Thumb screws (sometimes written as thumbscrews) are multipurpose fasteners designed to be tightened and loosened by hand, rather than needing tools like screwdrivers or wrenches for installation. They have a wide range of useful applications, especially in parts, materials and builds that do not easily support the use of manual or power tools. This is often due to space restrictions. Brass Flat Knurled Thumb Screws, sometimes referred to as Thin Type Knurled Thumb Screws, are made to DIN 653 standard and feature a wide, shallow, cylindrical head – ideal for situations where a low-profile screw is preferred.

A second common scenario where thumb screws are often the best choice is where regular and repeated loosening or tightening of the fastener will be necessary. This is often the case for things like battery covers, enclosure doors and electrical safety panels. Most thumb screws come in either long or very short lengths, depending on the application where they are needed. To choose the best thumb screw for the task, it is important to bear in mind certain characteristics such as length, diameter, and thread size. One of the main reasons why thumb screws are often chosen over traditional screws is that certain parts and assemblies do not leave much room for using hand tools. If a panel or component needs to be fastened down reasonably tightly, but access for a screwdriver or wrench is limited, manufacturers will often choose to include a thumb screw instead.These Thin Type Thumb Screws are typically utilised within mechanical assemblies or situations where regular maintenance is necessary. Offering anti-bacterial properties, Brass is a great for use in and medical applications or equipment where the spread of germs needs to be avoided. Thumb screws are best used in applications where the fastener doesn't need to be torqued excessively tightly. Thumb screws are not intended for structural applications for obvious reasons – you need permanent fasteners for that. Typically, thumb screws should be avoided for applications that will vibrate, as they’re vulnerable to loosening. Some thumb screws do come with a Phillips slotted head – you can learn more about these heads in What are screw heads, drives and threads?Generally, it’s the slotted head thumb screws, coupled with washers, that can be used for some high-vibration applications.

Another advantage to thumb screw fasteners – thanks to their hand-adjustment design – is the reduced occurrence of broken or stripped fasteners, which can happen when using tools. Common thumb screws for wood. With good corrosion resistance, these are used in light applications to fasten metal or metal to wood. cheaper options with no signature required. The no signature required options are at the customer’s risk once the goods leave our store. Knurled thumb screws are commonly chosen because they give the user a better grip on the head of the fastener when installing by hand. The decorative gold-like appearance is often favoured to provide a vintage aesthetic, while being suitable for exterior applications due to its resistance to rust and corrosion.An excellent all-rounder, acetal or nylon knurled head thumb screws are cost effective and lightweight, fastening different materials that range from plastics to wood. As standard, these Brass Flat Knurled Thumb Screws to DIN 653 are available in thread sizes from M3 to M8 and lengths ranging from 6mm to 40mm. Knurled Reduced Thread Captive Thumb Screws are also available for applications where safety is a concern. Exactly what is a thumb screw? It’s a type of fastener with a large, easy-to-grip head that you can tighten and untighten by hand. It’s typically used in two scenarios: