We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Materials

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Is a Socket Screw?

By Lori Kilchermann
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 17,609
Share

A socket screw, or Allen head screw or bolt, as it is otherwise known, is a type of fastener that uses a hexagonal wrench often referred to as an Allen wrench or Allen key to tighten and remove. This fastener is used in a myriad of applications where a strong bolt or screw is called for. Requiring less room than the common hexagonal nut and bolt requires for placing a wrench on the fastener, the socket screw is often run in tight tolerance applications where space is at a premium. Often used in the building of machines, high-performance applications and aircraft, the socket screw is a very high-strength fastener that is commonly made from the highest grade of steel and hardened aluminum to ensure a quality fastener is created for every application.

The most common type of socket screw is manufactured from high-strength tool steel, however, these fasteners are also made from many other types of steel and alloy metals. Stainless steel, aluminum and titanium are also used to manufacture the socket screw. Made famous for the very high breaking point of the fastener, the socket screw is able to be used in extreme duty applications where even the highest grade of common fastener could fail. Manufactured typically in a very fine thread configuration, the fasteners are also available in coarse thread versions.

The fine thread pitch of the fastener is so adept at holding tight when under torque that locking washers and nuts are seldom used under any circumstance. The flat surface found on the underside of the fastener's head is such that it evenly applies the load over the entire surface of the screw head without the assistance of a flat washer. Many instances of flat washer use are based on the type of metal that the fastener is being used in, with a softer metal requiring a flat washer. This is done to avoid the tendency of the socket screw to dig into the surface of the metal it is securing.

The head of the socket screw is smaller than a comparably-sized hex nut or bolt, so it requires less physical space to occupy the fastener. The use of an Allen wrench or Allen head socket to install and remove the fastener allows the user a choice in tool depending on the different clearance issues. When properly torqued, the telltale sound of a socket screw being broken loose is an audible snap or snapping sound. The snap is indicative of a quality fastener providing substantial holding force.

Share
About Mechanics is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.aboutmechanics.com/what-is-a-socket-screw.htm
Copy this link
About Mechanics, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

About Mechanics, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.