Button head cap screws (also known as allen wrench capscrews) have a low, domed head and a wider bearing surface than standard socket heads. This allows them to snag less on machinery and gives them a clean appearance.
They can be driven by an allen wrench or hex key and are used in automotive, electronics and machine applications.
Characteristics
Button head socket cap screws offer a raised dome head design for a sleek finish. They are versatile fasteners used in a wide range of applications and industries such as electronics, automotive, and steel fabrication because they provide a strong clamping force with a smaller footprint than other screw types. They also feature a hex drive hole for use with an allen wrench or hex key.
These screws typically have full threads that make them ideal for heavy-duty and structural applications, while their recessed hexagonal socket provides tamper resistance and a clean appearance. They’re also lightweight, making them an excellent choice for applications that require a low-profile design or limited space.
Button head socket cap screws are available in a variety of sizes to suit a wide range of applications. They’re commonly used in the automotive industry to secure various components and parts while maintaining a flush fit, as well as in furniture manufacturing and assembly to secure decorative elements and pieces of wood. They’re also popular for electronic applications to secure motherboard components, and in construction for securing aluminum or steel framing and other structural materials. These fasteners have high tensile strength, meaning they can withstand significant axial force and are resistant to shear failure. They’re also highly durable and corrosion-resistant.
Applications
Button head cap screws also known as mushroom heads are popular because of their decorative appearance. They have a slightly rounded dome that gives them an appearance that is a bit more finished than flat head socket screws. They also tend to be less susceptible to catching on moving machinery.
Button Socket Cap Screws are used in a wide range of applications including industrial production, furniture manufacture and steel fabrication. These fasteners have impressive clamping strengths and are easy to install. They are primarily utilized in situations where an aesthetic finish is important or when the material thickness is too thin to countersink a standard head cap screw.
These screws generate a compressive load in the threads, opposite to the tensile load created by bolts and most other screws. This allows the screw to hold parts beneath the head without loosening over time, and is particularly suited for applications with high vibration loads.
Unlike other head types, these caps are not abrasive, and they can be used in delicate or fragile environments. They can be made from a variety of materials, and the head shape and size can be custom-made to suit a specific application. Choosing the correct head type and material for an application is vital to ensure that the screw meets all of the requirements, including resistance to corrosion and the operating temperature of the application.
Advantages
Button head cap screws are used in a variety of industries due to their versatility and performance. They are made of sturdy materials that can withstand significant amounts of pressure, and they can be made to have fine or coarse threads to suit different applications. Their tensile strength allows them to resist axial forces without breaking, and their shear strength allows them to hold in place against lateral forces.
They have a wide load-bearing surface under the head that resists loosening, and the head is smooth and round for an attractive aesthetic look. Additionally, the head can be countersunk to allow for a flush fit with the surrounding material. Compared to pan head socket cap screws, button head caps have a more rounded profile and have no sharp edges that could snag on tools or create an unsafe working environment.
The flat top of the head is also easy to grip and provides a more finished appearance for exposed installations. For this reason, they are often preferred over other screw types in industries that require a neat and tidy finish. These include electronics, furniture manufacturing and assembly, metal framing applications, and automotive engineering. In addition, the head of a button head socket cap screw is lower than that of a traditional socket screw, which can make it easier to reach tight spaces where clearance is limited.