Socket Screw is a unique type of fastener that requires a special wrench to install. They have a built-in hexagonal internal drive and are a great choice when space is limited.

These screws have a cylindrical head with a hexagonal socket (also known as an Allen socket) in the center, providing a sleek and low-profile appearance. They are available in various materials to accommodate different environmental conditions and strength requirements.
Types

Socket screws are fasteners with an internal hex drive and require a specific kind of wrench (like an Allen key). They have a built-in hexagonal drive hole on the head and offer superior clamping strength. They’re also designed for environments with limited space and can be tightened or loosened without the need for external wrenching.

The type of socket screw you need depends on the application. PTS stocks a wide range of types, including flat head socket screws and socket button heads. Flat head socket screws, also known as countersunk socket screws, expose no more than a flush surface to the mating surface while socket button heads are perfect for applications with tight tolerances and limited space.

Other socket screw types include shoulder screws, which generate a compressive load to resist tensile stresses and pressure plugs, which are compression fasteners used in hydraulic and pneumatic applications. All of these types meet AISI, IFI, and ANSI standards and specifications.
Materials

The material used to make a socket head cap screw determines its drive type. Most screws have a flat head, which can be driven by a Philips or a flat-head screwdriver, but socket head caps screws have a hex-shaped recess on the heads that can be installed using an Allen wrench, also known as an allen key. This design allows for tightening and loosening with more torque, as the hex-shaped head has six sides of contact with the driver.

Socket cap screws are made of alloy steel, which provides exceptional strength and durability. They can be found in many applications, including metal fabrication, furniture manufacturing, and machine tooling. The strong clamping force they provide means that fewer fasteners can be used on an assembly, which saves construction crews time and money. Additionally, the alloy steel can be treated to improve its resistance to corrosion. Other materials are available for special applications, such as stainless steel.
Sizes

Socket head cap screws are different from other screw types because they have a built-in hex internal drive that requires a specific wrench—also known as an Allen wrench. This feature makes them easier to install and remove, as well as allows you to achieve more torque with fewer screws than other fasteners.

They also have six stress-bearing sides compared to four with other screw styles, like flathead or Phillips. This allows you to achieve more clamping force with a smaller amount of hardware, reducing the weight and cost of your finished project.

Additionally, standard inch series socket screws have a higher tensile strength than hex screws of the same diameter due to their more sturdy construction. This makes them the ideal choice when you need extra support in your application.
Applications

A range of industrial applications benefit from the strength, versatility and aesthetics of socket screws. These fasteners are often used when a space is too limited to allow for the use of conventional hex bolts and nuts, such as in furniture manufacture, metal fabrication and machinery equipment.

They are also favoured for their tensile and shear capacity, which is often higher than that of traditional fasteners, such as hex bolts and sets. In addition, they require fewer screws to achieve the same clamping force as other types of fasteners, which can help reduce cost and weight while still maintaining the same level of strength and reliability.

These fasteners are manufactured through a combination of cold forming, thread cutting and rolling, heat treatment and finishing processes. Depending on the materials used, they may be designed to resist corrosion and other environmental conditions. They are often finished in a variety of ways to meet industry requirements, including coating and plating.