🔩 Phillips Low Wafer Head Machine Screws – M2 M2.5 M3 M4, 304 Stainless Steel for Low‑Profile Applications
You're assembling a laptop, mounting a thin panel, or building a compact device – and a standard pan head screw would stick out too far. These low wafer head machine screws are designed for tight spaces. The extra‑flat head sits just above the surface, giving you a clean finish without the height of a pan head. Made from 304 stainless steel (A2), they resist rust indoors and out. The Phillips drive offers reliable engagement with common crosshead bits. Available in M2, M2.5, M3, and M4 thread diameters, with various thread lengths (head diameter varies by size). Perfect for electronics, appliances, thin‑walled enclosures, and any project where head height matters.
✨ Key Features – Low Wafer Head Phillips Screws (304 Stainless)
- 🔘 Low wafer head design – Extremely low profile with a wide, flat bearing surface. Ideal for applications with minimal clearance above the screw.
- 🛡️ 304 stainless steel (A2) – Good corrosion resistance for indoor and light outdoor use. Strong, durable, and heat‑resistant.
- ✨
Phillips drive – Standard cross recess for easy driving with common screwdrivers. Good torque transfer without cam‑out.
- 📏 Metric sizes M2, M2.5, M3, M4 – Perfect for small electronics, computers, appliances, and precision instruments.
- 📐 Thread length measured under head – The length specified (e.g., 5mm) is the threaded portion, not including the head. Head diameter is wider than the thread (e.g., M2 screw has ~6mm head diameter).
- ✨ Natural finish, clean appearance – No added coatings; the natural stainless steel look is consistent and professional.
- 🛠️ Widely used – Laptops, tablets, gaming consoles, small appliances, thin‑wall enclosures, and DIY electronics.
📏 Specifications – Low Wafer Head Phillips Screws (304 Stainless)
| Thread Diameter |
Thread Length (mm) * |
Typical Head Diameter (mm) |
Head Height (approx.) |
Thread Pitch (mm) |
Material |
| 🔧 Thread length is measured from under the head to the tip – does NOT include head |
| M2 |
4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12 |
~6 |
~1.2 |
0.4 |
304 Stainless (A2)
|
| M2.5 |
4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16 |
~7 |
~1.5 |
0.45 |
| M3 |
4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16, 20, 25 |
~8 |
~1.8 |
0.5 |
| M4 |
5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16, 20, 25, 30 |
~10 |
~2.5 |
0.7 |
* Thread length = grip length (does not include head). Head diameter is approximate and varies by manufacturer. Example: M2 x 5 x 6mm means thread diameter 2mm, thread length 5mm, head diameter ~6mm. Select your required thread length from the dropdown.
📋 Material Properties – 304 Stainless Steel (A2)
| Property |
Value / Description |
| Grade |
304 stainless (A2 / 18-8) – 18% Cr, 8% Ni |
| Corrosion resistance |
Good – suitable for indoor and light outdoor use (avoid continuous saltwater) |
| Strength |
High – tensile strength ~700 N/mm² (A2-70), good toughness |
| Magnetic |
Almost non‑magnetic (slightly magnetic after cold working) |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions – Low Wafer Head Screws
1. What is a low wafer head screw? How is it different from a pan head or countersunk head?
A low wafer head (sometimes called “low profile pan head”) has a very flat, wide top that sits just above the surface – much lower than a standard pan head. It provides a large bearing surface but adds minimal height. Unlike a countersunk head, it does NOT require a tapered hole; it sits on top of the surface but with very low profile. Ideal for thin enclosures and tight clearance applications.
2. How is the length measured for these screws?
For wafer head screws, length is measured from the underside of the head (the flat bearing surface) to the tip. The head itself is not included. So an “M3 x 10mm” screw has a 10mm long threaded shaft under the head. Our examples like “M2*5*6mm” mean: thread diameter 2mm, thread length 5mm (under head), head diameter 6mm.
3. Are these screws fully threaded?
Yes – for all standard lengths we offer (up to about 25‑30mm), these screws are fully threaded from under the head to the tip. This gives you maximum grip in shallow holes.
4. Can I use these screws outdoors? Will 304 stainless rust?
304 stainless (A2) is fine for outdoor use in most environments – it resists rain, humidity, and temperature changes. However, for continuous saltwater exposure (beach, boat decks), we recommend 316 stainless (A4). For garden furniture, signs, or general outdoor equipment, 304 is perfectly adequate.
5. What head diameter should I expect for each screw size?
Typical head diameters: M2 ≈ 6mm, M2.5 ≈ 7mm, M3 ≈ 8mm, M4 ≈ 10mm. These values are approximate; the exact head diameter may vary by manufacturer. The wide head provides a good bearing surface for thin materials.
6. My store says “CM standard” – what does that mean?
“CM” refers to Chinese Metric standard, which is generally compatible with ISO/DIN metric standards. These screws will fit standard metric nuts and tapped holes of the same thread diameter (M2, M2.5, M3, M4). No special tools or nuts are needed.