2025-10-11
What is a Screw, and why is it important?
Deep dive into Socket Set Screw
Deep dive into Hexagon Socket Screw
Why choose (our) Screw products + FAQs + brand/Contact
A screw is a type of fastener that typically has threads wrapped around a shaft, enabling it to convert rotational motion into linear force. Unlike bolts (which generally require a nut), many screws are used without a nut: they are driven directly into a threaded hole or into a material.
They provide reliable clamping force with precise control.
They allow disassembly and reassembly, which is vital for maintenance, repair, and modular design.
In many applications (machinery, electronics, vehicles), screws are small but crucial components: failure in a single screw can lead to system failure.
Screws come in many varieties: wood screws, machine screws, sheet-metal screws, self-tapping screws, etc. Among them:
Set screws (or grub screws): headless or flush screws used to secure one part against another (for example, locking a gear on a shaft) without protruding features.
Socket screws: these have internal drive recesses (hex, etc.) and are driven by matching tools, such as hex keys or Allen wrenches.
Our focus is on socket set screws and hexagon socket screws, particularly as high-precision fasteners used in industrial, mechanical, and automation contexts.
In subsequent sections, we explore these two subtypes in depth.
A Socket Set Screw is a screw without a conventional head (or with minimal protrusion) that uses an internal socket (typically hexagonal) for driving. It is fully or mostly threaded along its length, and the tip is used to press against or clamp another part (shaft, gear, collar). It's often flush or recessed, so it doesn’t interfere with surrounding parts.
For compactness: no external head means less interference in tight spaces.
Precise force application: the screw tip can press exactly where needed (shaft flat, detent, or groove).
Clean appearance and flush installation: useful in assemblies where protruding heads are undesirable.
High torque transmission when properly tightened, especially with hardened tips or knurled points.
Below is a table summarizing common parameters:
Parameter | Description / Typical Range | Notes |
---|---|---|
Diameter (d) | Metric: M2, M3, M4, M5, M6, M8, M10, etc. | Choose based on needed strength and mating thread |
Length (L) | e.g. 5 mm, 8 mm, 12 mm, 16 mm, 20 mm, etc. | Usually fully threaded |
Thread pitch | Metric standard (coarse, fine) | Must match mating female thread |
Tip (Point) Type | Cup point, flat point, cone point, dog point, knurled cup point | Different tip shapes provide different contact behavior |
Material / Hardness | Carbon steel (grades like 10.9, 12.9), stainless steel (A2, A4), alloy steel | Hardened tips often used to improve penetration and resistance to wear |
Surface finish / coating | Zinc plating, black oxide, passivation, etc. | Helps corrosion resistance |
Drive size internal hex | Sizes like 1.5 mm, 2.0 mm, 2.5 mm, 3.0 mm hex recess | Must match tool used |
Tip types and their behavior:
Cup point: Most common; slight concave shape allows a bit of “bite” into a mating surface, balancing torque and reusability.
Flat point: Presses flat against a surface; ideal when scratching or marring the surface is unacceptable.
Cone point: Creates a more concentrated force at one spot – useful for locating against detents or dimples.
Dog (or extended) point: Projects further, useful for alignment or fitting into a hole.
Knurled cup point: Has serrations to resist loosening under vibration; often single-use because the serrations deform.
Choose proper tip type depending on mating surface.
Ensure correct torque — over-torquing can damage threads or deform shaft; under-torquing leads to slipping.
If the shaft is soft, consider imparting a detent (flat or dimple) so the screw tip can bite in.
Use appropriate driving tool—a well-fitting hex key to avoid stripping.
Locking measures: in vibration-prone environments, use locking compounds or knurled tips.
A Hexagon Socket Screw (also called hex socket head screw or internal-hex screw) typically has a head, but the drive mechanism is a recessed hex (Allen) socket. Unlike a set screw, it often protrudes and is not purely headless. The head can be of various types (cylindrical cap, flat countersunk, button head, etc.).
It provides high torque with internal drive and is widely used in machine assemblies, clamping, structural joins, etc.
Better torque control via internal hex drive.
Cleaner aesthetics and compact head design.
Wide standardization (ISO, DIN, ANSI) ensures interchangeability.
Ease of disassembly, reusability.
Ideal for recessed or tight spaces because tools can reach internal drive.
Below is a comparative table:
Parameter | Typical Specifications | Notes / References |
---|---|---|
Thread size (d) | M2, M3, M4, M5, M6, M8, M10, M12, etc. | Metric or imperial |
Length (L) | Varies by head type and application | Fully or partially threaded |
Head types | Socket head cap, flat countersunk, button head, low-profile | Chosen by design constraints |
Thread pitch | Standard or fine pitch | Matching counterpart threads |
Material / Strength class | E.g. alloy steel grades 8.8, 10.9, 12.9 / stainless steel A2, A4 | Often hardened for high-stress use |
Surface / finish | Zinc, black oxide, passivation, plating | Protects against corrosion |
Internal drive size | e.g. 2 mm, 2.5 mm, 3 mm, up to larger | Must match the tool |
For example, a hexagon socket set screw with cup point per ISO 4029 (ex-DIN 916) often uses stainless steel A2, M6 × 16 mm.Another example: Ace’s Hexagon Socket Set Screw J1TB01106008.
Select head type according to space constraints (e.g. countersunk if flush).
Select material/strength to match application load.
Choose correct internal drive size to balance tool strength and space.
Torque specification: follow standard tables to avoid over-stressing.
Preload and locking: use washers or locking adhesives if needed in vibration environments.
Precision manufacturing: tight tolerances, smooth recesses.
Varied tip options: we tailor set screws and socket screws to match application needs.
High-quality materials: alloy steels, stainless, with surface treatments against corrosion.
Strict quality control and testing.
Flexibility in custom sizes, lengths, and finishes.
Strong technical support and application advice.
Below is a summary of typical product offerings (example specifications):
Product Type | Diameter Range | Length Range | Tip / Head Options | Material / Grade | Surface Finish |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Socket Set Screws | M2 to M12 (or equivalent imperial) | 5 mm to 50 mm (or longer) | Cup, flat, cone, dog, knurled cup | Carbon steel 10.9 / 12.9, stainless A2/A4 | Zinc plating, black oxide, passivation |
Hexagon Socket Screws | M3 to M20 (or imperial) | 6 mm to 100+ mm | Socket head cap, flat countersunk, button heads | Alloy steel, stainless | Various coatings |
Custom / special | Nonstandard diameters, lengths | According to drawing | Custom tips / heads | High alloy, exotic materials | Tailored finish |
We support custom orders — you send a drawing, we produce to spec, with material certificates and inspection reports.
Q1: What is the difference between a set screw and a regular screw?
A1: A set screw is designed to secure one component to another (e.g. locking a collar on a shaft) and is often headless or flush; regular screws often protrude and may require nuts or mating parts.
Q2: How do I choose the tip (point) type of a socket set screw?
A2: Choose based on mating surface and desired behavior: cup point for general purpose, flat point when surface must remain unmarred, cone point for precise alignment, knurled for vibration resistance, and dog point for locating.
Q3: Can I reuse screws with knurled/ serrated tips?
A3: No, knurled or serrated tips tend to deform when installed and removed; reuse may compromise the locking action. It’s safer to use a new one for reliable performance.
At JINSIXI, we pride ourselves on delivering high-precision, reliable screw products (socket set screws, hexagon socket screws, and more) for industrial and mechanical applications. Whether you need stock items or custom solutions, our team is ready to assist. Contact us to discuss your project requirements or request quotes — Contact us.