The Tiny World Of Grub Screws: Exploring Minuscule Fasteners

what is the smallest size grub screw

Grub screws, also called set screws outside the UK, are designed to be driven fully into pre-drilled holes. They don't have a protruding head, which means the entire length of the shaft can be threaded, maximising thread engagement. They are often used as locking devices, tightened perpendicular to a shaft to restrict the movement of a connected component. They are commonly found in door handles, bicycles, mobile phones, and electronic cigarettes. Metric grub screws are available in diameters of between M1.2 and M16, and lengths of between 1.50mm and 190.00mm. The smallest metric size grub screw I could find was M1.4.

Characteristics and Values of the Smallest Grub Screw

Characteristics Values
Grub Screw Type Cup Point, Dog Point, Cone Point
Tip Style Slightly Concave, Cylindrical, Tapering to a Point
Metric Sizes M1.4 to M10
Thread UNC, UNF, BA, BSW, BSF
Allen Key Sizes 0.9mm, 2.0mm, 2.5mm, etc.

shuntool

Grub screws, also known as set screws or blind screws, are fully threaded and do not have protruding heads. They are designed to join objects together and are typically made from stainless steel or high-grade alloy steel. They are available in a variety of sizes and lengths.

Grub screw kits are a convenient way to have a selection of popular grub screw sizes on hand for various projects. These kits often contain an assortment of flat and cone-point grub screws, which are the two most common types of grub screws.

Flat-point grub screws, also known as cup-point grub screws, have a slightly concave tip and are the most commonly used type. They are available in a wide range of metric sizes, from M1.4 to M10, as well as UNC, UNF, BA, BSW, and BSF threads.

Cone-point grub screws, on the other hand, have a tip that tapers to a point. They are typically available in metric sizes from M3 to M8.

Both types of grub screws in the kits will have hexagon socket ends, allowing them to be driven with Allen keys.

Having a grub screw kit can save you time and money, as you won't need to search for individual screws and can easily find the right size for your project. These kits are perfect for farms, workshops, and home repairs.

shuntool

Grub screws are designed to be driven fully into pre-drilled holes

Grub screws, also known as set screws, are a type of fixing screw that joins one component or part securely to another. Unlike most other threaded fasteners, they are compression devices used to generate axial thrust. They are designed to be driven into an existing tapped hole or socket, rather than creating a new hole. This is because they are fully threaded and do not have a protruding head. Instead, they are usually threaded right to the top and have the same diameter all the way along their length. This means that the grub screw can be fully driven into its hole to sit flush with the workpiece.

The design of grub screws means they can offer a secure grip without the use of a nut. Despite this key difference, they function much like a bolt in practice. Grub screws are almost always used in mechanical systems where two or more metal surfaces rub or press directly together. They are used to join or clamp one object or component tightly against another, especially when a standard nut and bolt would impede the optimal functioning of an object or component.

Grub screws are typically driven by means of a sunken internal recess at the 'head end'. The internal-wrenching drive could be a hex socket (Allen key), a star (Torx) socket, a square socket (Robertson drive), or a regular slotted drive. This will depend on the brand and model, and the exact type of screw being used.

Grub screws are available in a wide range of sizes, with metric sizes from M1.4 to M10, and imperial sizes from M1 to M20. They are commonly used in architectural ironmongery, especially where door handles are attached to spindle shafts. They are also used when attaching a pulley hub to a shaft, with the end-point of the set screw pushing firmly against the shaft to provide increased grip.

One downside of flush-set grub screws is that they can be difficult to remove once driven with full force, especially if they become corroded or if the drive slot is damaged. In these cases, they may need to be drilled out, which can be challenging due to the high tensile strengths of the materials used to manufacture grub screws.

shuntool

The lack of a head on a grub screw allows for the entire length of the shaft to be threaded

Grub screws, also known as set screws, are a type of fixing screw that joins one component or part securely to another. Unlike bolts, they don't require a nut. Instead, they are threaded right to the top and are the same diameter along their length, allowing them to be driven into a tapped hole or socket. This feature also means that they can be fully driven into their hole to sit flush with or countersunk into the workpiece.

The lack of a head on a grub screw is a defining feature. Instead, they are usually driven by a sunken internal recess, which can be a hex socket (Allen key), a star (Torx) socket, a square socket (Robertson drive), or a regular slotted drive. This internal wrenching drive is what distinguishes a true grub screw from a set screw, which often features a head.

