When shopping for screws, you may come across pan head machine screws. They are commonly used in aircraft. From control panels and flight instruments to electrical systems and fuselage sections, pan head machine screws play an important role in many airplanes. What are pan head machine screws exactly, and how do they differ from other types of screws?
Overview of Pan Head Machine Screws
Pan head machine screws are threaded fasteners with a round and flat head. They are a type of countersunk screw, meaning they offer a flush finish with the surface on which they are installed. As you drive a pan head machine screw into a given surface, the mushroom-shaped head will sink into the surface.
You can find pan head machine screws in different materials, such as the following:
- Carbon steel
- Stainless steel
- Titanium
- Brass
Pan Head Machine Screws vs Other Screws
One of the defining characteristics of pan head machine screws is their head. As previously mentioned, they have a mushroom-shaped head, which allows them to sink into surfaces during installation.
Other screws are available in different head types. Some of them have a flat head. Others have a flat or oval head. Only pan head screws have a mushroom-shaped “pan” head.
Most pan head machine screws are fully threaded. The threading extends all the way from the head to the tip. In comparison, other screws may be fully threaded or partially threaded.
Benefits of Pan Head Machine Screws
Pan head machine screws are strong. When used in aircraft, screws need to be strong so that they can withstand the extreme conditions to which they are exposed. Pan head machine screws are made of high-quality materials that allow for exceptional strength and durability.
In addition to being strong and durable, pan head machine screws are corrosion resistant. Corrosion is often the result of oxidation. When a metal object is exposed to oxygen in the air or moisture, it may corrode. While pan head machine screws are typically made of metal, though, they offer a high level of resistance to corrosion. Some of them are made of corrosion-resistant materials like stainless steel, whereas others feature a plated finish or exterior that prevents corrosion.
Pan head machine screws are easy to install and remove. They are available in many of the same drive types as other screws, with Phillips being the most common. As long as you have a Phillips head screwdriver, you can easily install and remove pan head machine screws with this drive type.
