Socket screws have a cylindrical head and an internal hex drive. They are used when externally wrenched fasteners are not practical because of a lack of space. Socket screws are tightened using an Allan or Hex key. Discover everything you need to know in our
socket screws guide.
Head Shapes
- Hex Socket Button - has a larger head diameter making them more appropriate for holding thin materials such as sheet metal guards
- Hex Socket Cap - has a head height equal to the shank diameter. Used instead of a hex bolt when there is less clearance available
- Hex Socket Countersunk - used when you need a screw to fit flush or below the surface of your material
- Hex Socket Shoulder - often used as a pivot point or axis because shoulders are ground to a tight tolerance. They feature a small cylindrical head with tall vertical sides
When to Use a Socket Screw
Socket screws are often used in applications where there is limited clearance such as in machine building and maintenance, tools and dies and engineering applications.
Advantages of Using a Socket Screw
- As compared to ordinary fasteners, fewer socket screws of the same size can achieve the same clamping force in a joint
- As fewer screws are required for a given job, fewer holes are required to be drilled and tapped
- There is weight reduction as fewer screws are used
- There are weight reductions due to the smaller size of the component parts. The cylindrical heads of socket screws need less space than hex heads and require no additional wrench space