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Are Custom Machine Screws Right for your Project?

McKellar Machine • April 12, 2018

Depending on the nature of the task at hand, custom machine screws may be necessary. Machine screws are a type of special fastener that features a uniformly threaded screw design that is typically 1/4 inch or less in diameter. These types of screws are specifically designed to be threaded into threaded holes or threaded nuts. Machine screws can be found in a variety of materials, configurations, sizes, and driver head types. Such screws are utilized for fastening various types of components in vehicles, electronic devices, tools, and machines. Machine screws are available in a wide array of materials, such as brass, steel, stainless steel, and nylon.

Among the most important features of a machine screw is that the uniform threads make it possible to maintain the same diameter throughout the fastener’s length. By comparison, a tapered thread is designed to cut a distinctive thread into softer materials, such as plastic or wood.

Machine screws are often preferred due to the versatility they offer in terms of the types of joints that they can be used for fastening. Along with being used for fastening two components through holes with a nut, machine screws can also be used for passing through multiple components and threaded into the final component.

In determining whether a machine screw or a bolt is the best choice for the project, it should be considered that machine screws are typically smaller in size than bolts. Additionally, it is important to determine how the primary tightening of the relevant fastened joint is to be accomplished, as this will determine whether a bolt or a machine screw is the best option for the project.

Custom machine screws can be designed to ensure that the final product meets the exact specifications of the product. For instance, if the relevant project requires the custom machine screw to be a specific size, this can be accomplished through a custom order. A skilled machine shop can also produce custom machine screws in specific materials and even add special finishes. A variety of different head types can also be produced in manufacturing custom machine screws. Such head types may include hex socket, Phillips head, standard slotted, and more.

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