Screws · DIN 965
DIN 965 Phillips CSK Head Screw
The DIN 965 Phillips CSK Head Screw is a cold-forged metric fastener with a flat countersunk head and Phillips cross recess, designed to sit flush with or below the surface of the mating component. Accurate Fastners manufactures and supplies this screw in SS 202, SS 304 and SS 316 across the M3–M8 diameter range and 6–50 mm lengths.
- Standard
- DIN 965
- Grades
- 304 / 316 / 202
- Size
- M3 – M8
- Length
- 6 mm – 50 mm
Overview
What is the DIN 965 Phillips CSK Head Screw?
DIN 965 is a German industrial standard that defines the geometry of a countersunk flat-head screw with a Phillips (cross-recess) drive. The countersunk head features an 82° or 90° conical underside that mates with a corresponding chamfered hole, pulling the head level with, or receding into, the workpiece surface. This flush-fitting characteristic is fundamental to assemblies where a projecting head would interfere with adjacent components, moving parts or aesthetic finishes.
Accurate Fastners produces these screws through a cold-forging process, which work-hardens the material and produces consistent head geometry without the porosity associated with casting. Metric machine thread is rolled along the shank, giving a uniform thread form suited to standard tapped holes or nuts. The Phillips recess allows efficient torque transfer using widely available cross-head drivers, making the screw practical across high-volume assembly lines as well as field installation work.
The screws are available in M3, M4, M5, M6 and M8 diameters and lengths from 6 mm to 50 mm, providing a practical range to cover light-duty panel fastening through to moderately loaded structural joints. Accurate Fastners' quality control team carries out checks during procurement of raw materials and again at the point of delivery, helping to ensure that dimensional conformance to DIN 965 is maintained across each batch.
In Depth
Product description
Construction & Geometry
The countersunk head has a flat top face that lies coplanar with the workpiece surface when correctly seated, and a conical bearing surface underneath that centres the fastener within a chamfered or countersunk hole. The Phillips cross recess is formed during cold forging, creating a four-wing socket with a tapered cam-out profile. This geometry is standardised under DIN 965, meaning replacement screws sourced to the same standard will fit equivalent prepared holes without modification.
The metric machine thread runs along the full usable length of the shank, consistent with standard DIN thread-form dimensions for each diameter. Cold forging aligns the grain structure of the stainless steel along the thread profile rather than cutting across it, which is generally associated with improved fatigue resistance compared with machined threads. Shank diameter, thread pitch and head-cone angle are all governed by the DIN 965 specification, providing reliable interchangeability across compliant components.
Functional Behaviour in an Assembly
When driven into a countersunk hole, the conical underside of the head acts as a self-centring element, drawing the fastener into alignment as torque is applied. This helps maintain positional accuracy in panel assemblies or frames where multiple screws must align with pre-drilled patterns. The flush seating eliminates the stress-concentration point that a projecting head can introduce at the surface interface, which may be relevant in thin-sheet applications.
The Phillips drive transfers torque through four contact lobes, distributing the driving force more evenly than a slotted drive. At higher torque levels, the cam-out geometry of the Phillips recess causes the driver to disengage progressively rather than suddenly stripping the recess, which can serve as an indirect indicator that the screw is approaching its seating torque. For repeatable installation, it is advisable to use a calibrated driver and consult the appropriate torque guidance for the selected diameter and material grade.
How It Differs from Similar Fasteners
The DIN 965 screw is frequently compared with DIN 7991 (hex-socket countersunk) and DIN 963 (slotted countersunk). The Phillips drive of DIN 965 suits high-speed power-tool assembly better than the slotted DIN 963, while the hex socket of DIN 7991 can accept higher torque before cam-out. Choosing between them typically depends on the available tooling, the torque requirement and whether the installation environment favours enclosed or open drives.
Pan-head and cheese-head screws such as those covered by DIN 7985 or DIN 84 share the same metric thread form but present a raised head above the surface, providing a larger bearing area under the head. The DIN 965 countersunk variant sacrifices that bearing area in favour of flush seating, so it is generally selected when surface protrusion cannot be tolerated rather than when maximum clamping force under the head is the priority.
Material & Grade
Material and grade information
- SS 304
- SS 316
- SS 202
These screws are available in three stainless steel grades: SS 202, SS 304 and SS 316. SS 202 is an austenitic grade that substitutes manganese and nitrogen for a portion of the nickel content typically found in SS 304. It offers moderate corrosion resistance and is commonly considered where cost is a primary factor and the operating environment is relatively mild. SS 304, sometimes referred to as 18/8 stainless, contains approximately 18% chromium and 8% nickel and is widely used across food processing, pharmaceutical machinery and general industrial assemblies due to its balanced corrosion resistance and formability.
SS 316 adds molybdenum to the SS 304 composition, which is generally understood to improve resistance to chloride-bearing environments and certain chemical exposures. It is commonly specified in applications where SS 304 may be considered marginal, such as coastal installations or contact with process fluids. Grade selection should take into account the service environment, the nature of mating materials, cleaning agents used in service and any industry-specific material requirements. The Accurate Fastners sales team can assist in confirming the most appropriate grade for a particular application.
