A machine screw is similar to a bolt but has a socket or slot in its head that allows it to be turned by a screwdriver
The shank on a machine screw is straight rather than tapered with a full thread which is uniform along the entire length
Machine screws do not tap their own thread into materials like wood screws do but are designed to be fastened into pre-tapped holes in the parts they are fastening together
Having a threaded hole creates a stronger joint and results in a higher quality product
What is a Pan Head Screw
Pan head machine screws, as the name suggests, have a head that looks like an inverted frying pan
The heads are flat on the top and rounded on the sides
When driven into material pan head machine screws protrude rather than sit flush
Pan head type screws are used when a flat bearing surface is needed but a countersunk screw is not required
Features and Benefits
Pan head type for a flat bearing surface Durable and hard wearing Resistant to corrosion Water resistant Thermally and electrically conductive Provides aesthetic finish Meets DIN 85 Standards
What are Machine Screws Used For
These brass pan head machine screws are designed to hold separate components together in a wide range of applications such as machine parts, electronic components and other hardware
They are screwed through pre-drilled tapped holes in 2 components and can be fastened at the rear with a nut
This brass machine screw, due to its anti-corrosive properties and resistance to water is particularly suitable for exterior use
Brass also provides an attractive finish to the final product
Applications include the following：
Furniture and woodwork Home and office appliances Exterior projects DIY and maintenance Machine parts Electronic components
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does M2.5, M3, M3.5, M4, M5 Mean
These measurements are found on metric screws, The 'M' stands for Metric
The number after the 'M' is the nominal outer diameter of the screw in mm
How Do I Cut a Machine Screw
Damage to the machine screw threads can prevent parts from fitting together properly, therefore care has to be taken when cutting them and the correct tools used
Cutting a small machine screw （up to standard size #10 or metric size M5 （5mm） Use a pair of multipurpose wire strippers or electricians pliers that feature M2.5, M3, M3.5, M4, M5 threaded holes
These holes are designed for cutting bolts without damaging the thread
Open the jaws and thread the machine screw into the correct size hole to the distance required
Squeeze the tool handles closed and the screw will be cut at the point where the two halves of the jaws come together
You will have a clean cut without any thread damage
Cutting a large machine screw （larger than size #10 or metric size M5 （5mm） This is best done using a hacksaw
Thread the nut on the screw until it reaches the desired point on the head side of the cutting line
Place the screw in a vice or clamp to keep it secure when cutting and cut the screw as straight as you can
When you unthread the nut it will repair and realign any threads that may have been damaged by the saw blade.
