DIN 912304 · 316 · 202
Stainless Steel Socket Head Cap Screw (DIN 912)
Size: M3 – M16
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Screw Types Guide
Types of Stainless Steel Screws
Understanding the different types of stainless steel screws helps buyers select the correct fastener for their application. This guide explains machine screws, self-tapping screws, head configurations and drive types. Accurate Fastners supplies stainless steel machine screws, self-tapping screws, socket head cap screws, countersunk screws and pan head screws in SS 202, SS 304 and SS 316 grades.
Each screw type serves a specific purpose based on thread design, head configuration and drive type. Use the comparison tables and product links below to identify the appropriate screw type for your assembly requirements. For material grade selection, refer to our grade comparison guide.
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Machine Screws vs Self-Tapping Screws
| Characteristic | Machine Screws | Self-Tapping Screws |
|---|---|---|
| Thread Design | Machine threads requiring pre-tapped holes or nuts | Forming threads that cut into pre-drilled holes |
| Installation | Requires tapped mating component or nut | Installs directly into pre-drilled holes |
| Applications | Equipment assembly, panel fastening, precision components | Sheet metal, plastic, light-gauge materials |
| Available Standards | DIN 7985, DIN 965, DIN 84, DIN 963 | DIN 7981, DIN 7982, DIN 7971, DIN 7972 |
Head Configuration Comparison
| Head Type | Profile | Best For | Available In |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pan Head | Low-profile rounded head | General-purpose fastening, panel assembly | Machine screws, self-tapping screws |
| Countersunk | Conical head for flush installation | Flush finish required, panel fastening, furniture | Machine screws, self-tapping screws, socket head |
| Cheese Head | Cylindrical head with slightly higher profile | Traditional appearance, general fastening | Machine screws (slotted drive) |
| Socket Head Cap | Cylindrical head with internal hex socket | High-torque applications, machinery, precision assemblies | Socket head cap screws (DIN 912, DIN 7991) |
Drive Type Comparison
| Drive Type | Torque Capacity | Cam-Out Resistance | Tool Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phillips | High | Excellent | Phillips screwdriver |
| Slotted | Moderate | Lower risk of cam-out under low torque | Flathead screwdriver |
| Hex Socket (Allen) | Very high | Excellent | Allen key or hex wrench |
Available Stainless Steel Machine Screws
Machine screws are designed for use with tapped holes or nuts. They feature machine threads that require matching internal threads in the mating component. Available in multiple head configurations and drive types.
- Stainless Steel Pan Head Machine Screw (DIN 7985)
Raised pan head with Phillips cross recess drive. M3–M8 diameter, 6–50 mm length. SS 202, SS 304 and SS 316 grades available.
- Stainless Steel Countersunk Machine Screw (DIN 965)
Countersunk head with Phillips cross recess drive. M3–M8 diameter, 6–50 mm length. SS 202, SS 304 and SS 316 grades available.
- Stainless Steel Cheese Head Machine Screw (DIN 84)
Cylindrical cheese head with slotted drive. M3–M8 diameter, 10–50 mm length. SS 202, SS 304 and SS 316 grades available.
- Stainless Steel Countersunk Machine Screw (DIN 963)
Countersunk head with slotted drive. M3–M8 diameter, 10–50 mm length. SS 202, SS 304 and SS 316 grades available.
Available SS Self-Tapping Screws
Self-tapping screws form their own threads in pre-drilled holes, eliminating the need for separate tapping operations. These screws are commonly used in sheet metal, plastic and light-gauge material applications.
- Stainless Steel Pan Head Self-Tapping Screw (DIN 7981)
Pan head with Phillips cross recess drive. M2.9–M6.3 diameter (ST sizes), 6.5–50 mm length. SS 304 and SS 316 grades available.
- Stainless Steel Countersunk Self-Tapping Screw (DIN 7982)
Countersunk head with Phillips cross recess drive. M2.9–M6.3 diameter (ST sizes), 6.5–50 mm length. SS 304 and SS 316 grades available.
- Stainless Steel Pan Head Self-Tapping Screw (DIN 7971)
Pan head with slotted drive. M2.9–M6.3 diameter (ST sizes), 6.5–50 mm length. SS 202, SS 304 and SS 316 grades available.
- Stainless Steel Countersunk Self-Tapping Screw (DIN 7972)
Countersunk head with slotted drive. M2.9–M6.3 diameter (ST sizes), 6.5–50 mm length. SS 304 and SS 316 grades available.
Available Socket Head Cap Screws
Socket head cap screws feature a cylindrical head with an internal hex socket drive, commonly called Allen screws. These provide high torque transmission and are used in machinery, tooling and precision assemblies.
- Stainless Steel Socket Head Cap Screw (DIN 912)
Cylindrical socket head with hexagon socket (Allen) drive. M3–M16 diameter, 6–120 mm length. SS 202, SS 304 and SS 316 grades available.
- Stainless Steel Countersunk Socket Screw (DIN 7991)
Countersunk head with hexagon socket (Allen) drive. M4–M10 diameter, 10–80 mm length. SS 202, SS 304 and SS 316 grades available.
Combination Screws with Washers
Pre-Assembled Washer Screws
Accurate Fastners supplies stainless steel screws with pre-assembled washers for improved installation efficiency. These combination screws reduce assembly time by eliminating the need to install washers separately.
- Stainless Steel Pan Screw with Washer
Pan head with pre-assembled washer. M4–M6 diameter.
- Stainless Steel Pan Screw with Plain & Spring Washer
Pan head with captive plain and spring washer. M4–M6 diameter.
Screw Types Not Currently Available
The following screw types are listed in industry references but are not currently represented in the Accurate Fastners product catalogue. Contact our sales team to discuss availability or alternative options.
- • Stainless Steel Set Screws — not currently in catalogue
- • Stainless Steel Self-Drilling Screws — not currently in catalogue
Featured SS Screw Products
- DIN 7981304 · 316
Stainless Steel Pan Head Self-Tapping Screw (DIN 7981)
Size: M2.9 – M6.3 (ST sizes)
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Frequently Asked Questions About Screw Types
How do I choose between machine screw and self-tapping screw?+
Select machine screws when you have pre-tapped holes or will use nuts. Choose self-tapping screws when installing into pre-drilled holes in sheet metal, plastic or light-gauge materials where threads need to be formed during installation.
When should I use a countersunk screw?+
Use countersunk screws when you need a flush finish with the material surface. This is common in panel fastening, furniture assembly and applications where a raised head would interfere with adjacent components or aesthetics.
What is the difference between pan head and cheese head?+
Pan head has a low-profile rounded head suitable for general fastening where head height is minimal. Cheese head has a cylindrical head with slightly higher profile, providing a traditional screw appearance. Selection depends on aesthetic preference and assembly clearance.
What is an Allen screw?+
Allen screw refers to a screw with a hexagon socket drive, also called a socket head cap screw. The internal hex socket allows high torque transmission using an Allen key or hex wrench. Used in machinery and precision assemblies.
What is the difference between Phillips and slotted drive?+
Phillips drive uses a cross-shaped recess that provides better torque transmission and reduced cam-out compared to slotted drives. Slotted drive uses a single linear recess and is simpler but may have lower torque capacity at higher torque levels.
How do I select the correct drive type for my application?+
Phillips drive is recommended for most general applications due to good torque transmission and cam-out resistance. Slotted drive is suitable for traditional applications or where simple tools are preferred. Hex socket (Allen) drive is selected for high-torque applications in machinery and precision assemblies.
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