A socket head screw is a type of bolt commonly seen in machines and equipment. They are easy to tighten or remove using a wrench and provide high tensile strength with more uniform load distribution than other types of screws.
They also have a low-profile head, which provides a cleaner aesthetic appearance and can prevent snags in tight spaces. Read on to learn more about the benefits of these fasteners.
Easy to Install and Tighten
Fasteners like socket head cap screws work when you tighten them, and that is the motion that gives them their holding power. Too little torque and your bolts or screws stay loose; too much and your parts can become damaged through over-loading.
Hex Socket Screws can be tightened using a standard hex wrench, hex key, or Allen wrench. Their compact head design allows them to be used in confined spaces. The internal hex drive (Allen) recess also makes it easier to insert hex keys or hex wrenches for tightening.
Hex Socket Screws are also designed to withstand higher amounts of torque than standard hex bolts, due to their larger head diameter and the additional points of contact on the top of the head. This makes them ideal for applications that have limited side clearance and require higher levels of strength. This includes machine parts, die fixturing, and clamping. DFARS-sourced alloy steel provides these bolts with superior strength and durability.
Stronger Clamping Strength
Socket Head Screws, also known as Allen head screws, are stronger than bolts and can withstand greater shear and tensile loads. Their flange distributes the load across a large area and prevents loosening from vibration, helping to keep parts in place. They are ideal for applications where the head of a standard screw may interfere with the work surface or where tight fit and confined spaces prevent use of a socket wrench.
Heat treated alloy steel gives the screws superior strength and reliability. They are a great choice for industrial production and assembly lines, furniture manufacturing, automotive industry and steel fabrication applications. The internal hex socket drive built into the head allows them to be tightened or loosened with a socket wrench or hex key. They are easy to install and provide impressive clamping strength while maintaining a tidy, finished look. This type of fastener has the added benefit of requiring fewer screws of the same size to achieve the same amount of tightness than a traditional screw.
Fewer Fasteners are Needed
When compared to standard screws, socket head cap screws require less space due to their smaller heads. This allows them to be used in tight spaces where access is limited and they can provide a secure fastening in place of nuts or rivets.
They also have internal wrenching characteristics (most commonly a hexagon socket drive) which allow them to be loosened and tightened with tools that may not be able to reach other types of fasteners, such as wrenches. This type of design reduces the number of different fasteners that are needed, which can improve productivity and lower the cost of assembling parts.
There are several different designs for socket head cap screws, including button, flat countersunk and flat washer varieties. When sizing, length measurements are typically taken from immediately under the head, with the screw diameter measured on the threaded end. Some varieties, such as thumb screws, will use a combination of head and shaft dimensions when describing specifications.
Easy to Disassemble
Socket Head Screws, also known as Allen head screws or bolts, are a great choice for applications with limited wrench clearance. These heavy-duty fasteners are one of the strongest commercially available (link to tensile strength and torque specifications) and are easy to install with a hex wrench or socket key.
The built-in hexagonal internal drive on these screws sets them apart from standard screw head drives. The hexagonal drive requires a special wrench—an Allen wrench or socket wrench. Using this type of tool helps ensure that the bolt is tightened correctly and can’t be removed.
Some socket head screws come with a nylon patch, which works as a locking mechanism to prevent loosening from vibration. This feature is great for applications where the screw must withstand high loads, such as in machine assembly or die fixturing. It is important to routinely inspect your Socket Head Screws for signs of wear, corrosion, or loosening. Early identification of these issues can prevent equipment malfunction and downtime.
