Choosing The Right Wrench For Small Socket Screws

#10-32 socket head screws are typically made from 18-8 or A2 stainless steel and are available in fine thread variants. The standard measurements for these screws are a maximum of 0.312 inches and a minimum of 0.303 inches, with slight variations depending on the production run. To find the correct wrench size for a #10-32 screw socket, it is recommended to measure the screw thread diameter. This ensures accuracy, although there are other methods to estimate screw size, such as using a known-size hex key or the wrench size for the nut.

Wrench for 10-32 Screw Socket Head Size Characteristics and Values Table

Hex key wrenches for socket head cap screws

Hex key wrenches, also known as Allen keys, are a handy tool for tightening or loosening socket head cap screws. These screws have a hexagonal socket (or recess) in their heads, and hex keys are inserted into this socket to turn the screw. Hex key wrenches are typically made of steel and come in various sizes, ensuring you have the right tool for the job.

When selecting a hex key wrench for a 10-32 screw with a socket head, it is important to consider the size of the hex key required. The size of the hex key refers to the distance across the flats of the hexagon and is usually measured in inches or millimetres. For a 10-32 screw, a hex key size of 0.050"-0.056" or 1.27mm-1.4mm is typically required. It is always recommended to use a hex key that fits securely into the socket without forcing it, as using a key that is too large can damage the screw head.

To measure the correct size of hex key for your screw, you can use a caliper or a ruler with a millimetre scale. Place the caliper or ruler across the flats of the hex socket and take the measurement. It is important to ensure that your measurement is accurate to prevent stripping the screw head. If you are unable to measure the screw directly, you can also estimate the required hex key size by measuring the diameter of the screw thread.

Hex key wrenches come in various types, including L-shaped, T-handle, and folding sets. L-shaped hex keys are the most common type, featuring a simple design with a short or long arm. T-handle hex keys provide more torque and are useful for screws that are difficult to turn. Folding sets offer convenience and portability, with multiple hex keys of different sizes combined into one tool.

Measuring screw thread diameter

To measure the diameter of a screw thread, you need to measure the width of the threaded part of the screw. This is also known as the major diameter. This is the distance from the outer thread on one side to the outer thread on the other side. For screws measured in the imperial system, the diameter is given in fractions of an inch. For metric screws, the diameter is given in millimetres.

For screws measured in the imperial system, any diameter smaller than 1/4" is indicated by a number. For example, a #0 gauge screw is 1/16 of an inch in diameter, #1 is 5/64 of an inch, and a #2 is 3/32 of an inch. You can use a gauge guide to match the gauge number to its corresponding fraction of an inch.

For metric screws, the diameter is indicated by the letter "M" followed by the number of millimetres. For example, M6 corresponds to 6 mm.

It is important to note that the diameter of a screw is different from its length. The length of a screw is measured from the tip of the screw to where the screw head rests. The starting point of the measurement depends on the type of screw head. For example, for a flat-headed countersunk screw, you would measure from the top of the flat head, whereas for a round-headed countersunk screw, you would measure from the bottom of the rounded top.

Standard size nuts

When selecting a standard-size nut, it is important to consider the thread characteristics of the screw or bolt. The thread diameter and length can vary, and selecting the appropriate nut size ensures a secure fastening.

When measuring for standard size nuts, it is recommended to use the screw thread diameter as the primary reference. However, in certain situations, the size of the wrench used to drive the nut can also be used to estimate the required screw size. It is important to note that this method may not account for differences between US and metric screws.

Heavy hex structural bolts

The ASTM A325 and A490 specifications cover high-strength heavy hex structural bolts from 1/2" diameter through 1-1/2" diameter. These bolts have shorter thread lengths than standard hex bolts and are not intended for general applications. The A490 bolts are made from alloy steel, while the A325 bolts are made from medium carbon steel.

The ASTM A307 specification covers carbon steel bolts and studs ranging from 1/4" through 4" in diameter. This specification includes three grades, A, B, and C, which denote tensile strength, configuration, and application. The ASTM A193 standard covers alloy steel and stainless steel bolting materials for high-temperature or high-pressure services, such as fasteners in pressure vessels, valves, flanges, and fittings.

Haydon Bolts is a supplier of heavy hex bolts in standard and custom sizes, while Bayou City Bolt is a leading distributor of heavy hex bolts to a wide range of industries.

Volume pricing discounts

There are a few different ways to implement volume pricing discounts. One way is through threshold discounts, where a certain discount is applied to unit numbers that fall within a specific pricing tier. For example:

0-49 units = Full price

50-99 units = 10% discount

100-149 units = 15% discount

150-199 units = 25% discount

200+ units = 35% discount

Another way is through tiered volume discounts, where the cost per unit of an on-sale product lies within a particular range. Once a buyer completes the first tier, they move on to the next. Here is an example of this model:

Units 2-4: $170 per unit

Units 5-9: $160 per unit

Units 10-19: $140 per unit

Units 20+: $120 per unit

The package pricing model is another option, where shoppers purchase packages of items at a fixed price. The discount is applied to specific packages, and the more units are purchased, the bigger the discount. For example:

1 unit = $100 ($100 per unit)

5 units = $400 ($80 per unit)

10 units = $700 ($70 per unit)

20 units = $1000 ($50 per unit)

When offering volume pricing discounts, it is important to carefully consider your pricing strategy. You don't want to offer such a steep discount that you end up selling units below the marginal cost of producing them. Additionally, you should make sure that you are still making a profit when offering these discounts. Volume pricing discounts can be a great way to increase sales and profit margin, but they should be used strategically.

Frequently asked questions