Button head socket cap screws have a rounded button-shaped head with a recessed hexagon drive hole. They can be tightened with allen wrenches and hex keys. They have clean heads with no stamping or marking for a nice, finished look.
These fasteners are ideal for applications with high tensile strength and durability. Let’s take a closer look at some of their most notable characteristics:
Durability
Button head socket cap screws combine the advantages of a pan head with the driver of a socket head to provide a wide area clamping face and a finished appearance. They can withstand higher torques than a traditional phillips head screw and are ideal for low clearance applications.
These fasteners are primarily used in mechanical assemblies, automotive equipment, and other heavy-duty applications. Their raised dome shape also provides a strong grip on the surface that they are fastened to, and they help distribute force evenly.
These fasteners are typically made from materials that resist corrosion, which helps prolong their lifespan and keep them performing well over time. They are available in a wide range of diameters and lengths to accommodate many different projects. They are also easy to install, and they can be tightened with a standard wrench or hex key. These features make them a good choice for projects that require a durable and reliable fastener.
Aesthetics
Screws are a ubiquitous component of many manufacturing processes, ranging from furniture to medical devices. They serve a variety of purposes, including fastening materials and providing a smooth finish that reduces the risk of snagging or injury. They come in different styles and sizes, each with unique characteristics and properties that suit specific applications.
The rounded head on a button head screw offers a cosmetic finish that makes them ideal for applications where aesthetics are a priority. They also offer a larger load-bearing surface than flat head screws and are free of sharp edges for safety.
Other heads on socket drive screws include mushroom, fillister, or flat undercut. Flat undercut head screws use a raised countersunk surface with a deeper slot that allows the screw to sit flush with the materials on which it is installed, rather than above. Mushroom screws have a domed head and a low profile. They are often used in electronics and automotive applications.
Threading
Button head socket screws, also known as dome or rounded screw heads, are popular for aesthetic reasons and provide a wider load-bearing surface than traditional flat head cap screws. These hex socket machine screws have a shoulder sloped at about 82 degrees (imperial) or 90 degrees (metric). This allows the head to sit either flush or lower than the surface of the material it is being driven into. It also enables the head to be driven by a hex drive, Philips or 6-lobe/Torx drive or Pozi Drive.
These hex socket cap screws can be tightened to much higher torque specifications than standard slotted or cross-recessed drive machine screws and have a larger bearing surface to reduce the risk of snags or tripping. They are used in mechanical applications such as end panels, display shelving or carts. They are also commonly used in tooling, metal stamping dies, plastic injection molds, and machinery where strength and appearance are important.
Installation
Choosing the right screw for your application depends on a variety of factors. Consider the screw’s load-bearing capacity (axial forces), shear load (lateral forces) and corrosion resistance. Also, consider the screw’s installation environment, including climate and exposure to chemicals.
The button head socket cap screw’s large face distributes force more evenly than a standard pan head or flat head socket cap screw. This feature makes this head style ideal for low clearance applications that require a large area clamping surface or for tight spaces that are too small to counter-bore.
To determine the proper sizing for your button head socket cap screw, measure from under the head to the screw’s end. Albany County Fasteners carries a variety of stainless steel and black oxide Button Socket Head Cap screws in Property Class 10.9 or Grade 18-8 or A2. Ensure you choose the correct drive style or head type to meet your application requirements. Also, be sure to use the recommended torque values to avoid damaging the screw and its head.
