DIN 71412 grease nipples are the standard conical-head grease fittings on European machinery, vehicles, and lubrication manifolds. This page covers the full family: threads from M6x1 through M14x1.5, Forms A to E in steel and stainless steel, torque data, and coupler notes. The dedicated M6, M8, M10, and M12x1.25 pages go deeper on single sizes, and the stainless steel page covers material selection.
DIN 71412 at a Glance
DIN 71412 is the dimensional standard behind the conical-head grease nipple family, the Kegeltyp in German naming. A hydraulic-type grease gun coupler clamps onto the conical head and seals on the cone. Threads follow the 60° ISO 68 metric profile at 6g tolerance, engaging at least 3 full threads. The family is compatible with grease gun injection pressure up to 400 bar. Standard build is carburized, hardened, zinc-plated steel; 1.4305 and 1.4404 stainless steel are the alternative.
Thread Sizes and Installation Torque
The family spans M6x1 to M14x1.5, at 1.0 mm pitch through M10 and 1.5 mm on M12 and M14. Seat each nipple with a calibrated torque wrench, tightening gradually; fit stainless at the lower end to reduce galling.
| Thread | Pitch (mm) | Installation torque (Nm) |
|---|---|---|
| M6x1 | 1.0 | 8 – 12 |
| M8x1 | 1.0 | 8 – 12 |
| M10x1 | 1.0 | 25 – 35 |
| M12x1.5 | 1.5 | 40 – 55 |
| M14x1.5 | 1.5 | 60 – 80 |
Forms A to E
Form A runs straight for open axial access. Form B turns the outlet 45° past an obstruction; Form C turns it 90° where the front is blocked and needs 15 mm coupler clearance. Forms D and E are square-drive versions for square-wrench service in heavy industry and vehicles. Dimensions sit in the table below.
| Form | Outlet | Key dimensions |
|---|---|---|
| A | Straight | Length 15 – 25 mm; hex SW 7/9/11/14 |
| B | 45° | Height 12 – 25 mm; angle tolerance +/-2° |
| C | 90° | Bend radius 3 – 5 mm min; 15 mm coupler clearance |
| D | 45° square drive | Square 6/7/8/10 mm |
| E | 90° square drive | Square 6/7/8/10 mm |
Materials, Temperature, and Grease
Zinc-plated steel covers -40°C to +120°C, or +150°C short-term. Stainless in 1.4305 or 1.4404 covers -40°C to +150°C, or +180°C short-term. On grease, the family takes NLGI 0 – 3 with lithium, lithium complex, calcium, polyurea, or aluminum complex thickeners.
Couplers and Head Sealing
A standard hydraulic-type coupler seals on the conical head of Form A, B, or C nipples. Button head fittings need a dedicated button-head coupler, covered on the size pages. For the wider choice among nipples, flush fittings, and other point hardware, see the grease fitting types guide.
Honest Limitations
A few boundaries are worth stating plainly.
- Thread form is not visible from the standard name. Nipples are made to ISO 68 metric form at 6g tolerance, but tapped holes on older equipment may differ; confirm thread form when ordering.
- The 400 bar figure is grease gun injection pressure at the nipple, not a line or pump working-pressure rating.
- Forms D and E assume a square wrench; if your kits carry only hex tools, plan for that.
- Temperature ceilings are material ceilings. Routine +150°C service sits past the zinc-plated steel range.
If your case sits outside these ranges, send us your sizes, forms, and duty details and we will confirm supply.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is DIN 71412?
It is the dimensional standard for conical-head grease nipples, the Kegeltyp family: threads, forms, and head geometry. For a single size in depth, see the M6, M8, M10, and M12x1.25 pages.
Which form do I need?
Match the form to access. Form A suits open axial access; Form B at 45° and Form C at 90° work around obstructions, Form C needing 15 mm coupler clearance. Forms D and E serve square-wrench service.
M8x1 or M8x1.25?
Measure the pitch with a thread gauge: M8x1 is standard here, M8x1.25 appears on existing equipment, and they do not interchange. The M8 page covers that case.
Tapered or parallel thread?
The conical head seals against the coupler. The thread follows ISO 68 metric form at 6g tolerance; for a tapped hole of unknown origin, confirm thread form when ordering.
What torque do I use?
Per the table above: 8 – 12 Nm for M6x1 and M8x1, 25 – 35 Nm for M10x1, 40 – 55 Nm for M12x1.5, 60 – 80 Nm for M14x1.5. Tighten gradually; fit stainless at the lower end of the range.
Steel or stainless?
Zinc-plated steel covers general duty from -40°C to +120°C. Stainless 1.4305 or 1.4404 covers wet or hotter service to +150°C, +180°C short-term, and asks for the lower torque values.
Which coupler fits?
A standard hydraulic-type coupler clamps onto the conical head and seals there. Button head fittings need a dedicated button-head coupler, so match coupler to head style.
Family page or size page?
This page holds the standard context and the full range, M6x1 to M14x1.5 across forms A to E. The size pages drill into a single thread each; the stainless steel page handles material choice.
When do I replace one?
Check at every grease service. Replace when the head is deformed, threads are damaged or stripped by over-tightening, or grease escapes past a correctly seated coupler.
Who supplies them?
IsoHiTech Lubrication Systems is a lubrication equipment supplier founded in 2023, engineering since 2006. Send drawings or thread details to inquiry@isohitech.com, or use our contact form, and we will confirm the right fit for your application.
