Screws · DIN 7985
DIN 7985 Phillips Pan Head Screw
Accurate Fastners manufactures and supplies DIN 7985 Phillips pan head screws in stainless steel grades SS 202, SS 304 and SS 316, cold forged to metric machine thread form. Available in diameters from M3 to M8 and lengths from 6 mm to 50 mm, these screws serve a broad range of light-to-medium assembly applications across multiple industries.
- Standard
- DIN 7985
- Grades
- 304 / 316 / 202
- Size
- M3 – M8
- Length
- 6 mm – 50 mm
Overview
What is the DIN 7985 Phillips Pan Head Screw?
DIN 7985 is a German Institute for Standardisation (DIN) specification that defines the dimensional and geometric requirements for cross-recessed pan head screws with a Phillips drive. The standard specifies head height, head diameter, recess depth and thread tolerances so that screws from different sources remain interchangeable within compliant assemblies. Accurate Fastners produces these screws to that specification, giving buyers a reliable, documented basis for procurement and quality verification.
The screw features a raised pan head — a low-profile, broad-crowned head with a flat bearing face — combined with a Phillips cross recess. This head geometry distributes clamping load over a relatively wide area compared with countersunk or cheese-head forms, making it suitable for panels, housings and enclosures where the fastener sits proud of the surface. The Phillips recess is designed to accept a standard PH screwdriver bit, enabling quick manual or machine-driven installation in production environments.
Accurate Fastners cold forges these screws rather than cutting them from bar stock. Cold forging compresses the material under high pressure, aligning the grain structure of the stainless steel and typically producing a stronger, more consistent part than machined alternatives. The metric machine thread runs to standard pitch for each diameter, ensuring compatibility with corresponding nuts, threaded inserts or tapped holes machined to DIN or ISO metric standards. Each batch passes through the company's in-house quality control process at procurement and prior to dispatch.
In Depth
Product description
Construction and Geometry
The DIN 7985 screw body is cold forged from stainless steel rod. Cold forging aligns the metal's grain flow along the contour of the fastener, which may contribute to improved mechanical consistency across a production batch. The shank carries a full metric machine thread with standard pitch, and the thread form is compatible with all DIN and ISO metric internal threads of the corresponding size.
The pan head sits atop the shank with a diameter noticeably wider than the shank itself, creating a pronounced bearing flange. Head height is governed by the DIN 7985 dimensional table, keeping the overall profile low enough for most panel and enclosure applications. The Phillips recess is formed during the forging and heading process, maintaining consistent depth and cross-arm width across parts for reliable bit engagement.
Functional Behaviour in an Assembly
When driven into a clearance hole through a component and threaded into a nut or tapped hole, the pan head bears against the surface, clamping the joint. The broad head diameter means the bearing stress on soft or thin substrates — such as sheet metal, plastics or thin aluminium extrusions — is spread over a larger area than a countersunk head would provide, potentially reducing the risk of pull-through in lower-density materials.
The Phillips drive geometry is designed so that a properly sized PH bit centres itself in the recess under axial load. This self-centring characteristic can improve assembly speed in manual and automated screwdriving operations. However, at very high torques the Phillips profile may cam out; where that is a concern, the selection of drive type and installation method should be reviewed with reference to the assembly requirements.
How It Differs from Similar Fasteners
DIN 7985 is specifically the Phillips pan head variant. Closely related DIN standards cover other combinations: DIN 7981 covers self-tapping pan head screws, DIN 965 covers countersunk Phillips screws, and DIN 84 covers slotted cheese-head screws. Each has a different head profile and recess, making them suited to different clearance conditions, aesthetic requirements and fastening tools. Specifying DIN 7985 clearly identifies the raised pan head and Phillips recess.
Compared with a countersunk screw, the DIN 7985 pan head does not require a chamfered countersink in the mating part, simplifying hole preparation in sheet fabrication. Compared with a hexagon head bolt, the pan head offers a lower profile and requires no spanner access around the fastener — an advantage in confined or space-restricted enclosures. However, a hex head generally accommodates higher tightening torques, so the choice between head types should reflect the joint's torque and access requirements.
Material & Grade
Material and grade information
- SS 304
- SS 316
- SS 202
Accurate Fastners supplies DIN 7985 pan head screws in three stainless steel grades: SS 202, SS 304 and SS 316. SS 304 is an austenitic grade widely used in general engineering and indoor or mildly humid environments; it offers a useful balance of corrosion resistance, formability and weldability. SS 316 contains molybdenum, which is generally understood to improve resistance to chlorides and certain chemicals, making it a common choice where exposure to salt spray, cleaning agents or process fluids is anticipated.
SS 202 is a lower-nickel austenitic grade that may be considered where cost is a primary factor and the service environment is relatively benign — such as indoor enclosures or dry assemblies. It typically offers lower corrosion resistance than SS 304. The most appropriate grade for a given application depends on the service environment, compatible materials in the assembly and any relevant regulatory or end-customer specifications. Buyers are encouraged to discuss grade selection with the Accurate Fastners sales team when requirements are uncertain.
Grades shown are those documented for this product in the Accurate Fastners brochure. General material notes are guidance only; confirm grade selection for your environment.
