What’s a Nylon Screw?

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Nylon screws are used to secure mechanical connections in small appliances and electronics. They have a cylindrical shaft with an external thread and come in different types and sizes. Nylon screws generate limited clamping force and are not suitable for heavy-duty fastenings. They are lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and have good electrical insulating properties, but can fluctuate in size due to moisture absorption. Choosing the right size and type of nylon screw is important for each specific application.

A nylon screw is a type of fastener used to make mechanical connections, between mating objects, to ensure they are held together securely. These screws are commonly used in small appliances, consumer electronics, and many other items. It is important to select the right size and type of nylon screw for each specific application.

A nylon screw is screwed directly into a threaded or tapped hole and can be used with or without a nut. It has a large head on one end and features a cylindrical shaft with an external thread, a helical structure that allows the screw to advance when it is rotated. The threaded hole or nut has an internal thread that matches the external thread of the screw. When a nylon screw is inserted and turned into a threaded hole or nut, the screw advances. The screw is tightened and loosened by applying torque to the head, using a tool.

Examples of commonly used nylon screws are the hex head, which has a hex shape for use with a wrench; the Allen head, which has a recessed hex hole for use with an Allen key; and the slotted head, which has a domed head with a recessed slot, to allow a screwdriver to be used. The large diameter head provides a positive mechanical stop when tightening the screw and allows the head to be shaped to accept a specific type of tool.

Nylon screws are available in English and metric sizes and in a variety of coarse and fine threads. The type and size of nylon screw selected for a particular application depends primarily on the amount of force required to adequately secure the mechanical connection. A nylon screw will generate a clamping force when tightened, but the amount of clamping force is limited, due to the strength properties of the nylon material. For this reason, nylon screws are usually smaller in size and are not usually used for large scale or heavy duty fastenings.

These items are generally light in weight, strong, resistant to corrosion, and have good electrical insulating properties. They adjust easily to uneven surfaces and provide limited vibration damping. Nylon will absorb moisture from its environment, which can cause a large fluctuation in its size. This should be considered when selecting a nylon screw, particularly in fastener applications where a change in screw size could adversely affect the integrity and functionality of the mechanical connection.




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