Set Screws for Secure, Hidden Fastening in Mechanical Shafts and Assemblies

In mechanical systems where slippage prevention, compact design, and concealed fastening are essential, Set Screws (also known as grub screws or stop screws) are the ideal solution. These screws offer internal locking strength without protruding heads, making them perfect for securing components onto shafts in tight spaces or rotating assemblies.

At Dongguan Sango Hardware Fasteners Co., Ltd., we manufacture precision set screws for applications including gears, pulleys, couplings, and electronic devices, supporting both standard and custom solutions in various materials and drive types.

1. What Is a Set Screw?

A Set Screw is a headless screw designed to be threaded into a component to secure it against another component, usually a shaft. Once tightened, the tip of the screw applies pressure to the shaft, creating a frictional or mechanical lock that prevents movement or rotation.

🔩 Key Benefits:

• Flush or recessed mounting for tight-space applications
• Securely locks components onto shafts without external fasteners
• Available with various tip types for different holding power
• Supports repeated adjustments without damage (with flat-point tips)
• Compact, clean appearance ideal for visible assemblies

2. Common Types of Set Screws

🔹 Cup Point Set Screw

• Most common type; concave tip bites into shaft
• Used for permanent locking in gears, collars, and knobs

🔹 Flat Point Set Screw

• Flat tip provides even pressure without surface damage
• Ideal for adjustable positioning and soft shafts

🔹 Cone Point Set Screw

• Sharp point penetrates surface for strong hold
• Used in high-torque or vibration-prone applications

🔹 Dog Point Set Screw

• Cylindrical tip fits into a hole or slot on the shaft
• Ensures precise location and anti-rotation in repeatable assemblies

🔹 Knurled Cup or Oval Point Screw

• Offers a blend of grip and reduced damage
• Used in instrumentation, optics, or calibration devices

3. Applications of Set Screws

Set screws are used in mechanical assemblies that require internal clamping, precise positioning, or hidden fastening:

• ⚙️ Gear and pulley locking on rotating shafts
• 🧰 Coupling and hub attachment
• ✈️ Aerospace control surfaces and linkages
• 🧪 Medical devices and lab automation
• 🛠 Precision equipment, camera mounts, test rigs
• 📦 Electrical enclosures, switches, and rotary encoders

They’re essential where access space is limited and a clean profile is desired.

4. Material and Finish Options

Finish options:

• Black oxide for carbon steel – reduces glare, mild corrosion protection
• Zinc or nickel plating for rust resistance
• Passivated stainless steel for medical/cleanroom use
• PTFE coating for anti-seize and lubrication

5. Customization from Sango Hardware

We offer:

• 📏 Thread sizes: M1.6–M16 or #2–5/8"
• 📐 Length range: 2mm to 60mm
• ⚙️ Drive styles: Hex socket (most common), slotted, Torx, square
• 🧩 Point types: Cup, cone, flat, dog, oval, nylon-tip
• 🔧 Torque class: Grade 8.8, 10.9, 12.9 or A2-70/A4-80 stainless

Additional support:

• OEM logo or batch coding
• CAD drawings + mechanical reports
• Bulk packaging: foam trays, tubes, bags, kits

6. Case Study: Set Screws in High-Speed Gear Couplings

Client: Precision motion control equipment maker in Germany
Problem: Standard screws backed out during high-speed shaft rotation, leading to misalignment

Sango Solution:

• Delivered M5 cone-point set screws made from Grade 12.9 alloy steel with black oxide finish
• Provided installation torque guidelines and lock patch thread-locking coating

Result:

• Eliminated slippage and component damage
• Improved assembly cycle time by 25%
• Customer expanded application to linear guides and stepper motor couplings

7. Why Choose Sango Hardware for Set Screws?

🏭 Ultra-Precise Manufacturing

• Cold-heading, CNC threading, and tip grinding with tight tolerances

🧪 Advanced Testing

• Tensile strength, surface hardness, salt spray, and drive engagement tests

📐 Application Engineering

• Torque/load matching, custom point geometry, fitment verification

📦 Global OEM Fulfillment

• ISO 9001, RoHS, REACH certified; export-ready logistics and labeling

8. Conclusion: Compact Power with Set Screws in Mechanical Assemblies

When your assembly demands invisible strength, internal locking, and reliable axial positioning, Set Screws are the solution of choice. Sango Hardware delivers customizable set screws for every torque requirement, shaft size, and installation environment.

Contact Dongguan Sango Hardware Fasteners Co., Ltd. today to get expert support on your set screw specifications.