The smallest grub screw I could find is M1, available in stainless steel.

The absence of a head on a grub screw is advantageous in several ways. Firstly, it allows the screw to be driven with more torque force. This is because the uniform diameter along the shaft means that the surrounding material reinforces the fastening as the screw is driven in, rather than splitting the hole apart. Secondly, grub screws without a head can be tucked out of sight more easily, providing a clean aesthetic that is unobtrusive. Finally, grub screws without a head may offer better resistance to weathering and corrosion.

shuntool

Grub screws are commonly found in door handles, bicycles, mobile phones, and electronic cigarettes

Grub screws, also known as set screws in North America, are a type of bolt used to secure items without the use of a nut. Their ability to secure without a nut makes them very versatile, allowing them to be used in applications that require a small and unobtrusive fixing. This is particularly useful in situations where traditional nut and bolt fixings would be obstructive or aesthetically unacceptable.

In bicycles, grub screws are often used to secure various components, such as brake lever clamps, pedal axles, and stem faceplates. They are also found in mobile phones and electronic cigarettes, where their small size allows for secure connections and adjustments without affecting the overall design or functionality of the devices.

Grub screws come in a variety of sizes, with M1.6, M2, M2.5, and M3 being some of the smaller options available. They can be made from different materials, such as stainless steel, and typically feature a hex socket or a Torx socket drive.

Hohner Special 20: Reed Plate Screw Size

You may want to see also

shuntool

Grub screws are available in a range of materials, including A2 and A4 stainless steel, aluminium, brass, phosphor bronze, and PEEK

Grub screws are available in a variety of materials, each with its own unique properties and applications. Here is an overview of the different materials and their characteristics:

A2 and A4 Stainless Steel

A2 and A4 stainless steel are the most popular types of stainless steel used for grub screws. They offer excellent corrosion resistance and are commonly used in various industries, including hospitality and medical. A2 stainless steel, also known as Type 304, is made of an alloy containing at least 10.5% chromium, which makes it more corrosion-resistant and less likely to stain than other types of steel. A4 stainless steel, or Type 316, contains additional elements like carbon, silicon, manganese, and nickel, making it highly resistant to salt water corrosion. It is often referred to as marine-grade stainless steel and is used in water-based applications. A4 stainless steel is also easier to fabricate, clean, finish, and weld, making it a cost-effective choice for long-term use.

Aluminium

Aluminium is a lightweight and durable material that offers good corrosion resistance. It is often used in applications where weight is a concern, such as aerospace and automotive industries. Aluminium grub screws can be easily machined and customized to meet specific requirements.

Brass

Brass grub screws provide excellent electrical conductivity and corrosion resistance. They are commonly used in low-strength applications and have aesthetic qualities that make them suitable for decorative purposes. Brass is a soft and malleable material, making it easy to machine and work with.

Phosphor Bronze

Phosphor bronze is a copper alloy with phosphorous that offers excellent spring qualities, corrosion resistance, and high tensile strength. It is commonly used in electrical applications due to its high electrical conductivity and low resistance to electrical current flow. Phosphor bronze grub screws are often used in electrical connectors, springs, and bearings.

PEEK

PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone) is a high-performance engineering plastic known for its exceptional mechanical and chemical resistance properties. It has a high melting point, excellent dimensional stability, and good wear resistance. PEEK grub screws are ideal for applications in harsh environments, such as aerospace, automotive, and medical industries. PEEK is lightweight and can be easily machined, making it a versatile material for custom grub screw applications.

The availability of these materials for grub screws allows for their use in a diverse range of applications, ensuring the right combination of strength, corrosion resistance, and other specific properties required for a particular project.

Frequently asked questions

The smallest size of a metric grub screw is M1.2 in diameter and 1.50mm in length.

Grub screws are often used as locking devices, especially on custom-modified gears and taper-locking bushes. They are tightened perpendicular to a shaft to restrict the movement of a connected component. They are also commonly found in door handles, bicycles, mobile phones, and electronic cigarettes.

Grub screws are typically made of stainless steel, aluminium, brass, phosphor bronze, or PEEK (polyether ether ketone).

Grub screws can be purchased from online retailers such as Amazon, eBay, Screwfix, and specialist hardware stores like Modelfixings and Accu.

Written by
Reviewed by
Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment