Taptite® Alternative Screws!? What the heck are those?
Posted: June 15, 2023 Filed under: Fasteners, Inch, Metric, Self-Tapping Screws, Taptite Alternative Screws, Thread-Forming Screws, Thread-Rolling Screws, Threaded Fasteners, Trilobular Fasteners | Tags: Din 7500, Duo-Taptite Alternative Screws, SAE J81, Self-Tapping Screws, SEMS, Taptite Alternative Screws, Taptite alternative screws for metal, Taptite alternative screws in inch and metric sizes, Taptite Brand Generic Alternative Screws, Taptite Pro Alternative Screws, Thread-Forming Screws, Thread-Rolling Screws, Threaded Fasteners, Trilobular Screws, What are Taptite alternative screws? Leave a comment
Welcome back to the next installment in our “what the heck is that” series, refreshed for 2023! In this series we discuss some of the unique fasteners and electronic hardware that manufacturers use in the design and assembly of their products. Today, we will introduce you to Taptite® Alternative Screws! Like our friends, the Plastite® Alternative Screws, these fasteners are functional equivalents to a trademark registered branded product. Taptite®, Duo-Taptite®and Taptite Pro® are trademarked by REMINC/CONTI.
What are Taptite® Alternative Screws?
Taptite equivalent fasteners are high performance thread-rolling screws (sometimes called thread-forming or trilobular) that create reusable threads in soft metal materials, such as plastic, aluminum, mild steel, brass, copper and magnesium. Their design include a trilobular rolling or thread-forming tip that grants them thread-forming, thread-rolling action as they are driven into the material. This thread-forming action creates a tight and secure connection, which in turn enhances the holding power of the screws in the plastic and soft metal component.
These fasteners need pre-drilled holes, but they don’t need pre-tapped or pre-threaded holes. This is because, when their threads are driven into the application, they tend to displace the material on the walls, inside the holes, in order to form mating threads. These newly formed internal mating threads tighten the screws securely in place and provide resistance to loosening caused by vibrations. Hence, Taptite® Alternative Screws are designed for applications where stability is crucial, but also to help eliminate some of the assembly costs associated with tapping procedures.
It is also worth mentioning that Taptite Alternative screws come in inch & metric sizes, and in a variety of heads, drives, materials and finishes that are designed for a wide range of plastic and soft metal fastening solutions.
Who uses Taptite® Alternative Screws?
Taptite® Alternative Screws are designed with an optimized thread-forming / thread-rolling action that enables efficient engagement, provides increased holding power, clamp load retention, and resistance to loosening due to vibrations. Any plastic or soft metal application with a pre-drilled bore/hole that needs to reliably secure the mating of components, and that needs to eliminate the need for additional tapping, threading or locking operations is a great candidate for using this type of fasteners!
Taptite® Alternative Screws are widely used across various plastic and soft metal applications in many industries, including: aerospace, electronics, appliances, manufacturing, machinery and equipment, and many more. They are also very common in the automotive industry. For instance, many manufacturers have used these screws to assemble components onto the exterior and interior of aluminum engines.
What materials and sizes are available?
Taptite® Alternative Screws are readily available off the shelf in steel—with a black oxide, black zinc, zinc, zinc green, or zinc yellow finish—410 stainless steel, and stainless steel materials. In addition, inch Taptite® Alternative Screws follow the SAE J81 standard, and their metric counterparts follow the Din 7500 standards.
Standard stock sizes for the head diameter are Inch from 2-56 to 1/2-13, and Metric from M2-0.4 to M8-1.25. Popular thread classes include partial, SEMS, and full threads.
Are there other factors to consider?
YES! It is generally recommended to pre-drill or pre-punch holes, with an increased length of engagement, to hold the entire length of the screws in the plastic or metal material/application. This should be done in order to ensure proper thread formation, fastener fracture—if it is the preferred failure mode—and to minimize the risk of material damage.
Taptite® Alternative Screws at MF Supply
We currently offer:
- A full range of commercial parts, including parts that are ROHS compliant.
- Inch and Metric Din 7500 Taptite® Brand Generic Alternative Screws are now available for online purchase at our website!
- Brand names and generic equivalents.
- Custom made parts per print.
