What are the types of pan head screws

Pan Head Screw is widely used in scenarios where both fixing strength and surface aesthetics are required due to its flat disc shaped head, flat surface after installation, and uniform force distribution. According to the driving method, thread type, material, and special function, pan head screws can be subdivided into the following types, which will be explained in combination with practical scenarios and purchasing suggestions:

1、 Classified by driving method: determines installation tools and anti loosening performance

The driving method directly affects the installation efficiency and anti loosening ability of screws. The common types of pan head screws are as follows:

1. Pan Head Phillips Screw

Features: The head is flat and disc-shaped, with a cross shaped groove on the top, which requires installation with a cross screwdriver.

The groove design can prevent the screwdriver from slipping and is suitable for automated installation (such as assembly line production).

The depth and angle of the cross groove affect torque transmission and need to be matched with corresponding screwdriver specifications (such as PH0, PH1, etc.).

Purpose:

Strong universality, widely used in electronic products (such as mobile phones, computers), household appliances (such as televisions, refrigerators), toys and other scenarios that require quick assembly.

Suitable for connecting materials such as metal and plastic, but attention should be paid to torque control to avoid cross groove wear.

Example: Fixed phone case, keyboard key installation.

2. Pan Head Slotted Screw

Features: The head is flat and disc-shaped, with a straight groove at the top that requires installation with a flathead screwdriver.

Traditional design has low cost, but is prone to slipping (especially when the space is narrow or the torque is high).

The slot width should match the screwdriver. If it is too wide, it is easy to slide out, and if it is too narrow, it is easy to damage the slot shape.

Purpose:

Low torque scenarios (such as wooden furniture, simple appliances), or scenarios that require compatibility with old tools.

Commonly seen in old radios, wooden toys, and other items that require manual assembly.

Avoiding pitfalls: Avoid using in a vibrating environment as loose connections may cause connection failure.

3. Pan Head Hex Socket Screw

Features: The head is flat disc-shaped with a hexagonal groove in the center, which requires an Allen Key for installation.

The driving method has good anti slip performance, can withstand high torque, and is suitable for precision installation.

The head is low and can be embedded inside components, saving space.

Purpose:

Scenarios that require high precision and anti loosening (such as mechanical assembly, bicycle components, eyeglass frames).

Commonly found in components that require frequent disassembly, such as camera tripods and instrument mixers.

Example: Fixed bicycle water bottle holder, drone gimbal connection.

4. Pan Head Torx Screw

Features: The head is flat and disc-shaped, with a star shaped groove (similar to a plum blossom) in the center, which requires a dedicated T-shaped screwdriver for installation.

The groove design can disperse torque, reduce tool wear, and has better anti loosening performance than cross grooves.

Common specifications include T10, T15, T20, etc., which need to be matched with corresponding screwdrivers.

Purpose:

High torque scenarios (such as car engines, aviation equipment), or scenarios that require anti-counterfeiting disassembly (such as branded electronic products).

Commonly found in components such as laptop casings and car interior panels that require anti-theft design.

Example: Fixed car wheel hub cover, installation of high-end headphone casing.

2、 Classification by thread type: determines applicable materials and connection strength

The thread type directly affects the interlocking ability between the screw and the material. The common types of pan head screws are as follows:

1. Pan Head Machine Screw

Features: Fine threads, small pitch, suitable for use with nuts or pre drilled threads.

High precision and stable connection, but additional accessories such as nuts and washers are required for installation.

Purpose:

Metal component connections (such as steel plates, aluminum materials), or scenarios that require disassembly (such as mechanical equipment maintenance).

Commonly found in the internal structure of industrial equipment, automotive components, and electronic products.

Example: Computer motherboard fixation, metal bracket assembly.

2. Pan Head Self Tapping Screw

Features: The thread is sharp and can be directly drilled on the material (without pre drilling), but the torque needs to be controlled to avoid slipping.

The installation efficiency is high, but repeated disassembly will reduce the fixing force.

