THE IMPORTANCE OF MACHINE SCREWS

Different types of screws, bolts, fasteners and fixings exist in all shapes, sizes, threads and heads. It can be a minefield choosing the right type for the application you are facing, particularly if you are a DIY novice or just learning the trade. Machine screws are another example of this. Kayfast are here to help you in this selection process however, and this handy guide offers you an overview of the machine screw; what it is, where it is used and what different types there are. What is a machine screw? Many screws are required primarily because of their strength, and they are a particular size, length and material because they require a high torque strength, ie. they are fastened tightly to hold materials together under great force and pressure. Machine screws are slightly different, in that, although they are very strong, this is not their primary characteristic. Machine screws are typically quite small and are usually used in electronic components and equipment, in engines and automotive assembly, and usually to hold metal panels together. In other words they are screws used in machines. So they aren’t going to be under great pressure, but they do need to be secure and reliable, and because machine screws are used in assembly lines for vehicles and other production parts, they require precise and consistent manufacture.machine screw What are the features of a machine screw? Machine screws can be course threaded or fine threaded with a range of head types, such as slotted, pozi, countersunk or hex-headed. Machine screws are typically smaller in length and diameter to other common screws (such as wood screws or hexagon screws) and are usually blunt-ended rather than pointed, because they are not required to grip materials, such as wood, and are mainly a fastener. Although small in size, machine screws are very strong because they are fully threaded and due to their nature of being used in smaller components, the thread is usually very fine, accurate and precisely manufactured, hence their popularity in production environments where repetitive cycles over long periods require both accuracy and consistency. How are machine screws used? Machine screws are usually used by drilling or tapping into a pre-drilled hole or nut. You can use either a manual or powered screwdriver and the head type is determined by the tool you are using, and of course these screws are often used in automated assembly lines or construction. The versatility of machine screws makes them very popular, and whilst they are primarily used to join two or more components together, they can also be used to hold down components, such as gaskets or membranes, which don’t require much torque strength. Kayfast machine screws Our range of machine screws can be bought in brass, stainless steel or zinc-plated, which means they can be used for exterior components, as well as being robust and durable. You can talk to our sales experts about your application and we can advise on the best screws for the job in hand, and certainly the humble machine screw is one of the best in the business.

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