If you’re building a project that requires screws, the right choice is important for both durability and appearance. You can choose from a variety of head styles, including hex socket, flat countersunk and low head and button head cap screws. Each head style offers advantages to different projects, but how do you know which one is the right fit for your application? To find out, you’ll need to understand the meanings of several screw sizes and measurements.

The first number listed on the package is the diameter of the screw, while the second is the thread pitch. The thread pitch is the distance from the center of the screw’s thread to a point that is equally spaced around its circumference. The pitch should be noted as either coarse or fine depending on the thread type, and it is important when purchasing screws to ensure that you are getting the correct size.

Screws are also rated for their tensile strength and yield strength, indicating the maximum load they can bear before breaking or damaging the fastener. Screws with higher tensile and yield strengths are better suited for heavy-duty applications, while lower strength grades are best suited for light-duty or temporary use.

Button head socket cap screws are characterized by their low-profile, dome-shaped heads and hexagonal drive hole for use with an allen wrench or hex key. They are popular for a variety of projects due to their versatility, clean aesthetics and ability to support high torque loads. button head screws