Allen screws have a hex socket that increases the bite between the screw and tool, resulting in less damage. Low-profile screws allow for clamping force in tight spaces, while high-profile screws increase stress resistance. Stainless steel screws resist corrosion, while any connection benefits from the hex socket and variety of head styles.
Allen screws have a hex socket in the center of the screw head to accept a hex key. The hex socket coupled with a hex key increases the bite between the Allen screw and the tool. This results in less damage to the head than standard or slotted pan head screws. Like other head types, cap screws come in a variety of head types and materials for a wide variety of applications. Matching the type of socket head screw with the required installation ensures that the finished connection is structurally sound.
Low profile cap screws allow for the clamping force of a hex key with a small height. A lower head height allows this type of socket screw to be installed in areas with less space but still requiring a high torque connection. One benefit of a low-profile cap screw is the small height of a hex wrench compared to a screwdriver or ratchet wrench and socket. The shorter arm of a hex wrench lets you reach into tight areas to release tight screws, and the long arm of the wrench gets into thin spots not easily reached by a socket attached to a ratchet handle.
High-profile hex socket screw heads provide mass over a connection, increasing the amount of stress a screwed connection can withstand before shearing. This type of Allen screw works well for thicker materials or connections subject to high stresses. Coupled with a lockwasher or locknut, the increased height reduces movement in connections subject to vibration. This is a common screw found on industrial equipment and connections in high pressure hydraulic systems. A stainless steel cap screw increases the tensile strength of a connection and increases its resistance to corrosion in wet environments.
Moisture causes carbon steels to weaken due to rusting and material erosion. The element chromium contained in a stainless steel cap screw allows the surface of the screw to form a self-replicating passive coating that is resistant to rust and other types of atmospheric corrosion. When an installed cap screw is damaged, the passive coating regenerates as oxygen in the atmosphere contacts the exposed section of the screw. Whether an allen screw is made of stainless steel or carbon steel, any connection will benefit from the increased life of the hex socket and the wide variety of allen screw head styles.
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