Set Screw

A set screw is a headless screw with a drive recess at one end. It holds a part in place against a shaft or within a threaded hole.

A set screw holds a part in place on a shaft or inside a housing. It sits in a tapped hole and its point presses against the mating part. It takes a hex key, also called an Allen key.

This kind of set screw is often made in stainless steel 304 or stainless steel 316. Stainless steel 304 suits general indoor and outdoor use, while 316 gives better resistance to salt and chemicals. Both resist rust 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 mill test certificate or a certificate of conformance for the material and grade. On receipt, check the drive recess for damage, the point form and the thread. Confirm the screw threads into a matching nut or gauge without binding.