RS PRO Slot Pan Head Nickel Plated Brass Machine Screw, M4, 6mm

Metric Thread, Nickel Plated Brass

Machine screws are fully threaded screws that are specifically designed to be used in pre-tapped holes or used with conforming nuts and washers in through holes. Machine screws are available in an array of configurations, materials, driver head types and sizes. As their name implies, machine screws are used to fasten various components together in appliances, tools, machines, electronic devices, vehicles amongst a whole host of other objects. Machine screws are similar to a bolt but have a socket in the head which allows it to be turned with a screwdriver.

Are they easy to assemble?

Our slot pan head machine screws have been designed to give the user an easy assembling experience.

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.

Features & Benefits

• To DIN 85 • Nickel Plated brass finish to resist tarnishing
• Resists wear
• Has good lubricity (reduction of friction)

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.

Typical Application

• Sailing • Motor boating
• Other water sport applications
• The nickel finish is usually more suited to socket finishes and electrical switches

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.

Note

This product is not supplied with a washer. To see the range of slot pan head machine screws please refer to the datasheet and fasteners selection guide. Through these two documents you will also find the various thread sizes and lengths that we have to offer.

Standards

The slotted drive screw meets DIN 85 Standards