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 965 Phillips CSK Head Screw |
|---|---|
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Material grade | SS 304, SS 316, SS 202 |
| Applicable standard | DIN 965 |
| Nominal diameter / size | M3 – M8 |
| Length | 6 mm – 50 mm |
| Thread type | Metric machine thread |
| Head / form | Countersunk (flat) 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
Solar Energy Mounting Structures
Flush-fitting DIN 965 screws in SS 304 or SS 316 may be used to secure panel frames and junction box covers in solar installations, where a projecting head could interfere with panel surfaces or drainage channels.
Food & Beverage Processing Equipment
The countersunk head leaves no ledge for product or liquid to accumulate. SS 316 grade is commonly selected in food-contact frames and enclosures to address hygienic design requirements and exposure to cleaning agents.
Pharmaceutical Machinery
Smooth, flush fastener surfaces support clean-room and sanitary design principles. SS 316 DIN 965 screws may be used in equipment panels and guards where crevice-free surfaces are preferred.
LED Lighting Fixtures
Compact M3–M5 screws in SS 304 are commonly used to fasten driver housings, diffuser frames and back-plates, where the flat head keeps the assembly profile slim and avoids fouling adjacent components.
RO Water Purifier Assemblies
Corrosion-resistant stainless screws are typically used in purifier frames and filter housings exposed to water and humidity. The flush head suits enclosed enclosures where internal clearances are tight.
Featured for: LED Lighting
Features & Selection
Features and selection considerations
Design features
Flush Countersunk Head
The conical DIN 965 head seats level with the workpiece surface, eliminating protrusion that could interfere with mating parts, covers or moving components in the assembly.
Phillips Cross Recess
The standardised Phillips drive is compatible with widely available hand and power drivers, enabling efficient installation across assembly lines and field-maintenance environments without specialist tooling.
Cold-Forged Construction
Cold forging aligns the material grain structure, producing consistent head geometry and generally improving mechanical integrity compared with screws that are machined from bar stock.
Metric Machine Thread
The rolled metric thread conforms to standard DIN pitch dimensions for each diameter, ensuring reliable engagement with tapped holes, threaded inserts or standard metric nuts.
Broad Size Range
Available from M3 to M8 in diameter and 6 mm to 50 mm in length, the range covers light panel-assembly tasks through to more substantial structural fixing requirements.
Before you order
Diameter, Length & Thread Pitch
Select a diameter and length to achieve the recommended thread engagement for the mating material. Standard metric coarse pitch applies across M3–M8; confirm whether any application requires a specific pitch variant before ordering.
Material Grade for the Environment
Specify SS 202 for mild indoor environments, SS 304 for general industrial or food-grade use, and SS 316 where chlorides, moisture or aggressive process fluids are present. Consult the sales team for border-line environments.
Countersink Preparation in the Mating Part
The receiving hole must be countersunk to the correct cone angle and diameter for the chosen screw size. Verify the countersink dimensions against DIN 965 requirements before machining or ordering pre-drilled components.
Quantity, Documentation & Quality Records
For project or bulk orders, confirm required quantities, preferred packaging and whether material test certificates or dimensional inspection records are needed. Accurate Fastners' quality control team supports documentation requests at procurement and delivery stages.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
What does DIN 965 specify?
DIN 965 is a German standard that defines the dimensions, head angle and drive recess of a countersunk flat-head screw with a Phillips cross recess. It governs the cone angle, head diameter and recess depth for each nominal diameter, ensuring interchangeability between compliant components from different manufacturers.
Which stainless steel grades are available?
Accurate Fastners supplies DIN 965 Phillips CSK Head Screws in SS 202, SS 304 and SS 316. Each grade offers a different balance of corrosion resistance and cost. The sales team can help confirm which grade is most appropriate for your specific service environment and industry requirements.
What sizes can I order?
The screws are available from M3 to M8 in diameter and from 6 mm to 50 mm in length. If your project requires a size or combination outside this range, contact the Accurate Fastners sales team to discuss options and availability on enquiry.
Can these screws be used with standard Phillips drivers?
Yes. The Phillips recess conforms to the standard cross-recess geometry, making these screws compatible with commonly available Phillips (PH) hand drivers and power bits in the appropriate size for each screw diameter, such as PH1 for M3–M4 or PH2 for M5–M8.
Are complementary fasteners such as nuts or washers available?
Accurate Fastners manufactures a broad range of fasteners including nuts, washers and other screws. Compatible metric nuts and flat washers in matching stainless steel grades may be available. Contact the sales team to confirm availability and to request a combined quotation for complementary components.
How can I request a quotation?
You can submit an enquiry through the website enquiry form, send details by email to export@accuratefastners.com or reach the team via WhatsApp. Please include the diameter, length, grade, quantity and any documentation requirements so the sales team can respond promptly with pricing.
Related Products
Complementary fasteners
- DIN 912304 · 316 · 202
DIN 912 Socket Head Cap Screw (Allen Cap Screw)
Size: M3 – M16
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