RS PRO, M3 Pan Head, 12mm Steel Pozidriv Bright Zinc Plated

RS PRO BZP Plated Steel Pan Head Pozidriv Machine Screws

From RS PRO a high-quality pan head machine screw with a versatile Pozidriv recess for a superior grip when tightening. This machine screw has a metric thread and is made from high-quality BZP (Bright Zinc Plated) steel which slows down rusting and corrosion

What is a Machine Screw?

A machine screw is similar to a bolt but has a socket or a slot in its head that allows it to be turned by a screwdriver. The shank on a machine screw is straight rather than tapered with a full thread which is uniform along the entire length. Machine screws do not tap their own thread into materials like wood screws do but are designed to be fastened into pre-tapped holes in the parts they are fastening together. Having a threaded hole creates a stronger joint and results in a higher quality product.

What is a Pan Head Screw?

Pan head machine screws, as the name suggests, have a head that looks like an inverted frying pan. The heads are flat on the top and rounded on the sides. When driven into material pan head machine screws protrude rather than sit flush. These screw head types are used when a flat bearing surface is needed but a countersunk screw is not required.

What is a Pozidriv Head Type?

Pozidriv, sometimes shortened to Pozi, stands for “positive drive”. This head type has a cross recess in the centre with four small indentations around it creating 8 points of contact. This design provides improved engagement and contact with the screwdriver and prevents ejection force when tightening or loosening the machine screw.

What is Bright Zinc Plating?

BZP is a shiny coating is applied to the steel, this process prevents corrosion and rusting. If the application is situated within a harsh environment, BZP will provide much-needed longevity and reliability. Although it may not be as effective as stainless steel, the added benefit would be the price. As stainless steel is completely rustproof but expensive, BZP Steel offers a great solution and is massively cost-effective.

Features and Benefits

• Pozidriv head type for improved screwdriver grip
• Pan head design for a flat bearing surface
• Bright Zinc Plated steel for resistance to corrosion
• Economical and hard wearing
• Meets DIN 7985 Standards

What are Machine Screws used For?

Machine screws are designed to hold separate components together in a wide range of applications such as industrial machinery and vehicle engines. They are screwed through pre-drilled tapped holes in 2 components and can be fastened at the rear with a nut. This bright zinc plated steel pan head machine screw is ideal for domestic and commercial use. Applications include.

• Electrical panel building
• PCB Prototyping
• Circuit board mounting
• General production engineering
• General maintenance and repair.
• Light fastening applications

Frequently Asked Questions

What Does M2.5, M3, M3.5, M4, M5 Mean?

These measurements are found on metric screws, The 'M' stands for Metric. The number after the 'M' is the nominal outer diameter of the screw in mm.

How Do I Cut a Machine Screw?

Damage to the machine screw threads can prevent parts from fitting together properly, therefore care has to be taken when cutting them and the correct tools used.

Cutting a small machine screw (up to standard size #10 or metric size M5 (5mm)
Use a pair of multipurpose wire strippers or electricians pliers that feature M2.5, M3, M3.5, M4, M5 threaded holes. These holes are designed for cutting bolts without damaging the thread. Open the jaws and thread the machine screw into the correct size hole to the distance required. Squeeze the tool handles closed and the screw will be cut at the point where the two halves of the jaws come together. You will have a clean cut without any thread damage.

Cutting a large machine screw (larger than size #10 or metric size M5 (5mm)
This is best done using a hacksaw. Thread the nut on the screw until it reaches the desired point on the head side of the cutting line. Place the screw in a vice or clamp to keep it secure when cutting and cut the screw as straight as you can. When you unthread the nut it will repair and realign any threads that may have been damaged by the saw blade.

Note

To see the range of slot pan head machine screws please refer to the datasheet and fasteners selection guide. Through these two documents you will also find the various thread sizes and lengths that we have to offer.

Standards

The cross pan head machine screw meets DIN7985 standards.