A machine screw consists of a head with some type of drive style and a cylindrical shaft below with a helical ridge commonly known as the thread. The "machine" portion of this terminology refers to the fact that this device is a simple machine translating torque into linear force. Machine screws are usually a common commercial grade as opposed to higher quality "graded" bolts which go through a hardening process to increase strength. Machine Screws are usually threaded all the way to the head as opposed to having an unthreaded portion under the head known as a shoulder.
For quotes or orders, call 1-800-723-9010
How are machine screws used?
Machine screws are usually 1/4" or smaller and are used in conjunction with some type of threaded nut (machine nut) or fastened into a tapped (threaded) hole. This process is intended to hold two items together by twisting the machine screw into the nut or tapped hole. Examples of this would be fastening the legs to a table or connecting a hinge to a doorframe. Machine screws are used in almost every industry for assembling an almost endless variety of products.
What types of drive and head styles are available on machine screws?
Machine screws are very versatile products with a wide variety of drive styles. The most common are a slot; a single groove cut into the head, or a Phillips; a crosshatch or "x" cut into the head. There are also other drive types that are used on machine screws; among these are Allen head also know as hex drive, Torx drive and square drive.
Head styles are also quite diverse. Among the more common are Pan head, Round head, Truss head and the countersunk Flat head. Almost any and all head styles can be combined with any of the drive types; for example a Phillips pan head or a Torx flat head designed for specific applications.
What types of materials are used to make Machine Screws?
A machine screw can be made from virtually any metal or plastic. The most common material used is steel. Machine screws can be made of standard carbon steel or stainless steel. Steel screws are usually plated with a zinc or chromium plating to increase corrosion resistance and increase strength. Many machine screws are also made of other metals such as Brass or Bronze or even high tech materials such as titanium. Plastic screws are also used in many applications. The most common materials used to make machine screws being Nylon and Teflon.
Industrial Supplies - Industrial Sales>
These are just some of the thousands of industrial supplies that Hi-Line salesmen carry on their trucks. Every Hi-Line representative manages a territory, similar to a route sales system, where quality electrical and maintenance supplies are delivered directly to your bins. If you love industrial parts, working with people, and being your own boss, then contact Hi-Line at industrialsales@hi-line.com for a rewarding career in industrial sales.