Purpose:

Soft material connections (such as plastic, wood, thin metal), or scenarios that require quick assembly (such as furniture, toys).

Commonly used for fixing plastic shells and installing wooden drawer slides.

Classification:

Sharp tail self tapping screw: suitable for thin plates (such as 0.5-2mm metal).

Flat tail self tapping screw: suitable for thick plates (such as metal above 2mm), pre drilled holes are required.

3. Pan Head Chipboard Screw

Features: The thread is extremely thick, the pitch is large, the head is flat or countersunk, and the surface is often galvanized for rust prevention.

Specially designed for artificial boards, coarse threads can prevent board delamination.

Purpose:

Connection of MDF, particleboard, etc. (such as customized furniture, cabinet backboards).

Pre drilling is required (with a diameter of approximately 70% -80% of the screw diameter) to prevent edge breakage of the board.

3、 Classified by material: Determine applicable environment and durability

The material directly affects the strength, corrosion resistance, and cost of the screw. The common types of pan head screws are as follows:

1. Carbon Steel Pan Head Screw

Features: Low cost, high strength, but prone to rusting (requiring galvanizing or nickel plating for rust prevention).

Purpose:

Indoor dry environment (such as furniture, toys), short-term usage scenarios.

Avoid use in damp or corrosive environments (such as bathrooms, beaches).

Example: Assembly of wooden bookshelves, fixation of plastic toys.

2. Stainless Steel Pan Head Screw

Characteristics: Strong corrosion resistance (especially 304 and 316 stainless steel), but slightly lower strength than carbon steel.

Purpose:

Wet environments (such as kitchens and bathrooms), outdoor scenes (such as railings and sunshades).

Food grade equipment (such as catering utensils, medical equipment).

Example: Installation of stainless steel cabinets and fixation of wooden boardwalks by the seaside.

3. Copper Pan Head Screw

Features: Good conductivity, strong corrosion resistance, but low strength and high cost.

Purpose:

Electrical connections (such as wire connectors, grounding terminals), decorative scenes (such as antique restoration).

Example: Fixed old-fashioned light switch, assembled with copper handicrafts.

4. Plastic Pan Head Screw

Features: Insulation, corrosion resistance, light weight, but low strength, prone to aging.

Purpose:

Internal fixation of electronic devices (such as battery compartments, circuit boards), and temporary assembly scenarios.

Example: Remote control battery cover fixation, plastic model assembly.

4、 Special function pan head screws: meet specific needs

1. Combination Pan Head Screw

Features: The head combines two driving modes (such as hexagonal+cross groove), taking into account both installation tools and anti loosening requirements.

Purpose:

Special scenarios (such as parts that require pre tightening with a wrench and adjustment with a screwdriver).

Commonly found in industrial equipment and precision instruments.

2. Security Pan Head Screw

Features: The drive slot is specially designed (such as pentagram, triangle) and requires special tools for installation/removal.

Purpose:

Anti counterfeiting dismantling scenarios (such as public facilities, branded electronic products).

Commonly used for fixing streetlights and installing ATM machine casings.

5、 Selection suggestion: Match screw types according to the scene

Electronic product assembly: Choose pan head cross groove screws (carbon steel or stainless steel) to balance installation efficiency and anti loosening performance.

Wooden furniture fixation: Choose pan head self tapping threaded screws (carbon steel galvanized), no need for pre drilling, quick installation.

Wet environment use: Choose stainless steel pan head screws (304 or 316 grade), with priority given to rust prevention performance.

High torque scenario: Choose pan head hexagonal drive screws or pan head plum blossom groove screws, with strong anti slip ability.

Temporary fixed requirement: Choose plastic pan head screws, which are low-cost and easy to disassemble.

summarize

The core types of pan head screws are "driving mode+thread type+material", remember the following mnemonic:

Drive selection for anti loosening, thread matching materials, environmental durability, functionality depends on requirements

By matching installation tools, material characteristics, and usage scenarios, it is easy to select suitable pan head screws to ensure a stable and aesthetically pleasing connection.