For more detailed information on Taptite® Alternative Screws or other Trilobular Thread-Rolling / Thread-Forming Screws, visit us at our website or Request a Quote today, and our MF Supply team of sourcing experts can help you find what you need. “Finding the right screw for you” is our tag line after all!
Book a one-on-one consultation with our President, Robin, to discuss how MF Supply can help you solve your Industrial Sourcing, Fastener, and Safety concerns.
Six Reasons To Buy From MF Supply
- Full eCommerce Enabled Website With Technical Manual Available 24/7 – Visit our website and Create a New Account, track online orders, browse our product catalog, check technical specs, subscribe to our blog, or buy online. We are adding items and improving functionality daily!
- Same Day Shipping From The USA – Our hardware products are in stock and ship to you directly from our USA based distribution centers.
- Functional Equivalents To Expensive Brand Names- We stock and source alternatives to brand name fasteners, reducing long lead times and saving you money.
- Creatively Solve Problems – We are sourcing experts, offer competitive pricing and specialize in finding hard to find parts and reducing long deliveries.
- One-Stop Shopping On Certified Hardware – We stock and source a full line of fasteners including Mil-Spec, DFARS compliant and other industrial products.
- WBE/WOSB Woman Owned Certified Small Business – To meet your diversity & set-aside needs.
Plastite® Alternative Screws? What the heck are those?
Posted: June 7, 2023 Filed under: Fasteners, Plastite Alternative Screws, Self-Tapping Screws, Thread-Cutting Screws, Thread-Forming Screws, Thread-Rolling Screws, Threaded Fasteners | Tags: Fasteners, For use with plastics, Mcmaster-Carr 94035A208, Plastic, Plastite Alternative Screws, Plastite Brand Generic Alternative Screws, Thermoplastic, Thread-Forming Screws, Thread-Rolling Screws, Trilobe Screws, Trilobular Screws Leave a comment
Welcome back to our “what the heck is that” series, refreshed for 2023, where we discuss some of the unique fasteners and electronic hardware that manufacturers use in the design and assembly of their products. Today, we will introduce you to the Plastite® Alternative Screws. This fastener creates reusable threads in plastics. It goes by many monikers, and is AKA as a Thread-forming, Thread-Rolling, Trilobular, and sometimes thread-cutting screws. Plastite® Alternative Screws require a drilled or punched hole to install. In general, thread-forming screws press threads into material for a tight, vibration resistant assembly, while thread-cutting screws require less driving torque and cause less stress on material than thread-forming screws.
What are Plastite® Alternative Screws?
Plastite® Alternative Screws are trilobular thread-forming / thread-rolling screws specifically designed for plastic and thermoplastic applications. Their design include a cutting or thread-forming tip that grants them thread-forming, thread-rolling action as they are driven into the plastic material’s hole.
These fasteners do not need pre-tapped or pre-threaded holes because, when their threads are driven into the plastic application, they tend to displace the plastic within the internal sides of the hole and form a female thread. This newly formed internal thread is then used against the male thread of the screw to tighten it, with the right driver’s torque, securely in place.
It is also worth mentioning that they come in a variety of heads, drives, materials and finishes that are designed for specific or unique plastic and thermoplastic fastening solutions.
AKA – Also known as…..
Plastite® Alternative Screws are also called Plas-Fix®45 Alternative, Plastite® Alternative and EJOT® PT® Alternative Self-Tapping Screws. They are designed with an optimized thread-forming / thread-rolling action that enables efficient engagement and provides increased holding power when used exclusively in plastic applications.
Who uses Plastite® Alternative Screws?
Any plastic or thermoplastic application with a bore/hole that needs to reliably secure the mating of plastic components, and that needs to eliminate the need for additional tapping or threading operations is a great candidate for using this type of fasteners!
Plastite® Alternative Screws are broadly used across various plastic and thermoplastic applications in many industries, including: electronics, electrical engineering, packaging, appliances, industrial assemblies and equipment, and many more. Plastite® Alternative Screws are also very common in the automotive industry for fastening some of its plastic components, such as dashboard assemblies, door panels, and engine compartments.
What materials and sizes are available?
Plastite® Alternative Screws are readily available off the shelf in steel—with a black oxide, black zinc, zinc or zinc yellow finish—A2 stainless steel, 410 stainless steel, and stainless steel materials. In addition, some of these screws also follow the ASME B18.6.3 standard.
