Captive Panel Screw

A captive panel screw is a screw that stays attached to a panel after loosening. It often has a retaining feature such as a washer or a shoulder that keeps it in place.

A captive panel screw stays with the panel when it is loosened, so the screw is not lost. It takes a matching tapped hole or a nut, and it often uses a retaining washer or a shoulder to hold it in place.

This kind of screw is often made in steel or stainless steel. Steel gives strength and can be plated for corrosion resistance. Stainless steel resists corrosion without a coating.

This is a general guide to checking this kind of part. It says nothing about any supplier's parts.

Ask for a certificate of conformance for the material and dimensions. On receipt, check the retaining feature works and the thread is clean. Confirm the thread size and length match the order.