What Are the Best Ways to Choose Socket Cap Screws?

Also referred to as socket head bolts, socket cap screws are a unique kind of fastener that features a hexagonal drive recess which makes them an effective alternative to the traditional Phillips head fasteners. Socket cap screws become particularly useful when one is working in small spaces in which a screwdriver, wrench, or socket might not fit, as they are easily installable and removable using a hex key. These screws are available in a wide variety of types, and it is crucial to select the right type of socket cap screws for your application in order to correctly complete and stabilize your project. There are several factors to consider when selecting the correct socket cap screw which will be discussed in the following article.

There exists a variety of socket cap screws, including ones which feature nylon pellets and an internal hexagon drive that provides additional locking strength. The pellets are applied to the threads to prevent vibration from loosening components in the system. Another type of socket cap screw includes those featuring a nylon patch which, like the pellet, prevents vibration that could potentially disrupt the system. Those with a drilled head have a hole in their head which accepts a wire thread for safety. Fully-threaded screws are also internally-driven fasteners with immense strength. A standard inch series socket cap screw is 20 percent stronger than Grade 8 hex head screws, and 50 percent stronger than Grade 5 hex screws. This makes these screws suited for heavy-duty projects that require more power and security.

The first thing to consider when purchasing a socket cap screw is the material it is constructed from; they are available in a wide variety of materials like those of traditional fasteners, as well as stainless steel, alloys, and more. It is important that whatever material is selected is corrosion-resistant, durable, and difficult to rust for the benefit of their respective application.

Length is another factor to consider when purchasing a socket cap screw, as it needs to suit its application. For example, a longer socket cap screw may be necessary when you plan to use it to hold two or more components together because it must be capable of fitting all those components. These screws are available in metric and inch-based sizes.

The long, cylindrical body of a fastener is called the shank which can either be partially or fully threaded depending upon its specific application. At the end of the shank is the head which is where the body connects.

In addition to the amount of threading the screw features, it is also important to consider whether that threading is coarse or fine. Coarse threading possesses less threads over a particular distance, whereas fine threading features more threads over the same distance. Fine-thread socket cap screws feature thinner threads as compared to coarse thread options.

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