Standard stock sizes for the head diameter are Inch from #0-40 to #5/16-9, and Metric from M1.6-0.67 to M6-2.5. Popular Metric thread classes include full 30 & 45 degree thread flank.
Are there other factors to consider?
YES! It is generally recommended to pre-drill or pre-punch holes, that are deep enough to hold the entire length of the screws, in the plastic material/application. This should be done in order to ensure proper thread formation and minimize the risk of material damage.
Popular brands include: Plastite®, Plas-Fix®45 and EJOT® PT®.
Plastite® Alternative Screws at MF Supply
We currently offer:
- A full range of commercial parts, including parts that are ROHS compliant.
- Inch and Metric parts are now available for online purchase at our website!
- Brand names and generic equivalents.
- Custom made parts per print.
For more detailed information on Plastite® Alternative Screws or other Trilobular Thread-Rolling / Thread-Forming Screws, visit us at our website or Request a Quote today, and our MF Supply team of sourcing experts can help you find what you need. “Finding the right screw for you” is our tag line after all!
Book a one-on-one consultation with our President, Robin, to discuss how MF Supply can help you solve your Industrial Sourcing, Fastener, and Safety concerns.
Six Reasons To Buy From MF Supply
- Full eCommerce Enabled Website With Technical Manual Available 24/7 – Visit our website and Create a New Account, track online orders, browse our product catalog, check technical specs, subscribe to our blog, or buy online. We are adding items and improving functionality daily!
- Same Day Shipping From The USA – Our hardware products are in stock and ship to you directly from our USA based distribution centers.
- Functional Equivalents To Expensive Brand Names- We stock and source alternatives to brand name fasteners, reducing long lead times and saving you money.
- Creatively Solve Problems – We are sourcing experts, offer competitive pricing and specialize in finding hard to find parts and reducing long deliveries.
- One-Stop Shopping On Certified Hardware – We stock and source a full line of fasteners including Mil-Spec, DFARS compliant and other industrial products.
- WBE/WOSB Woman Owned Certified Small Business – To meet your diversity & set-aside needs.
Over 1,700 Standoffs and Spacers in stock!
Posted: March 31, 2023 Filed under: Electronic Hardware, Fasteners, Hex Spacers, Hex Standoffs, Inch, Metric, Panel Fasteners, Round Spacers, Round Standoffs, Spacers, Standoffs, Standoffs and Spacers, Threaded Fasteners | Tags: Aluminum, Brass, Fasteners, Hardware, Hex Spacers, Hex Standofffs, Hexagonal Spacers, Hexagonal Standoffs, Inch Spacers, Inch Standoffs, Metric Spacers, Metric Standoffs, Nickel, Nickel Plating, Nylon, Passivated Plating, Round Spacers, Round Standoffs, Self-Clinching, Self-clinching Standoffs, Spacers, Stainless Steel, standoffs, Standoffs Female, Standoffs Female Threaded, Standoffs Male-Female, Standoffs Male-Female Threaded, Steel, Zinc, Zinc Plating Leave a comment
Are you looking for Standoffs or Spacers? Look no further than MF Supply!
MF Supply is a trusted supplier of Standoffs and Spacers for Manufacturers and Industry. We now offer a wide selection of over 1,700 Standoffs and Spacers in stock & available for purchase on our website. You’ll find in stock Inch & Metric, Round & Hex, and in a variety of sizes and materials—such as Aluminum, Brass, Nylon, Steel and Stainless Steel. We offer Brand Names and/or Equivalents to National Catalog and OEM brands including: Amatom, Captive, HH Smith, Grainer, Keystone, Lyn-tron, McMaster-Carr, MSC, Microplastics, RAF, Unicorp.
Common Uses of Standoffs and Spacers at MF Supply
Below is a brief explanation of what Standoffs and Spacers are used for.
- Spacers: Spacers are commonly used in equipment or machines that need to maintain a specific distance between components, to prevent over-tightening or to distribute loads.
- Standoffs: Standoffs, like spacers, are also used to create a gap or distance between two surfaces, but are also used to mount or fasten electronic components such as circuit boards.
