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Screw Head Types

The head decides how a screw seats, how much load it spreads and how it looks when finished. Here is every head profile we manufacture, grouped by how it behaves in the joint.

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Flush and countersinking heads

These heads pull down into the material so the top of the screw finishes level with, or below, the surface.

HeadProfileTypical use
Countersunk (CSK / Flat)Flat top, conical bearing face, normally 90 degreesJoinery, panels and anywhere a fully flush finish is needed
Raised CSK (Oval)Conical bearing face with a shallow domed topFlush fixing where a decorative crown is wanted, such as hardware and trim
Undercut CSKCountersunk with a reduced head heightThin material where a full-depth countersink would break through
BugleTrumpet-shaped curve under the headDrywall, plasterboard and timber. Self-countersinks without tearing the surface
TrimSmall-diameter countersunk headFinish carpentry and trim, where the head should be barely visible

Protruding and bearing heads

These sit on top of the surface and spread the clamping load across a bearing face.

HeadProfileTypical use
PanRounded top with a flat bearing surfaceThe all-round general-purpose head across every product line
Round / DomeTall, fully domed topTraditional and restoration work, decorative fixing
ButtonLow dome, usually with an internal hex or Torx socketHigh torque with a clean, low-profile appearance
Truss / MushroomWide, very low domeThin sheet and soft material. The large face resists pull-through
CheeseCylindrical sides, flat topMachine assemblies needing a deep slot and a small head diameter
FillisterLike cheese but taller with a slightly domed topCounterbored holes where a deep drive recess is required
BindingDomed head with an undercut beneathElectrical terminations, clamping and trapping wire ends
WaferVery wide and thin, minimal head heightSheet goods and laminates needing maximum bearing with low profile
PancakeExtremely low profile with a large bearing diameterLedger and bracket fixing where clearance is tight
Flange / WasherAny head profile with an integral washer faceRemoves the need for a separate washer and spreads load evenly

Wrench and socket driven heads

HeadProfileTypical use
Hex (external)Six-sided head driven by spanner or socketHighest torque with no recess to strip. Heavy fixing and structural work
Hex flangeHex head with an integral washer faceSheet metal, ducting and chassis work. Seats firmly without a washer
Hex washer head (HWH)Low hex with a wide flat flangeSheet metal fixing where a broad bearing face is needed
Indented hexHex head with an indented top faceAutomated feeding and driving on assembly lines
Socket cap (SHCS)Cylindrical head with a deep internal hexMachine assemblies to ISO 4762 and DIN 912. High torque, compact head
SquareFour-sided external headTraditional machinery, agricultural and heritage applications

Special and application-specific heads

HeadProfileTypical use
ShoulderHead above a precision unthreaded shoulderPivots, bearings and guided assemblies needing accurate location
Set screw / GrubHeadless, fully threaded with an internal driveLocking collars, pulleys and shafts, sitting fully below the surface
T-headRectangular head that locks into a slotT-slot tables, framing systems and machine beds
Eye and hookLooped or hooked head formed above the threadHanging, lifting and tethering
Modified trussTruss profile with a reduced head diameterWhere a truss bearing face is wanted but space is limited

Choosing a head profile

  • Flush finish required: countersunk, raised countersunk or bugle.
  • Thin, soft or brittle material: truss, wafer or pancake, where a wide bearing face prevents pull-through.
  • Maximum torque: external hex or socket cap.
  • No separate washer wanted: hex flange or hex washer head.
  • Tight clearance above the joint: pancake, wafer or button.
  • General assembly: pan, the most widely specified head we produce.

We manufacture the great majority of the profiles listed above across our product lines, and we make non-standard head geometry to drawing on the custom line. If your drawing calls for a profile not listed here, send it to us and we will confirm feasibility and tooling.

Now pick the drive

Head shape and drive recess are separate choices. Once you have settled the head profile, see the screw drive types guide for a full comparison of Philips, Pozidriv, Torx, square, hex and slotted recesses, including a bit size chart.

Match it to the right screw

See available heads on each product page: self tapping, machine, wood and chipboard screws, or send a drawing for a custom head profile. Dimensional standards for each profile are listed in the DIN and ISO reference.

Ready to order?

Send us your specification, finish and quantity. We reply within 24 hours with pricing and lead time. White-label and custom options available.

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