There are four physical characteristics of a setscrew:

Socket DRIVES vary also according to application. Below are brief explanations of each.

HEX SOCKET
Most commonly used; allows for ultimate tightening with convenient hex keys. Occasionally used as tamperproof screw.

FLUTED SOCKET
Allows for tightening with less chance of reaming the socket area. It is a less readily available drive especially when coupled with various points other than the standard cup point.

SQUARE HEAD
This head design provides extra strength in minimizing the possibility of the head popping off under torque overloads.

SLOTTED DRIVE
Used to eliminate the need for special tooling. These screws may be installed with a standard slotted screwdriver.

Setscrews may be manufactured in variety of material to meet your applications. Below are the standard material available:

These special materials are also available upon request:

All socket products are manufactured with 3A tread fit. Setscrews also fall into this category of threads. To further increase the holding power of the setscrew, 3A threads with their tighter external thread fit, complete the superior design for any application. Class 3A does not provide for a plating allowance, therefore all dimensions are measured before plating. Standard plating on 3A thread fit can reduce the pitch diameter three to four times the thickness of the plating. If your requirement is for plated setscrews, mention it at time of quotation to ensure threads will be manufactured to allow for plating.

* Socket drives may be machined, broached or forged at manufacturer's option unless otherwise specified by the purchaser.

The setscrew is considered a compression fastener. Its primary function is that of static holding power. It must be able to withstand a specified torque without reaming or bursting. As the screw is tightened, the force at the point creates three types of holding power:

It is critical to choose the correct point with regard to application, material, hardness and frequency of adjustment. Below are listed brief explanations of each point. Consult your salesperson for more details and information.

A) FLAT	Used frequently as an adjusting screw on a hardened surface, ground for better contact with point. Preferred for thin wall applications and soft plugs.
B) CONE	Used for permanent positioning on soft or hardened shafts. Deep penetrations of point gives the highest axial and torsional holding power over all other points.
C) FULL	Full dog requires a deep hole in shaft. Very similar to half- DOG dog in style inactive design. See half-dog for applications.
D) CUP	This is the preferred point. Used against hard shafts and also in soft materials where high torque tightening is impractical and cutting in of cup edge is not objectionable.
E) HALF	Used for permanent location often instead of a dowel pin. A DOG closely fitted hole must be drilled in the shaft or use on a milled flat. Preferred for hardened materials.
F) OVAL	Used when frequent adjustments will be made, or for permanent setting on splined or grooved shafts. This point will not damage the surface it bears against. For longitudinal adjustment or rotational adjustment, grooves are ground into the shaft to correspond to curvature to the oval point.
G) KNURLED	Counter clockwise knurls prevent setscrew from loosening CUP under severest of vibrations even in a hole that has been poorly tapped. Used as a quick and permanent locking method in gears, collars and knobs. The design of the knurl in conjunction with the cup point create the ultimate in holding power.