In-Stock Standoffs and Spacers at MF Supply
At MF Supply’s website, we currently offer over 1,700 Standoffs and Spacers in round or hexagon shapes. They also come in many sizes, and materials, which include Aluminum, Brass with Nickel plated finish, Nylon, Steel and Stainless Steel. Below is a list of the Standoffs and Spacers currently available on our website.
Hexagon Spacers
Round Spacers
Hexagon Female Threaded Standoffs
Hexagon Male-Female Threaded Standoffs
Metric Hexagon Male-Female Threaded Standoffs
Round Female Threaded Standoffs
Round Male-Female Threaded Standoffs
Self-Clinching Standoffs
- Stainless Steel – Type BSOS & Series CFBSOS
- Steel Zinc – Type BSO
- Steel Zinc – Type SO & Series CFSO
Make ordering the Standoffs and Spacers you require a breeze by visiting our website today, or reach out to us to request a quote.
What the heck are Standoffs and Spacers anyway?
Would you like to learn more about Standoffs & Spacers? Don’t sweat it! Read our recent blog post “Standoffs and Spacers!? What the heck are those?“, from our “What the Heck is that” series to learn more about this Category of Electronic Hardware.
Can’t find what you’re looking for?
If the OEM brand, size, material or plating you need is not listed above or on our website, or you need a Mil-Spec, DFARs or domestically manufactured part, Request a Quote today, and our MF Supply team of sourcing experts can help find what you need. “Finding the right screw for you” is our tag line after all!
Book a one-on-one consultation with our President, Robin, to discuss how MF Supply can help you solve your Industrial Sourcing, Fastener, and Safety concerns.
Six Reasons To Buy From MF Supply
- Full eCommerce Enabled Website With Technical Manual Available 24/7 – Visit our website and Create a New Account, track online orders, browse our product catalog, check technical specs, subscribe to our blog, or buy online. We are adding items and improving functionality daily!
- Same Day Shipping From The USA – Our hardware products are in stock and ship to you directly from our USA based distribution centers.
- Functional Equivalents To Expensive Brand Names- We stock and source alternatives to brand name fasteners, reducing long lead times and saving you money.
- Creatively Solve Problems – We are sourcing experts, offer competitive pricing and specialize in finding hard to find parts and reducing long deliveries.
- One-Stop Shopping On Certified Hardware – We stock and source a full line of fasteners including Mil-Spec, DFARS compliant and other industrial products.
- WBE/WOSB Woman Owned Certified Small Business – To meet your diversity & set-aside needs.
MF Supply is a WBE/WOSB certified supply chain partner to business, industry and government. We are sourcing experts and stocking distributors of Hardware, Precision & Mil-Spec Fasteners and Safety supplies. For more than 50 years, we have been supplying manufacturers in the electronics, industrial, commercial, aerospace and military markets with the full range of fastener products and services. Our Cage Code is 58QG4 and our registered name is RL Supply Inc dba MF Supply.
Buyer’s Guide to Set Screws Updated for 2023
Posted: March 22, 2023 Filed under: Fasteners, Inch, Metric, Set Screw, Socket Products, Socket Set Screws, Socket Set Screws Cone Point, Socket Set Screws Cup Point, Socket Set Screws Flat Point, Socket Set Screws Half-Dog Point, Socket Set Screws Knurled Cup Point, Socket Set Screws Nylon Tip, Socket Set Screws Oval Point, Threaded Fasteners | Tags: ASME B18.3, Cone Point, Cup point, Fasteners, Flat Point, Half-Dog, Hardware, Knurled Cup Point, Mechanical Fasteners, Nylon Tip, Oval Point, Set Screw, Socket Set Screws, Threaded Fasteners 2 Comments
8 Things to Know When Buying Set Screws
Our goal is to help simplify the buying process for this sometimes-complex category of fasteners by detailing the most critical things you must know when buying Set Screws.
1. What is a Set Screw?
A Set Screw is a fully threaded headless screw that is traditionally classified within the socket family of products. It is generally used to fasten an object within or against another object by exerting pressure rather than holding parts together with threads. It is normally used without a nut.
2. Who uses Set Screws?
Set Screws are used in many industrial and mechanical devices, particularly in assemblies with rotating items such as pulleys or wheels, where a component is locked onto a shaft. Designed to fasten one object inside another, Set Screws pass right through a threaded hole in the outer object and are tightened against the inner object. Pretty cool, right?
3. What materials and platings are available?
The most common Set Screw material options are alloy steel and stainless steel. Brass is a less popular and less available option.
The most commonly available material is hardened alloy steel with a thermal black oxide finish, as per ASME B18.3 and a Rockwell hardness of C45-53.
Stainless steel grades 18-8/303 and Metric A2 are also commonly available. Other exotic materials such as brass, 316 or A4 stainless steel, 4140 steel, 416, A286 or special finishes including zinc plating may be available for special order with a lead time.
Socket Set Screws come standard with 3A thread fit. Some sizes and materials may be available with nylon patches or pellets.
Set screws with a slotted drive are made with a 2A thread fit.
4. What sizes are available?
In our experience, Set Screws are most commonly available in sizes 2-56 through 1″ diameter in imperial and M2-M24 in metric diameters with a hex socket drive on one end and a cup point on the other.
5. What information should I provide to get an accurate quote?
The easiest way to order is by part number. The most popular manufacturers of Set Screws are Holo-Krome, Blue Devil and Misumi, along with the national catalog houses like McMaster-Carr, Grainger and MSC Industrial.
If you don’t have a part number, you’ll need to provide the diameter and thread, the body length, drive and tip type, material and plating.
6. Other than size, material and plating, what other options are available?
The other main considerations when selecting Set Screws are the drive and the point. We offer a comprehensive look at your options below.
Drives: The most common and readily available drive style is a hexagonal socket drive (think Allen wrench), however, Set Screws may also be available in slotted, six-lobe (Torx) and spline drives for certain sizes.
Points: This is where it gets interesting. The point of the Set Screw determines its function. Seven (yes, seven!) main points are available, each serving a slightly different purpose.
- Cup – The most common style, which is slightly cupped to meet the surface of the inner object. Used for permanent or semi-permanent installations, the Cup point provides a high level of security and control. (Metric DIN 916)
- Knurled Cup – A variation of the Cup point, this style has knurls for a stronger grip.
- Cone – A very sharp point wedges into the inner object to hold it permanently in place. With the highest holding power of all Set Screw styles, the Cone point is used for permanent settings. Note: Cone point Set Screws may cause damage to the inner object which might not be desirable in some applications. (DIN 914)
- Flat – Designed for flexibility when frequently resetting or relocating objects on hard steel shafts where minimal damage to the shaft is desired. Affordable and easy to install, Flat point Set Screws can be moved without damaging the inner object. (DIN 913)
- Oval – The Oval point is the inverse of the Cup point. The small rounded contact surface allows slight adjustments without loosening the screw and causes minimal surface damage to the inner object. The Oval point Set Screw is the most practical type for situations where the inner and outer objects require regular adjustments.
- Half-Dog – Sometimes offered as a Full-Dog point, its protruding tip locks within a mating hole or slot in the shaft, for permanent setting. Half-dog/Dog points are sometimes used instead of a dowel pin. (DIN 915)
- Nylon tip – Resembling a Half-Dog point, the soft nylon tip is used to grip curved or textured surfaces.
7. What other factors should I consider?
We’ve covered the most common variables including head style, diameter and thread, length, material and plating or finish. Does your project specify Inch (Imported or Domestic), Metric, OEM brand or Mil-Spec? Here are a few of the other considerations you might be faced with based on the project and the bill of materials:
We’ve covered the most common variables including head style, diameter and thread, length, material and plating or finish. Here are a few of the other considerations you might be faced with based on the project and the bill of materials:
Do you need domestic parts (i.e. Holo-Krome) or will imported screws work?
Do you require parts that conform to a specific mil-spec number, such as AN565, NAS1081, MS18063, MS18064, MS18065, MS18066, MS18067, MS18068, MS21342, MS51017, MS51021, MS51022, MS51023, MS51025, MS51026, MS51029, MS51031, MS51033,MS51038, MS51040, MS51045, MS51047, MS51053, MS51476, MS51477, MS51963, MS51964, MS51965, MS51966, MS51973,MS51974, MS51976, MS51977, MS51981, MS51982 with their exacting tolerances and traceability, or will standard commercial parts work?
Does your bill of materials call out a specific manufacturer, such as Holo-Krome or Blue Devil?
Make sure you have the correct installation hardware (Allen wrench or hex key) to go along with your Set Screws.
