Socket Head Cap Screws are a type of machine screw. They are a bit like bolts in that they get tightened with a wrench or socket but the head is designed to sit flush with the surface being fastened.
These screws have a hexagonal head and are driven by hex allen keys or wrenches. They’re often used when a low-profile design or access to tight spaces is necessary.
Durability
Socket Head Cap Screws are designed to withstand high-fatigue loads and cycles over long periods of time. They are highly durable and can be used in a variety of demanding applications, including critical vehicle components, machine tools, dies, industrial equipment, and electronic devices.
Their internal hex drive recess (Allen or Hex head) makes them easy to use in tight and confined spaces where external wrenching may not be possible. They also typically have a higher tensile strength than standard screws and a larger load-bearing capacity.
Depending on the application, it is important to select a socket head cap screw with sufficient tensile and shear strength to support the weight of the secured component. It is also important to ensure that the screw can withstand the environmental conditions of the application, such as temperature extremes and exposure to moisture or corrosive substances. In addition, it is crucial to inspect the fasteners regularly for signs of wear, corrosion, or loosening.
Threads
There are different types of threads used in screws, and they’re rated by strength. Some generate a tensile load that fastens to the nut and holds it in place, while others can withstand a compressive load like shear force.
Socket head cap screws can be fully or partially threaded, depending on the application. Fully threaded screws have a head that’s roughly 1.5 times larger than the nominal thread diameter, and they can be installed all the way into a screw hole. Partially threaded socket cap screws, or Allen head screws, have an unthreaded portion under the head and can only be installed partway into a screw hole.
Dome-shaped socket head cap screws have a wider hex socket and lower profile than standard ones, and they’re used when limited side clearance prevents using a wrench hex fastener. They also have a nylon patch bonded to the threads that acts as a locking element to resist loosening from vibration.
Finish
Socket Head Cap Screws are commonly used in applications where aesthetics, a low-profile design or access to tight spaces are important. They are available in a variety of sizes and materials to meet diverse industrial requirements.
Sockt Head Cap screws feature a built-in hexagonal internal drive that can be used with a standard socket wrench (Allen key). This is what sets them apart from other screw head designs and makes them easy to tighten or loosen. They also do not require external clearance like hex head bolts to use a hex socket wrench, making them ideal for close tolerance applications where protrusions can easily snag on equipment or machinery.
Patriot Bolt and Fastener supplies a variety of specialty socket head capscrews to accommodate unique environmental and load requirement specifications. These specialty materials allow for different combinations of strength, corrosion resistance and heat tolerance to better adapt to specific industry demands. They are typically graded by two numbers separated by a point to indicate their strength, allowing users to better anticipate the bolt’s capabilities and safety performance in their intended application.
Applications
A wide variety of industrial applications call for fasteners that meet specific strength, durability, and other requirements. One of the most common types of fasteners is the socket head cap screw. They are used in a range of manufacturing, automotive, and steel fabrication projects.
Designed to fit into tight spaces, these screws can help prevent damage to surfaces by distributing loads over a larger area. Their recessed head also helps reduce loosening due to vibrations.
Black oxide socket head caps feature a projection around the bottom of their heads that acts as a washer and disperses loads on bearing surfaces. They are rated higher than standard cap screws for their ability to withstand high-load applications.
Hex socket button cap screws are a good alternative to standard cap screws. Their internal hex drive and lower head height make them ideal for applications with limited space and thin materials. However, they can’t handle the same preloads as standard cap screws.