6 Types of Screws You Might Not Have Heard Of

Even if you don’t regularly use custom screws, you’ve probably seen a Phillips head screw or slotted screw using tools. But whether they’re regulation-issue fasteners or custom screws, there are bound to be countless types of unique screws that you aren’t as familiar with.

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You might interested in finding out more about the unique types of screws that are readily available, especially if you need to make a repair or are still in the design stages of a product. That’s why we’ve put together a list of six different kinds of screws (which could serve as inspiration for your own custom screws) that you might not have heard of until now:

• Self-tapping screw
  Although their appearances vary, many self-tapping screws are about 10 mm. in length and have a flat head. But even when they look different, they all accomplish the same thing — and you can probably guess what that is. It’s a screw that, while being driven into the chosen material, can tap its own hole. These types of screws can be very handy for use in hard plastics and metal. For instance, they’re used in PCs in order to fasten on a fan or duct to the modem.
• Pentalobe
  You’ve definitely seen these screws, but you may not have known their name before. If you own a MacBook Pro or an iPhone, these are the type of miniature screws you’ll see on the outside. If you looked closely, you may have noticed their five-sided star design on the head. Essentially, they were designed to be camouflaged to discourage users from removing them and altering the devices. Most people don’t have a screwdriver that will fit pentalobe screws, but compatible ones are now relatively easy to find in stores.
• Lox
  Lox screws are typically used in power tools and for other industrial uses. They have a high torque and require minimum effort. They also have a longer bit life when used correctly. A lot of people have never even seen a lox screw before — the head features a design of four overlapping squares. It has more contact points than a Phillips head or Robertson screws. Basically, this type of screw is a newer development that works well for construction jobs and other projects that need an especially strong hold.
• TA or TP3
  You probably won’t come into contact with these screws, which often feature a triangular design on the head. But you may have seen them in your kid’s Happy Meal toys or in your camping stove. The two types look similar; the main difference is that a TA screw has straight walls and the TP3 has curved ones. Like the pentalobe, these screws are designed to make adjustments a bit more difficult. It’s certainly not impossible to find a screwdriver that fits these types of screws, but you’ll have to put in a bit more effort if you want to get them out.
• Torx
  Invented in the late 1960s, Torx screws were designed as an alternative to Phillips head screws. Typically, they feature six lobes (though they may sometimes have only five). This gives them a better torque than the Phillips head and means they slip out less easily. You may have seen them in your electronics or car.
• Frearson
  You may mistake the Frearson for a Phillips head at first glance, but take a closer look. Unlike the Phillips, the Frearson cross lobe design is straight and perfect. This means the Frearson is less likely to slip and has a higher torque. And because one Frearson screwdriver will fit any size Frearson screw, using them is much easier and costs less money for the consumer. In essence, it’s like the Phillips — only better.

Here at US Microscrew, we specialize in the custom screws and micro fasteners you can’t simply go out to the hardware store and buy. Don’t limit yourself. That’s where our custom screw manufacturers come in. To find out more about how custom screws can help improve your products, contact us today.