The Ultimate Guide To Fpv M Screw Sizes

FPV drone pilots often need to replace screws to mount cameras, motors, and other components. The most common screw sizes for FPV drones are M2, M2.5, and M3. The length of the screws varies depending on the specific application, with lengths such as 4mm, 6mm, 8mm, and 10mm being mentioned. The type of screw head and material are also important considerations, with hex screws being the most popular, and steel, aluminium, and titanium being popular materials.

M2 screws for FPV camera

M2 screws are commonly used for FPV cameras. They are small and lightweight, making them ideal for FPV drones and RC hobbies. When building or repairing your FPV drone, it is important to have the right screws to ensure the camera is securely attached to its mount.

M2 screws are typically made of titanium or steel and come in various lengths. The correct screw length will depend on the camera mount being used. It is crucial to be cautious and ensure that the screws are not too long, as they can damage the internal circuit board of the camera if they are too long.

When purchasing M2 screws, it is recommended to buy them in bulk or as part of a kit that includes various screw sizes. This ensures that you have the right screws for your FPV camera and any other components that may require similar screws.

In addition to screw length, it is important to consider the pitch of the screws. The pitch refers to the distance between the threads of the screw and is typically measured in millimetres. For M2 screws, the pitch can be either 0.4 mm (coarse) or 0.25 mm (fine).

Overall, M2 screws are essential for securing FPV cameras to their mounts. When working with these small screws, it is important to be cautious and ensure that the correct length and pitch are used to avoid damaging the camera or other drone components.

M2 and M2.5 screws for DJI drone

M2 and M2.5 screws are commonly used in drones, including those by DJI, a major manufacturer of drones and drone accessories. These small screws are essential for building and repairing drones, as well as for connecting various components.

M2 screws are often used in drone builds and can be purchased as a set or individually. For example, the Diatone M2 Screw Pack provides a set of M2 replacement screws that are suitable for drones.

M2.5 screws are also commonly used in drones and are available in various lengths. For instance, the DJI Screw Set M2.5x4.5 includes 10 replacement screws compatible with DJI airframes such as the Flamewheel.

When working with M2 and M2.5 screws, it is important to have the correct tools, such as a precision screwdriver set, to avoid damaging the screws and drone components. Additionally, it is advisable to handle these small screws with care to avoid misplacing or losing them during assembly or maintenance.

Both M2 and M2.5 screws are available in a variety of materials, including alloy steel, stainless steel, and nylon. The choice of material depends on the specific application and the user's preferences. For instance, nylon screws are non-magnetic, provide thermal insulation, and are corrosion-resistant, making them suitable for certain drone applications.

M3 screws for motors

M3 screws are commonly used for mounting motors in FPV drones. The length of the screw will depend on the thickness of the arm and motor base. It is recommended to choose a screw length that is 2mm longer than the thickness of the arm. For example, 8mm screws are suitable for 6mm arms.

When selecting the right screw for your motor, it is important to consider the weight and strength of the material. Steel is the heaviest option, but it is also tough and durable. Titanium and aluminium are lighter alternatives, with titanium being approximately 50% lighter than steel. However, titanium screws are usually 5 to 10 times more expensive. Aluminium screws, on the other hand, are prone to stripping and can be difficult to remove.

To save weight, some builders opt to use only 3 or 2 screws for mounting the motors, instead of the standard 4. However, this reduces the security of the mounting. It is also important to ensure that the screws do not touch the motor windings, as this can interfere with the motor's performance and make it harder to turn by hand.

Assorted packs of M3 screws are available from various manufacturers, providing a range of lengths suitable for different applications.

Hex screws for FPV drones

Hex screws are the most popular type of fasteners for FPV drones. They are used to hold your FPV drone together, so getting a set of hex screwdrivers is extremely important. The most important sizes you should have are 1.5mm, 2.0mm, 2.5mm and 3mm. You can also look for metric sets of 1.3-3mm sizes.

When it comes to the materials used in FPV drone fasteners, steel, aluminium and titanium are the most popular options. Steel is the heaviest but it's also tough and durable, and there are different grades to choose from. Titanium is a great choice if you want something lightweight and durable, but it can be expensive. Aluminium is also lightweight but it's not as strong as steel or titanium and can be stripped easily.

In terms of screw types, socket head screws are typically used for mounting the motors, as they offer higher tensile strength, better yield strength and more shear strength than button head screws. Button head screws are ideal for lighter applications where loading capacity is not critical, such as the frame and FC/ESC stack, as they help to save weight.

When choosing the length of your hex screws, it's important to consider the thickness of your drone's arms and motor base. As a general rule, you should choose a screw length that is 2mm longer than the thickness of the arm. For example, if your drone's arms are 6mm thick, you would want to use 8mm screws. It's also important to ensure that the screws do not touch the motor windings, as this can interfere with the motor's performance and cause issues with your video feed if you're using analog.

Pro tip: You don't always have to use metal fasteners. In some cases, you can use zip ties to hold components in place, such as the VTX or Vista. This can help to save weight.

Steel, aluminium and titanium screws for FPV drones

When building an FPV drone, there are many different types of screws to choose from. The most popular materials used in FPV drone fasteners are steel, aluminium, and titanium. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, and choosing the right one can noticeably impact the drone's flight performance.

Steel screws are the heaviest option, but they are also tough and durable. They are a good choice for durability and low cost. There are different grades of steel to choose from, with higher grades offering greater tensile strength. Common grades for steel bolts are 10.9 and 12.9, with the latter offering 120% of the tensile strength of 10.9-grade steel.

Aluminium screws are a good choice for extreme weight saving. They are about 67% lighter than steel screws, which can significantly reduce the overall weight of the drone. However, aluminium screws are easier to strip and can be difficult to remove. They are not recommended for mounting motors, as they can strip easily when applying threadlocker.

Titanium screws are ultra-light, being almost half the weight of steel, and exceptionally strong. They are also more expensive, typically costing 5 to 10 times more than steel screws. While they offer a significant weight saving, the impact on the overall drone weight is minimal. For example, on a 5" FPV drone, replacing all steel screws with titanium screws would only save about 10-11g, or 1.8% of the total weight.

In addition to the material, the type of screw head is also an important consideration. Hex screws are the most popular type of fasteners for FPV drones. Socket head screws offer higher tensile strength, yield strength, and shear strength than button head screws. They are ideal for use on motors, where maximum tensile strength is essential. Button head screws are slightly lighter and have a lower profile, making them suitable for lighter applications where loading capacity is not critical, such as the frame and stack.

When choosing screw lengths, it is important to consider the thickness of the drone's arms and motor base. The screw length should be 2mm longer than the thickness of the arm. For example, 8mm screws would be suitable for 6mm arms. It is also recommended to use only 3 or 2 screws for mounting the motors to save weight, although this is less secure than using all four screws.

Frequently asked questions