How to Determine the Right Set Screw Point Type?

A Set screw is a screw that secures an object within or against another object. These screws typically come headless with just a drive on the top. Set screws are also known as Blind screws or grub screws and are broadly used in all engineering, repair applications, and product design, frequently keeping a potentially moving part locked in place.

A set screw can be identified by its headless design or body; its entire body is threaded and comes in multiple dimensions. Depending on the applications, it has various point types based on the features required by them, such as plain cup, knurled cup, oval, flat, and half dog.

Set screws are used when one element has to be fixed within another without any protrusions, which could reduce the efficiency of the equipment. For instance, fastening a gear and shaft assembly with a regular hex bolt might need to be more efficient as the hex head might cause inconveniences for the simple and smooth operation of the assembly. In this type of situation, where protrusions are not willed, a set screw can smoothly fasten the components together without interfering with the operations.

DIC Fasteners provides multiple selections of set screws that are versatile and durable for any application.

Types of Points in Set Screws:

As shown in the above image, Set screws have mainly five types, including:

• Cup Point
• Flat Point
• Oval Point
• Conical Point
• Dog Point

· Cup Point: This is the most common type of set screw point with a slightly concave recess in the flat end of its tips. It is frequently used for fast permanent and semi-permanent assemblies. It is also used where some dents by the screw point are acceptable.

· Flat Point: Flat point set screws are made with a wholly flattened end. These flat-point set screws are reusable since taking off the screws does not harm them in any way. It is also used in places where the threaded portion does not have sufficient thickness.

· Oval Point: Oval set screws have a round convex tip. It can also be sometimes known as domed point Set screws. It causes minimal surface harm to the head portion. The minimal contact field or area helps make slight adjustments without loosening the screw.

· Dog Point: This screw has a lengthened tip that is flattened out at the end. It is mainly used in the lateral torque is large. It is also used in places where the threaded portion has enough thickness.

· Conical Point: These point-type screws are sharpened at the tip and designed to go through the underlying surface to a degree. It is used where the lateral torque is small. It is also used in places where the threaded portion has enough thickness.