Technical Data
Technical specifications
| Product type | Screw – DIN 7985 Phillips Pan Head Screw |
|---|---|
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Material grade | SS 304, SS 316, SS 202 |
| Applicable standard | DIN 7985 |
| Nominal diameter / size | M3 – M8 |
| Length | 6 mm – 50 mm |
| Thread type | Metric machine thread |
| Head / form | Raised pan head |
| Drive / tightening | Phillips cross recess |
| Manufacturing process | Cold forged |
Sizes
Available sizes
Documented size range
M3 – M8
Documented length range
6 mm – 50 mm
Individual sizes within the documented range, thread pitches and lengths are confirmed at quotation stage.
Applications
Industrial applications
RO Water Purifier Assemblies
Pan head screws are commonly used to secure housings, brackets and filter-stage enclosures in RO purifier units, where stainless steel grades resist moisture and light chemical exposure encountered during normal operation and maintenance.
Solar Energy Mounting Structures
DIN 7985 screws may be used in junction boxes, control enclosures and light frame subassemblies within solar installations, where a low-profile head suits panel thicknesses and the Phillips drive supports efficient site assembly.
LED Lighting Fixtures
The broad pan head bearing face and modest head height make these screws suitable for securing driver boards, reflector housings and back-plates in LED luminaire assemblies where pull-through resistance and a flush appearance are considerations.
Food and Beverage Machinery
SS 316 variants may be considered for enclosures and guarding on food processing or beverage equipment, where equipment surfaces are subject to routine wash-down and cleaning agents that can affect lower-grade fasteners.
Pharmaceutical Machinery Panels
Pan head screws in SS 304 or SS 316 are often used to assemble inspection panels, covers and instrument housings on pharmaceutical process equipment, where surface finish and corrosion performance are relevant selection factors.
Featured for: RO Water Purifier, LED Lighting
Features & Selection
Features and selection considerations
Design features
Cold Forged Construction
Each screw is cold forged, aligning the grain structure of the stainless steel along the part profile for consistent dimensional form across production batches, as supplied by Accurate Fastners.
Raised Pan Head Profile
The broad, flat-bearing pan head distributes clamping load over a wider area than countersunk or small-head forms, which may reduce pull-through tendency in thinner or lower-density substrate materials.
Phillips Cross Recess
The DIN 7985 Phillips recess self-centres under axial load, supporting both manual screwdriving and automated assembly operations where consistent bit engagement and installation speed are priorities.
Full Metric Machine Thread
Thread form follows standard metric pitch for each diameter from M3 to M8, maintaining compatibility with DIN and ISO metric nuts, inserts and tapped holes without requiring special tooling or adaptation.
Three Stainless Steel Grades
Available in SS 202, SS 304 and SS 316, allowing grade selection to be matched to the service environment, budget and any customer or industry specification requirements applicable to the assembly.
Before you order
Diameter and Length
Select the diameter (M3–M8) and length (6–50 mm) based on the total grip length of the joint — the combined thickness of clamped parts — plus adequate thread engagement in the nut or tapped hole.
Grade and Environment
Choose SS 304 for general indoor or mildly humid service, SS 316 where chlorides or process chemicals are present, and SS 202 for dry, benign indoor environments where cost is a primary consideration.
Mating Parts and Thread Compatibility
Confirm that nuts, inserts or tapped holes are machined to the corresponding DIN or ISO metric thread. Mixing thread standards or pitches can result in cross-threading or inadequate clamping, affecting joint integrity.
Quantity and Documentation
For volume orders, discuss batch quantities, packaging format and any required material test certificates or quality documentation with the Accurate Fastners sales team before placing an order to ensure smooth supply.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
What does the DIN 7985 designation tell me about the screw?
DIN 7985 specifies a cross-recessed (Phillips) pan head screw with metric machine thread. The standard defines head diameter, head height, recess geometry and thread dimensions, so all conforming screws are dimensionally interchangeable regardless of supplier.
Which stainless steel grades are these screws available in?
Accurate Fastners supplies DIN 7985 pan head screws in SS 202, SS 304 and SS 316. SS 304 and SS 316 are austenitic grades offering progressively higher corrosion resistance; SS 202 is a lower-nickel grade typically suited to less demanding environments.
What size range is available?
Screws are available in diameters from M3 to M8 and lengths from 6 mm to 50 mm. If a specific combination of diameter, length and grade is needed, confirm availability directly with the sales team before finalising your bill of materials.
Can these screws be used with standard metric nuts and inserts?
Yes. The metric machine thread on DIN 7985 screws is compatible with standard DIN and ISO metric nuts, threaded inserts and tapped holes of the corresponding size and pitch, which are widely used across industrial assembly applications.
Are related fasteners such as washers or nuts also available from Accurate Fastners?
Accurate Fastners supplies a broad range of complementary fasteners including nuts, washers and other screws. Sourcing matching components from the same supplier can simplify procurement; contact the sales team to discuss a complete fastener package.
How can I request a quotation for DIN 7985 pan head screws?
Submit an enquiry through the website enquiry form with your required diameter, length, grade and quantity. Alternatively, email export@accuratefastners.com or contact the team via WhatsApp. The sales team will respond with pricing and lead-time details.
Related Products
Complementary fasteners
- DIN 912304 · 316 · 202
DIN 912 Socket Head Cap Screw (Allen Cap Screw)
Size: M3 – M16
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