RS PRO Pozidriv Pan Steel Machine Screws DIN 7985, M3x12mm

From RS PRO a high-quality pan head machine screw with a versatile Pozidriv recess for a superior grip when tightening. This machine screw is made from high-quality steel with a black zinc passivated finish which helps prevent corrosion as well as providing a decorative effect.

A machine screw is similar to a bolt but has a socket 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.

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. Pan head type screws are used when a flat bearing surface is needed but a countersunk screw is not required.

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.

• Pan head design for a flat bearing surface
• Pozidriv head type for improved screwdriver grip
• Corrosion resistant
• Moisture resistant
• Provides a decorative finish
• Meets DIN 7985 Standards

Machine screws are designed to hold separate components together in a wide range of applications such as machine parts and electronic components. They are screwed through pre-drilled tapped holes in 2 components and can be fastened at the rear with a nut. This zinc plated steel machine screw, due to its anti-corrosive and anti-tarnishing properties, is particularly suitable for exterior use. Applications include:

• Home and office appliances
• Fastening decorative home fittings
• Exterior projects
• DIY and maintenance

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.

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 electrician’s 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.

To see the range of our cross 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.

Please note IMDS is not a regulatory requirement and is currently not supported by RS PRO