
Benefits of Using the Different Types of Socket Head Screws
Socket cap screws, also known as socket head screws, have become a common sight as their popularity increases. Engineers and designers realize they're the only screw that can deliver the holding power required in many applications.
It’s this holding power or torque that is mainly responsible for their popularity. Socket screws were first invented in the 1860s, but it wasn’t until the early 1900s that they began to be used regularly by mechanics and engineers. Today, socket cap screws are widely used in the automotive, machine tooling, and aerospace industries. Can you notice any common threads among these industries? They all manufacture products in which movement and vibration are common occurrences. Cars, machines with moving parts, and airplanes all rely on the holding power of their fasteners to work as designed every time they're used.
Advancing Technology
Through the years, as technology advanced, slotted-head screws and Phillips-head screws didn’t have the holding power required as machines began to move faster, perform under greater stress, and generate more vibrations than ever before. The socket cap screw rose to prominence, delivering significantly greater torque in the same size package as their older cousins.
But as their popularity increased, engineers started to refine the screws to suit particular purposes, and these refinements also became popular. Today we have five different types of standard socket cap screws to suit different applications. They are:
- socket head cap
- low socket head cap
- button head
- flat socket
- socket set screw
The socket cap screw is the screw that started the whole shift towards an Allen-wrench-driven screw. The Allen wrench delivers greater torque by having more surface area on the screw than either the slotted-head or Phillips-head screw. The socket screw was designed to make use of the depth of the screw as well. Allen wrenches have six sides and fit snugly in a socket cap screw. By drilling deeper holes into the center of the screw, designers are able to offer greater surface area, which equates to a greater amount of torque. The lack of “wiggle room” means they can be driven more efficiently and with greater force than other screws. But the somewhat tall heads on the original screws meant that other machine parts hung up or caught on them under some applications. Therefore, the first variation was the low socket head cap screw.
Needed Refinements and Variations
This screw offered a lower profile without giving up much of its torque capacity. Now, engineers could choose between two high-torque fasteners, which meant they could design their machines with closer-fitting moving parts. However, the socket cap and low socket cap screw still offered a somewhat square profile when viewed from the side. The square edge meant that items catching on the edge of the screws were still a problem.
The next variation to hit the market was also a great success. The button head socket screw did away with the square profiles of socket cap screws and offered a rounded profile that successfully reduced any machine parts from hanging up or catching on them.
The fourth and fifth variations did away completely with any visible profile whatsoever. The flat socket screw was designed to be countersunk into the face of the fastened material. This enabled machines to be designed with flush surfaces, a refinement that was particularly appreciated by the automotive and aerospace industries.
The socket set screw was a major breakthrough in fastener technology. This did away with the cap head completely. The entire screw was threaded, and the socket drive function enabled this design.
Buying Socket Cap Screws Online
Today, many manufacturers draw the line at using any other type of fasteners on their machines than socket cap screws and their variations. The advantage of their superior holding power makes the use of other fasteners simply impractical and unsafe in many applications.
Manufacturers in Thailand can now order a variety of these socket cap screws for immediate delivery anywhere in Thailand. We have socket cap screws in black, nickel-plated steel, titanium, aluminum, zinc-plated steel, 12.9 steel geomet, and stainless steel 304.
Our products are manufactured in accordance with Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS) that represent the highest quality. Order from our website today for delivery within 2-5 days anywhere in Thailand.