RS PRO Nickel Plated Brass Steel Pan Head Slotted Machine Screws

From RS PRO a high-quality slotted pan head machine screw with a metric thread. This pan head machine screw is made from high-quality nickel plated brass which has resistance to corrosion and moisture making it ideal for exterior use. The nickel plating on this screw prevents tarnishing and provides a hardened surface. These screws are also known as switch box screws as they are commonly used as fasteners for electrical switches and sockets.

What is a Machine Screw?

A machine screw is similar to a bolt but has a socket or slot in its head that allows it to be turned by a screwdriver. The shank on a machine screw is straight rather than tapered with a full thread which is uniform along the entire length. Machine screws do not tap their own thread into materials like wood screws do but are designed to be fastened into pre-tapped holes in the parts they are fastening together. Having a threaded hole creates a stronger joint and results in a higher quality product.

What is a Pan Head Screw?

Pan head machine screws, as the name suggests, have a head that looks like an inverted frying pan. The heads are flat on the top and rounded on the sides. When driven into material pan head machine screws protrude rather than sit flush. Pan head type screws are used when a flat bearing surface is needed but a countersunk screw is not required.

Features and Benefits

• Pan head design for a flat bearing surface
• Durable with an increased surface hardness
• Corrosion and tarnish resistant
• Water resistant
• Reduced friction
• Decorative finish
• Meets DIN 85 Standards

What are Machine Screws Used For?

These nickel plated brass pan head machine screws are designed to hold separate components together in a wide range of applications such as machine parts and electronic components. They are screwed through pre-drilled tapped holes in 2 components and can be fastened at the rear with a nut. This brass machine screw, due to its anti-corrosive and anti-tarnishing properties is particularly suitable for exterior use. The most common use for these machine screws is in the electrical industry for securing switch and socket fixings. Applications include the following:

• Electrical sockets and switches
• Home and office appliances
• Exterior projects
• DIY and maintenance
• Machine parts
• Electronic components

Frequently Asked Questions

What Does M2.5, M3, M3.5, M4, M5 Mean?

These measurements are found on metric screws, The 'M' stands for Metric. The number after the 'M' is the nominal outer diameter of the screw in mm.

How Do I Cut a Machine Screw?

Damage to the machine screw threads can prevent parts from fitting together properly, therefore care has to be taken when cutting them and the correct tools used.

Cutting a small machine screw (up to standard size #10 or metric size M5 (5mm)

Use a pair of multipurpose wire strippers or electricians pliers that feature M2.5, M3, M3.5, M4, M5 threaded holes. These holes are designed for cutting bolts without damaging the thread. Open the jaws and thread the machine screw into the correct size hole to the distance required. Squeeze the tool handles closed and the screw will be cut at the point where the two halves of the jaws come together. You will have a clean cut without any thread damage.

Cutting a large machine screw (larger than size #10 or metric size M5 (5mm)

This is best done using a hacksaw. Thread the nut on the screw until it reaches the desired point on the head side of the cutting line. Place the screw in a vice or clamp to keep it secure when cutting and cut the screw as straight as you can. When you unthread the nut it will repair and realign any threads that may have been damaged by the saw blade.