Set Screws

Set screws are specialized fasteners used to secure components. At The Coating House, we supply set screws and other types of fasteners for a range of applications. Learn more about set screw types, and why and how they are used in many industries.

What is a Set Screw?

A set screw is a threaded fastener that does not have a head. They are used to hold two components together securely or to keep one piece in place against another. Unlike general-purpose screws, set screws exert pressure to hold objects in place without nuts.

Set screws are available with a black oxide or plated finish and can be made from stainless steel or a number of alloys.

Types of Set Screws

There are several different types of set screws, though most have features in common. Most are fully threaded with threads running from the screw tip to the socket drive end. Recessed hex socket drives are common; however, some types have a slotted or other drive type.

Examples of set screw configurations include:

Cup

Cup screws are versatile and have a sturdy grip, so they are used in many different applications. They are often used in places where the set screw must enter the mating part. Cup screws can be used to secure machine components, such as knobs, gears, and collars, into shafts without damage.

Cone

Conical point set screws have a sharp, pointed end that deeply penetrates the mating part for excellent holding power. They are commonly used in permanent applications where the screw will not be removed or adjusted, such as aligning gears to a shaft.

Flat

Instead of biting into the mating part, flat set screws press flush against the surface to secure it. This type of set screw is used when frequent adjustments or repositioning are required without marking or damaging the mating parts.

Dog

Dog set screws have a cylindrical extended tip that securely fits into a slot or hole in the mating part to ensure proper alignment. The diameter of the screw is typically the same as the length of the extended tip. Dog set screws are frequently used in applications with predrilled holes or with set screw collars to locate bearings and other components along a shaft.

Knurled Cup

Knurled set screws are commonly used in motors, machinery, and other high-vibration applications. While similar in design to cup point set screws, these have a knurled surface that helps the screw dig firmly into the mating part without slipping or moving.

Benefits of Set Screws

Set screw fasteners have many useful characteristics, such as:

Compact Design. The small size of most set screws makes them useful in limited-space applications.
Cost-Effective. Set screws are typically more affordable than other fasteners.
Reliability. Set screws prevent movement and hold parts in place by creating a secure connection between the components.
Simplicity. Set screws work on a simple operating principle and are easy to install with common tools, such as a hex key.
Versatility. Set screws come in a variety of designs for use in the oil, gas, energy, aerospace, and other industries.

Applications of Set Screws

Aerospace

Set screws create a high-strength bond between objects that is suitable for use in harsh conditions, such as spacecraft and aircraft applications. They enhance performance and safety by keeping components securely in place.

Manufacturing

Using set screws on industrial machinery to attach pulleys or gears streamlines operations and reduces downtime.

Electronics / Instrumentation

Set screws with flat points or nylon tips can be used to secure delicate components in electronics and instrumentation without damage or vibration.

Mechanical Assemblies

Set screws can be used to control grip and pressure precisely in machinery and assemblies like couplings, gears, or pulleys.

Contact The Coating House for High-Quality Set Screws

Since 1980, the Coating House has supplied standard and custom machine, cap, shoulder, and captive screws; metric fasteners; and industrial hardware for many applications and industries. We are an authorized Loctite® Service Center and the only Henkel Authorized Pre-Applied Center on the Atlantic coast. An American, woman-owned business, The Coating House has a long history of quality, customer service, and cost-effective pricing.