Often times the most overlooked component of a fastener is the head. The head of a screw or bolt is what holds the fastener in place, resists lateral movement and stands up to vibration and the tensile load created by the fastener. The shape and material of a head can also determine how easily it is driven and what torque limits it has.
The Button Head Cap Screw is one of the most common fasteners in the world, found in automotive, electronics, machinery and manufacturing applications due to its versatility, raised dome head and clean appearance. Despite their wide use, many people aren’t aware of the different variations of socket caps and what each type can do for an assembly.
Socket screws have a wide bearing surface which makes them resistant to looseness. They are also generally stronger than traditional machine screws or bolts. Their high tensile strength is great for fastening components in vibration and lateral displacement situations. Their low head profile makes them ideal for applications with limited space as they don’t snag like other bolts and screws which can cause injury or damage equipment or tether workers to hazardous areas.
Button Head Socket Cap Screws (BHSC) have a head that is 50% lower than a traditional Socket Head Cap Screw and have a shallower hex drive to reduce the risk of stripping. They can still be used in all the same applications as a standard socket cap screw, but they are more suitable for lighter loads. Button Head Cap Screw