Bicycle water bottle cage bolts screw size
M5 · 12 to 16 mm long
Our records put Bicycle water bottle cage bolts on M5 screws in lengths from 12 to 16 mm.
There are 2 separate fitment records for it, including specialized S-Works bottle cage bolts described as 'Lightweight alloy M5 x 0.8mm pitch bol (M5) and trek and Pro-Bolt list bottle cage bolts explicitly as M5x0.8, 12mm length (M5).
2 of the 2 records are marked confirmed, drawn from 2 sources (specialized.com and pro-bolt.com).
An M5 screw is 5 mm in diameter with a 0.8 mm pitch, tapped with a 4.2 mm drill; imperial look-alike: #10-32 (4.83 mm) — the other common rack thread; check before mixing.
Bicycle water bottle cage bolts screw specifications
One row per fitment record. Head, drive are shown only where the source states them; pitch is the ISO coarse pitch for the thread.
| Thread | Length | Pitch | Head | Drive | Where it goes | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M5 | 16 mm | 0.8 mm | not stated | not stated | Specialized S-Works bottle cage bolts described as 'Lightweight alloy M5 x 0.8mm pitch bolt', 16mm length | Confirmed |
| M5 | 12 mm | 0.8 mm | not stated | not stated | Trek and Pro-Bolt list bottle cage bolts explicitly as M5x0.8, 12mm length | Confirmed |
Fitment records and sources
Specialized S-Works bottle cage bolts described as 'Lightweight alloy M5 x 0.8mm pitch bolt', 16mm length
pitch 0.8 mm · tap 4.2 mm · clearance 5.5 mm · PH2 / Torx T25
Trek and Pro-Bolt list bottle cage bolts explicitly as M5x0.8, 12mm length
pitch 0.8 mm · tap 4.2 mm · clearance 5.5 mm · PH2 / Torx T25
How to check the screw before you buy
- Where the manufacturer publishes a torque value, use a torque driver rather than feel.
- Diameter: across the threads an M5 screw measures about 5 mm with calipers (usually a hair under). If yours measures noticeably more or less, it is a different thread.
- Pitch: 0.8 mm from one thread crest to the next (12.5 crests per centimetre). A thread pitch gauge or the pitch-gauge tool settles it in seconds.
- Length: measure from under the head to the tip for pan, button, wafer and cap heads; countersunk (flat) heads are measured overall.
- The records span 12–16 mm, which means different positions take different lengths — match each hole to its own screw.
- Driver: the source does not name the drive. Standard M5 heads take PH2 for Phillips and T25 for Torx, and a 4 mm hex key for socket heads; a bit that fits loosely will cam out and strip the head.
- Tightening: no device-specific torque is published in these records. The site's general figure for M5 is about 4.0-6.0 N·m into metal threads and 1.5-2.5 N·m into plastic bosses; snug it up and stop.
Common mix-ups with M5
- M5x0.8 is the de facto universal bike thread — confirm 0.8mm pitch before threading into carbon or alloy bosses.
- Stacking frame + rack tab + fender stay needs 18-20mm bolts, not the 12-16mm that come with a cage.
Buy these screws at TechSpare Warehouse
In stock and shipped from South Carolina. Our black screws are Phillips wafer head (low profile); match the head style and length to the original before you order.
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M5 x 12mm Black Wafer Head Generator Cover Screws for Honda EM, EB, EG Generators & EU3200i (replaces 90102-Z21-000) – 10-Pack Replacement
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The same screw also fits
Devices whose records share a thread with Bicycle water bottle cage bolts, closest length match first.
- SPD-SL / Look 3-hole cycling cleats also M5 × 16 mm
- Motorcycle fairing bolts also M5 × 16 mm
- Kick scooter clamp and folding hardware also M5 × 16 mm
- Segway-Ninebot Max Pro 2.2 e-scooter stem also M5 × 12 mm
- Car door trim panel also M5 × 16 mm
- Bicycle bottle cage boss also M5 × 16 mm
- Triumph Thruxton harness cable covers also M5 × 12 mm
- Garden equipment control panels also M5 × 16 mm
Questions about Bicycle water bottle cage bolts screws
- What size screw does Bicycle water bottle cage bolts use?
- M5 × 16 mm for specialized S-Works bottle cage bolts described as 'Lightweight alloy M5 x 0.8mm pitch bolt', 16mm length; M5 × 12 mm for trek and Pro-Bolt list bottle cage bolts explicitly as M5x0.8, 12mm length.
- How long are the screws in Bicycle water bottle cage bolts?
- The records range from 12 to 16 mm depending on the position, so match each screw to its own hole.
- What is the thread pitch of an M5 screw?
- 0.8 mm (coarse), which is the standard pitch for M5 machine screws; a 0.5 mm fine pitch exists but is uncommon. The tap drill is 4.2 mm and the normal clearance hole is 5.5 mm.
- What screwdriver do I need for Bicycle water bottle cage bolts?
- The sources do not name the drive. For M5, Phillips heads normally take PH2 and Torx heads T25; socket heads take a 4 mm hex key.
- Can I use an imperial screw instead of M5?
- No. Imperial look-alike: #10-32 (4.83 mm) — the other common rack thread; check before mixing. Use a true M5 screw so it does not cross-thread or strip the hole.