Most thumb screws come in either long or very short lengths, depending on the application where they are needed. To choose the best thumb screw for the task, it is important to bear in mind certain characteristics such as length, diameter, and thread size. Common thumb screws for wood. With good corrosion resistance, these are used in light applications to fasten metal or metal to wood.

Knurled head thumb screws are one of the most common applications of this technique, which can be found on many types of stainless steel or nylon nuts, screws and bolts. The pattern of bumps, ridges or notches allows for much-improved friction between fingers and the otherwise smooth edges of the thumb screw. Thumb Screw Knobs Exactly what is a thumb screw? It’s a type of fastener with a large, easy-to-grip head that you can tighten and untighten by hand. It’s typically used in two scenarios: Thumb screws are not intended for structural applications for obvious reasons – you need permanent fasteners for that. Typically, thumb screws should be avoided for applications that will vibrate, as they’re vulnerable to loosening. Some thumb screws do come with a Phillips slotted head – you can learn more about these heads in What are screw heads, drives and threads?Generally, it’s the slotted head thumb screws, coupled with washers, that can be used for some high-vibration applications.

A non-permanent fastener is needed for convenient access, reducing maintenance and inspection times In the same way, wing nuts and screws and knurled nuts and thumb screws also provide a far greater grip (and hence torque) than a plain nut, and are designed to be tightened by hand, although the metal variations can be tightened or loosened using tools if necessary. This extra grip also makes them easily removable when needed. Thrust pads can be used in combination with screws to prevent marking, scratches or dents to materials that are easily damaged. A second common scenario where thumb screws are often the best choice is where regular and repeated loosening or tightening of the fastener will be necessary. This is often the case for things like battery covers, enclosure doors and electrical safety panels. These Thin Type Thumb Screws are typically utilised within mechanical assemblies or situations where regular maintenance is necessary. Offering anti-bacterial properties, Brass is a great for use in and medical applications or equipment where the spread of germs needs to be avoided.

An excellent all-rounder, acetal or nylon knurled head thumb screws are cost effective and lightweight, fastening different materials that range from plastics to wood. Thumb screws are best used in applications where the fastener doesn't need to be torqued excessively tightly.

You may also be interested in

Brass Flat Knurled Thumb Screws, sometimes referred to as Thin Type Knurled Thumb Screws, are made to DIN 653 standard and feature a wide, shallow, cylindrical head – ideal for situations where a low-profile screw is preferred. One of the main reasons why thumb screws are often chosen over traditional screws is that certain parts and assemblies do not leave much room for using hand tools. If a panel or component needs to be fastened down reasonably tightly, but access for a screwdriver or wrench is limited, manufacturers will often choose to include a thumb screw instead. Female thumb screws are female threaded and sometimes referred to as knobs. You can learn more in A guide to knobs: types, materials and applications. Materials Type A: these have a shoulder and are also called Type S. The shoulder provides a bearing surface, so that the thumb screw can be tightened against the mating surface.

The decorative gold-like appearance is often favoured to provide a vintage aesthetic, while being suitable for exterior applications due to its resistance to rust and corrosion. Knurled bolts and screws of this type are so-called because of the knurling pattern - a series of machined ridges or bumps - found around the screw head. Knurling is a widespread manufacturing technique for improving grip or torque force on a huge array of hand-installed components and fasteners. Knurled thumb screws are commonly chosen because they give the user a better grip on the head of the fastener when installing by hand.As standard, these Brass Flat Knurled Thumb Screws to DIN 653 are available in thread sizes from M3 to M8 and lengths ranging from 6mm to 40mm. Knurled Reduced Thread Captive Thumb Screws are also available for applications where safety is a concern. couplings, screws, hex nuts, ball bearings, roller bearings, thrust bearings, ceramic and hybrid bearings, stainless steel bearings, miniature bearings, shafting, corrosion resistant bearings - see the full listing in the Examples of typical applications include instrument panels, case lids, battery compartments and enclosure windows. A thumb knob may also be listed as a star knob, depending on the precise shape of the head designed for gripping by hand.