Machine Screws

Machine Screws — Metric & UNC Panel and Equipment Fasteners

Machine screws are threaded fasteners for tapped holes and nuts in equipment panels, enclosures, electronics, switchboards, and precision machinery. AIMS Industrial sells machine screws in metric (ISO) and imperial (inch) sizes — pan head, countersunk, cheese head, and socket head profiles with Phillips, slotted, Pozidriv, and hex socket drives in zinc-plated and 304/316 stainless steel.

Machine Screws We Stock

• Pan Head Machine Screws: Pan head machine screws (ISO 7045) with Phillips or Pozidriv drive for panel and enclosure assembly — the flat-base dome-shaped head provides a large bearing surface and a flush, clean appearance on exposed panel faces. Available M3 to M12.
• Countersunk (CSK) Machine Screws: Countersunk machine screws (ISO 7046) sit flush with or below the panel surface — used where a protruding head is not acceptable for appearance, safety, or mechanical clearance reasons. Phillips and Pozidriv drive in metric M3 to M12.
• Cheese Head Machine Screws: Cheese head machine screws (ISO 1207) with slotted drive for precision instruments, electrical terminals, and panel fitting where a narrow, cylindrical head profile is required for close fastener spacing. Available M2 to M8.
• UNC Machine Screws: UNC (American standard) machine screws for electronic enclosures, computer equipment, rack-mount hardware, and American-designed equipment using inch thread sizes (2-56, 4-40, 6-32, 8-32, 10-32, 1/4-20, 3/8-16).
• 316 Stainless Steel Machine Screws: Stainless steel machine screws for food processing equipment, marine electronics, and corrosive environment panel installations.

Machine Screw Selection Guide

• Drive Type Selection: Phillips (PH) drive provides good cam-out resistance for assembly; Pozidriv (PZ) provides higher torque transmission before cam-out. Slotted drive for precision applications where a torque-controlled screwdriver or jewellers screwdriver is used. Hex socket for high-torque requirements in a small head profile.
• Thread Engagement: Machine screws should engage a minimum of 1.5× the screw diameter in thread depth in a tapped hole. Insufficient thread engagement causes thread stripping — particularly in soft materials like aluminium and plastic enclosures.
• Metric vs UNC: Confirm whether the tapped hole is metric or UNC (imperial) before ordering. Metric and UNC threads are not interchangeable — a metric screw forced into a UNC tapped hole (or vice versa) will cross-thread and destroy the hole.

Australian Business, Local Supply: As a proudly Australian business since 1988, we stock locally and work with trusted local Australian manufacturers and distributors to ensure fast, reliable supply.

Expert Support: Need help buying the right product for your application? Contact our team for application-specific advice or request a quote.

See our full fasteners range including self-tapping screws, hex head screws, grub screws, Bolts and Screws.