corrosion resistant in wet environments and nonmagnetic. Also known as extension nuts, use them to connect and extend threaded rods.

For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.

Thread					Each
Size	Pitch, mm	Lg.	Wd.		1-9	10-Up
6061 Aluminum
M3	0.5	9mm	6mm	000000000	00000	00000

Plastic Coupling Nuts

These nylon 6/6 coupling nuts are chemical resistant, nonconductive, and lightweight. Also known as extension nuts, use them to connect and extend threaded rods.

For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.

				Temperature Range, °F				Each
Thread Size	Lg.	Wd.	Threading	Min.	Max.	Color		1-9	10-Up
Nylon 6/6 Plastic
M3	9mm	5mm	Fully Threaded	-40°	250°	Off-White	0000000	00000	00000

Brass Coupling Nuts

These coupling nuts are corrosion resistant in wet environments, electrically conductive, and nonmagnetic. Also known as extension nuts, use them to connect and extend threaded rods.

For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.

Metric

				Each
Thread Size	Lg., mm	Wd., mm		1-9	10-Up
Brass
M3	9	5	000000000	000000	000000

Steel Extra-Long Coupling Nuts

Also known as sleeve nuts, these are at least twice the length of standard coupling nuts to provide more room to connect and extend long lengths of threaded rods.

Zinc-plated steel nuts resist corrosion in wet environments.

For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.

Metric

Thread						Each
Size	Pitch, mm	Lg., mm	Wd., mm	Threading		1-9	10-Up
Zinc-Plated Steel
M3	0.5	18	6	Fully Threaded	000000000	000000	00000

Connecting Rods

Designed for use with right-hand threaded rod ends, these rods have right-hand threads on both ends. Use them for remote valve operators, throttle controllers, shifting mechanisms, and virtually any push/pull assembly.

Carbon steel rods without a plating are best for dry environments, since moisture will cause them to rust.

Aluminum rods are lightweight and corrosion resistant in wet environments.

18-8 stainless steel rods have good chemical resistance.

For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.

Metric

			Carbon Steel		18-8 Stainless Steel		Aluminum
Thread Size	Thread Length	OD		Each		Each		Each
75mm O'all Lg.
M3	25mm	3mm	00000000	00000	00000000	00000	00000000	00000

Internally Threaded Connecting Rods

Carbon steel rods without a plating are best for dry environments, since moisture will cause them to rust.

Aluminum rods are lightweight and corrosion resistant in wet environments.

18-8 stainless steel rods have good chemical resistance.

For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.

Metric

Carbon Steel
Thread Size	Thread Pitch, mm	Thread Lg., mm	OD, mm		Each
75 mm O'all Lg.
M3	0.5	12	6.3	0000000	00000
18-8 Stainless Steel
75 mm O'all Lg.
M3	0.5	12	6.3	0000000	0000
Aluminum
75 mm O'all Lg.
M3	0.5	12	6.3	0000000	0000

High-Pressure Plated Brass Threaded Pipe Nipples and Pipe

The plating on this pipe creates a shiny finish and provides extra protection in corrosive environments. It has the strength to handle high-pressure applications.

Nickel-plated brass pipe provides better corrosion resistance than unplated brass.

Fully threaded pipe is also known as a close nipple; it is threaded on each end to the center.

For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.

Fully Threaded

For Use With: Air, Natural Gas, Oil, Water

				Nickel-Plated Brass
Thread Size	Lg.	Hex Wd.	Max. Pressure		Each
Metric
M3	3/8"	3/16"	1,080 psi @ 72° F	00000000	00000

About Shafts

About Threaded Studs and Rods

How to Identify and Measure Fittings

About Nuts, Materials, and Finishes

Tapped Linear Motion Shafts

Metric Low-Strength Steel Threaded Rods

Metric 18-8 Stainless Steel Threaded Rods

Metric Super-Corrosion-Resistant 316 Stainless Steel Threaded Rods

Metric Brass Threaded Rods

Metric Partially Threaded Studs

Stainless Steel Press-Fit Studs

Steel Press-Fit Studs

Metric Low-Strength Steel Coupling Nuts

Metric 18-8 Stainless Steel Coupling Nuts

Aluminum Coupling Nuts

Plastic Coupling Nuts

Brass Coupling Nuts

Steel Extra-Long Coupling Nuts

Connecting Rods

Internally Threaded Connecting Rods

High-Pressure Plated Brass Threaded Pipe Nipples and Pipe