Buy Pan Head Screws Online in Australia
Pan head screws have a low-profile head with a flat top and rounded sides — a wide, flat underside that seats squarely on the workpiece and spreads clamp load better than a countersunk head while sitting lower than a round head. AIMS Industrial stocks pan head screws across self-tapping, self-drilling (Tek) and machine screw types, in metric and imperial sizes, multiple drive types, and the finishes that suit Australian workshop, trade and marine-adjacent conditions. We've put together a Screw Head Types: Pan, Button, Truss & Countersunk if you'd like more detail before you buy.
Quick Reference: Pan Head Screws at AIMS
| Type | Drive | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Self-tapping pan head | Phillips, slotted, Torx/TPX, square | Sheet metal & general fixing — see self-tapping screws |
| Self-drilling (Tek) pan head | Phillips | Direct-to-steel, no pre-drilled pilot hole |
| Machine screw pan head | Phillips | Fully threaded, into nuts or tapped holes — see machine screws |
| 304 stainless steel | Phillips, square | Damp, coastal-adjacent and food-contact areas |
| 316 stainless steel | Phillips | Premium corrosion resistance, marine and chemical exposure |
| Zinc plated / black zinc | Phillips, slotted, Torx, combo | General indoor and workshop use |
| Nickel plated | Phillips | Light corrosion resistance, decorative finish |
| Assortment kits & refills | Mixed | Trade toolboxes, service vehicles, workshop bins |
Drive types we stock
- Phillips (cross-recess) — the workshop default and the largest share of our pan head range, across self-tapping, self-drilling and machine screw types
- Slotted — traditional flat-blade drive, stocked in raised and pan head self-tapping kits
- Torx (TX) and Torx Plus (TPX) — for higher driving torque with less cam-out, stocked as Champion assortment kits and refills
- Square drive — an Inox World imperial stainless self-tapper for reduced bit slip
- Combination (Phillips/slotted) — driven with either a cross-head or flat-blade bit, useful where the right bit isn't always to hand
Materials and finishes
- Zinc plated / black zinc — the everyday workshop finish for general indoor and protected use, the bulk of our Champion self-tapping range
- Stainless steel 304 — corrosion-resistant for damp, food-contact and general outdoor-adjacent work
- Stainless steel 316 — premium corrosion resistance for marine and chemical-exposure environments, stocked by Inox World in both self-tapping and self-drilling styles
- Nickel plated — a lighter-duty corrosion-resistant and decorative finish, stocked in the Champion CST100 self-tapper
Self-tapping, self-drilling and machine screw — what's the difference?
Self-tapping pan head screws form their own thread as they're driven, and make up most of our range — suited to sheet metal, plastics and pre-punched panels. Self-drilling (Tek) pan head screws go a step further, with a drill-point tip that cuts its own pilot hole and forms the thread in one action, so there's no pre-drilling needed before fixing into steel sheet. Machine screw pan heads are fully threaded with no drill or self-tap point — they're designed to go into a nut, a tapped hole, or a threaded insert, the same as a standard bolt but in screw form.
Sizes stocked
Our pan head range runs from small gauge fixings — 3.5mm and 4.2mm gauge self-tappers — through to 10G (approximately 4.8mm) x 100mm (4") box packs, in both metric and imperial gauge/thread systems. A large part of the range is stocked as Champion assortment kits and refill packs, mixing common sizes and drives in one box for trade vans and workshop bins rather than single-size lines.
Pan head versus other head styles
Pan head versus button head: pan head has a flat underside and wider bearing area for the same nominal size; button head is fully rounded and sits slightly more proud, with a more decorative look. Pan head versus round head: pan head is the more modern profile, easier to drive cleanly with a cross-head bit; round head is the older, more pronounced dome. Pan head versus countersunk: pan head sits proud of the surface, countersunk sits flush — choose based on whether the head can protrude and whether the bearing surface needs to spread load on a softer or oversized clearance hole.
A washer is often not needed with a pan head screw on steel-to-steel fixing, since the flat underside already spreads the clamp load. Add a washer on timber, plastic or soft alloys to stop the head crushing in, or where vibration makes a spring washer worth the extra minute.
Brands stocked at AIMS
Champion carries our widest pan head range by far — self-tapping and machine screw assortment kits and refill packs across Phillips, slotted, Torx/TPX and combination drives, in zinc, black zinc and nickel finishes. Inox World supplies 304 and 316 stainless self-tapping and self-drilling pan head screws, including a metric self-driller and an imperial square-drive option. Hobson supplies an imperial zinc-finish Phillips self-tapper. We hold single-pack through bulk box quantities and can source other pitches, materials or platings on request.
Companion Collections
- Screws — the full screws range this collection sits under
- Self-Tapping Screws — sheet metal thread-forming screws across all head styles
- Machine Screws — fully threaded screws for nuts and tapped holes
- Button Head Socket Screws — the rounder, socket-drive alternative to pan head
- Stainless Fasteners — the broader 304/316 stainless range beyond pan head screws
- Fasteners — bolts, nuts, washers and fixings across the whole AIMS range
Order from AIMS
Need help matching a drive, finish or thread to the job, or pricing a bulk quantity? Call our team on (02) 9773 0122, get in touch via contact us, or send us the specs through request a quote and we'll come back with pricing and availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a pan head screw?
A pan head screw has a low-profile head with a flat top and rounded vertical sides, and a flat underside that seats squarely against the workpiece. It's one of the most common general-purpose screw head styles for workshop, sheet metal and assembly work.
What's the difference between a pan head and a button head screw?
Pan head screws have a flat underside and a shallow dome with straight sides, giving a wider bearing surface. Button head screws are fully rounded and sit a little more proud, with a more decorative look. Pan head is the more common choice for general industrial assembly.
What drive types do AIMS pan head screws come in?
We stock Phillips, slotted, Torx (TX), Torx Plus (TPX), square, and combination Phillips/slotted drives across our pan head range, in both self-tapping and machine screw types.
What materials and finishes are available?
Zinc plated and black zinc for general workshop use, 304 stainless for damp and food-contact areas, 316 stainless for marine and chemical exposure, and nickel plating for a lighter-duty corrosion-resistant, decorative finish.
Do pan head screws need a washer?
Not usually on steel-to-steel fixing — the flat underside already spreads the clamp load. Add a washer on timber, plastic or soft alloys to stop the head crushing in, or where vibration makes a spring washer worthwhile.
What's the difference between a self-tapping and a self-drilling (Tek) pan head screw?
A self-tapping screw forms its own thread as it's driven into a pre-punched or pre-drilled hole. A self-drilling (Tek) screw has a drill-point tip that cuts the pilot hole and forms the thread in the same action, so no pre-drilling is needed before fixing into steel sheet.