8. What level of certification is required?
Generally, a Certificate of Conformance or a COC is sufficient for your customer. Full certification with material certs, DFARS certification and test reports are often available for USA-made and mil-spec parts for a fee.
- The full range of commercial and Mil-spec parts, including parts that are DFARS and ROHS compliant.
- Brand names (Holo-Krome, Blue Devil) and generic equivalents.
- Custom-made parts per print in non-standard and exotic materials and finishes.
For more detailed information about Set Screws, to request a line card, or to send an RFQ, visit our website. And if you don’t see what you need listed, as always, ask us. “Finding the right screw for you” is our tag line after all!
Book a one-on-one consultation with our President, Robin, to discuss how MF Supply can help you solve your Industrial Sourcing, Fastener, and Safety concerns.
Six Reasons To Buy From MF Supply
- Full eCommerce Enabled Website With Technical Manual Available 24/7 – Visit our website and Create a New Account, track online orders, browse our product catalog, check technical specs, subscribe to our blog, or buy online. We are adding items and improving functionality daily!
- Same Day Shipping From The USA – Our hardware products are in stock and ship to you directly from our USA based distribution centers.
- Functional Equivalents To Expensive Brand Names- We stock and source alternatives to brand name fasteners, reducing long lead times and saving you money.
- Creatively Solve Problems – We are sourcing experts, offer competitive pricing and specialize in finding hard to find parts and reducing long deliveries.
- One-Stop Shopping On Certified Hardware – We stock and source a full line of fasteners including Mil-Spec, DFARS compliant and other industrial products.
- WBE/WOSB Woman Owned Certified Small Business – To meet your diversity & set-aside needs.
MF Supply is a WBE/WOSB certified supply chain partner to business, industry and government. We are sourcing experts and stocking distributors of Hardware, Precision & Mil-Spec Fasteners and Safety supplies. For more than 50 years, we have been supplying manufacturers in the electronics, industrial, commercial, aerospace and military markets with the full range of fastener products and services. Our Cage Code is 58QG4 and our registered name is RL Supply Inc dba MF Supply.
Buyer’s Guide to Set Screws
Posted: January 29, 2018 Filed under: Fasteners, Inch, Metric, Set Screw, Socket Products, Socket Set Screws, Socket Set Screws Cone Point, Socket Set Screws Cup Point, Socket Set Screws Flat Point, Socket Set Screws Half-Dog Point, Socket Set Screws Knurled Cup Point, Socket Set Screws Nylon Tip, Socket Set Screws Oval Point, Threaded Fasteners | Tags: ASME B18.3, Cone Point, Cup point, Fasteners, Flat Point, Half-Dog, Hardware, Knurled Cup Point, Mechanical Fasteners, Nylon Tip, Oval Point, Set Screw, Socket Set Screws, Threaded Fasteners Leave a comment8 Things to Know When Buying Set Screws
Our goal is to help simplify the buying process for this sometimes-complex category of fasteners by detailing the most critical things you must know when buying Set Screws.
1. What is a Set Screw?
A Set Screw is a fully threaded headless screw that is traditionally classified within the socket family of products. It is generally used to fasten an object within or against another object by exerting pressure rather than holding parts together with threads. It is normally used without a nut.
2. Who uses Set Screws?
Set Screws are used in many industrial and mechanical devices, particularly in assemblies with rotating items such as pulleys or wheels, where a component is locked onto a shaft. Designed to fasten one object inside another, Set Screws pass right through a threaded hole in the outer object and are tightened against the inner object. Pretty cool, right?
3. What materials and platings are available?
The most common Set Screw material options are alloy steel and stainless steel. Brass is a less popular and less available option.
The most commonly available material is hardened alloy steel with a thermal black oxide finish, as per ASME B18.3 and a Rockwell hardness of C45-53.
Stainless steel grades 18-8/303 and Metric A2 are also commonly available. Other exotic materials such as brass, 316 or A4 stainless steel, 4140 steel, 416, A286 or special finishes including zinc plating may be available for special order with a lead time.
Socket Set Screws come standard with 3A thread fit. Some sizes and materials may be available with nylon patches or pellets.
Set screws with a slotted drive are made with a 2A thread fit.
4. What sizes are available?
In our experience, Set Screws are most commonly available in sizes 2-56 through 1″ diameter in imperial and M2-M24 in metric diameters with a hex socket drive on one end and a cup point on the other.
5. What information should I provide to get an accurate quote?
The easiest way to order is by part number. The most popular manufacturers of Set Screws are Holo-Krome, Blue Devil and Misumi, along with the national catalog houses like McMaster-Carr, Grainger and MSC Industrial.
If you don’t have a part number, you’ll need to provide the diameter and thread, the body length, drive and tip type, material and plating.
6. Other than size, material and plating, what other options are available?
The other main considerations when selecting Set Screws are the drive and the point. We offer a comprehensive look at your options below.
Drives: The most common and readily available drive style is a hexagonal socket drive (think Allen wrench), however, Set Screws may also be available in slotted, six-lobe (Torx) and spline drives for certain sizes.
Points: This is where it gets interesting. The point of the Set Screw determines its function. Seven (yes, seven!) main points are available, each serving a slightly different purpose.
- Cup – The most common style, which is slightly cupped to meet the surface of the inner object. Used for permanent or semi-permanent installations, the Cup point provides a high level of security and control. (Metric DIN 916)
- Knurled Cup – A variation of the Cup point, this style has knurls for a stronger grip.
- Cone – A very sharp point wedges into the inner object to hold it permanently in place. With the highest holding power of all Set Screw styles, the Cone point is used for permanent settings. Note: Cone point Set Screws may cause damage to the inner object which might not be desirable in some applications. (DIN 914)
- Flat – Designed for flexibility when frequently resetting or relocating objects on hard steel shafts where minimal damage to the shaft is desired. Affordable and easy to install, Flat point Set Screws can be moved without damaging the inner object. (DIN 913)
- Oval – The Oval point is the inverse of the Cup point. The small rounded contact surface allows slight adjustments without loosening the screw and causes minimal surface damage to the inner object. The Oval point Set Screw is the most practical type for situations where the inner and outer objects require regular adjustments.
- Half-Dog – Sometimes offered as a Full-Dog point, its protruding tip locks within a mating hole or slot in the shaft, for permanent setting. Half-dog/Dog points are sometimes used instead of a dowel pin. (DIN 915)
- Nylon tip – Resembling a Half-Dog point, the soft nylon tip is used to grip curved or textured surfaces.
7. What other factors should I consider?
We’ve covered the most common variables including head style, diameter and thread, length, material and plating or finish. Does your project specify Inch (Imported or Domestic), Metric, OEM brand or Mil-Spec? Here are a few of the other considerations you might be faced with based on the project and the bill of materials:
We’ve covered the most common variables including head style, diameter and thread, length, material and plating or finish. Here are a few of the other considerations you might be faced with based on the project and the bill of materials:
Do you need domestic parts (i.e. Holo-Krome) or will imported screws work?
Do you require parts that conform to a specific mil-spec number, such as AN565, NAS1081, MS18063, MS18064, MS18065, MS18066, MS18067, MS18068, MS21342, MS51017, MS51021, MS51022, MS51023, MS51025, MS51026, MS51029, MS51031, MS51033,MS51038, MS51040, MS51045, MS51047, MS51053, MS51476, MS51477, MS51963, MS51964, MS51965, MS51966, MS51973,MS51974, MS51976, MS51977, MS51981, MS51982 with their exacting tolerances and traceability, or will standard commercial parts work?
Does your bill of materials call out a specific manufacturer, such as Holo-Krome or Blue Devil?
Make sure you have the correct installation hardware (Allen wrench or hex key) to go along with your Set Screws.
8. What level of certification is required?
Generally, a Certificate of Conformance or a COC is sufficient for your customer. Full certification with material certs, DFARS certification and test reports are often available for USA-made and mil-spec parts for a fee.
- The full range of commercial and Mil-spec parts, including parts that are DFARS and ROHS compliant.
- Brand names (Holo-Krome, Blue Devil) and generic equivalents.
- Custom-made parts per print in non-standard and exotic materials and finishes.
For more detailed information about Set Screws, to request a line card, or to send an RFQ, visit our website. And if you don’t see what you need listed, as always, ask us. “Finding the right screw for you” is our tag line after all!
Contact me at robin@mfsupply.com with your questions, comments or helpful hints!