M1.2–M6 Slotted Cheese Head Machine Screws — Precision Fasteners in Carbon Steel with Multiple Coating Options
Precision instrument builders, electronics assemblers, and mechanical engineers know the challenge of sourcing small-diameter slotted cheese head machine screws in the right size, coating, and quantity without overpaying for bulk packs you don't need. These M1.2 to M6 slotted cheese head machine screws are stocked across a wide range of sizes and seven coating finishes, so you can match both the mechanical requirement and the surface finish of your project in a single order.
Each screw features a cylindrical (cheese) head profile with a single slotted drive recess, manufactured from carbon steel with your choice of coating: Black Zinc, Black Nickel, Blue-White Zinc, White Zinc, Colour Zinc, 304 Stainless Steel Natural, or 316 Stainless Steel Natural. Sizes range from M1.2 × 4mm up to M6 × 16mm, with head dimensions specified per variant (e.g., M1.2 × 4mm has a head diameter of 2.3mm and height of 0.8mm; M6 × 16mm has a head diameter of 9mm and height of 3.8mm). Pack quantities are available in 100, 200, or 300 pieces.
These slotted cylindrical head machine screws are well suited to precision instrument and watchmaking assembly where a deep, reliable slot engagement is needed, electronics enclosure fastening where a low-profile yet secure head is required, and general mechanical fabrication calling for metric carbon steel fasteners in a specific decorative or protective finish. The cheese head's tall cylindrical profile provides a deeper slot than a pan head, reducing the risk of driver slip during installation.
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Compatibility: ISO metric coarse thread standard — M1.2 through M6. Designed for use with pre-tapped holes, standard metric nuts, or threaded inserts. Requires a flat-head (slotted) screwdriver; use a precision driver for M1.2 and M1.6 sizes.
✅ Key Features of These Slotted Cheese Head Machine Screws
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🧱Cylindrical Cheese Head for Deep Slot Engagement — The tall, flat-topped cylindrical head provides a deeper slotted recess than a standard pan head, giving the driver more grip and reducing cam-out risk during installation in precision instrument and electronics assembly.
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🎨Seven Coating Options for Every Environment — Choose from Black Zinc, Black Nickel, Blue-White Zinc, White Zinc, Colour Zinc, 304 Stainless Steel Natural, or 316 Stainless Steel Natural to match your corrosion resistance needs and surface finish requirements.
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📏Wide Size Range from M1.2 to M6 — Covering thread diameters from 1.2mm up to 6mm, these metric slotted machine screws serve applications from miniature instrument fastening all the way to general mechanical assembly.
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📦Flexible Pack Quantities: 100, 200, or 300 Pieces — Order the quantity that matches your production run or repair job without committing to oversized bulk packs, keeping your parts inventory lean and cost-effective.
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🌊316 Stainless Steel Option for Marine-Grade Resistance — The 316 stainless steel natural finish variant offers superior resistance to chloride and saltwater corrosion, making it a reliable choice for marine, coastal, and chemically aggressive environments.
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⚙️ISO Metric Thread for Universal Compatibility — All sizes conform to ISO metric coarse thread standards, ensuring compatibility with standard metric nuts, threaded inserts, and tapped holes used across electronics, automotive, and general engineering applications.
📐 Technical Specifications — Slotted Cheese Head Machine Screws
| Thread Sizes Available |
M1.2, M1.6, M2, M3, M5, M6 |
| Thread Standard |
ISO Metric Coarse |
| Head Type |
Cheese Head (Cylindrical Head) |
| Drive Type |
Slotted (Single Slot) |
| Material |
Carbon Steel (zinc/nickel coated variants); 304 Stainless Steel; 316 Stainless Steel |
| Coating Options |
Black Zinc, Black Nickel, Blue-White Zinc, White Zinc, Colour Zinc, 304 SS Natural, 316 SS Natural |
| Size & Head Dimensions |
M1.2×4mm (D=2.3×0.8mm), M1.6×4mm (D=3×1mm), M2×5mm (D=3.8×1.4mm), M2×6mm (D=3.6×2mm or D=2.7×1.2mm), M2×10mm (D=2.7×1.2mm), M2×12mm (D=2.7×1.2mm), M3×8mm (D=5×2mm), M5×10mm (D=8×3mm), M6×8mm (D=10×3.8mm), M6×16mm (D=9×3.8mm) |
| Pack Quantities |
100 pcs, 200 pcs, 300 pcs |
| Application Type |
Machine screw — requires pre-tapped hole, nut, or threaded insert (not self-tapping) |
| Corrosion Resistance |
Varies by coating — see coating options above; 316 SS recommended for marine use |
| Country of Origin |
See variant options |
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Note: These are machine screws and require a pre-tapped hole, threaded insert, or nut — they are not self-tapping. For very small sizes (M1.2, M1.6), a precision flat-head screwdriver is required. If you are unsure which size, length, or coating is right for your application, contact us before ordering.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose the right screw length for my application?
A general guideline is to select a length that allows the screw to engage at least 1.5 times its diameter into the receiving material. For example, an M2 screw (2mm diameter) should typically have at least 3mm of thread engagement. Always measure the combined thickness of the materials being joined and confirm the screw length exceeds that by enough to seat fully into the nut or tapped hole. For reference, 4mm ≈ 5/32", 6mm ≈ 1/4", 10mm ≈ 3/8", 16mm ≈ 5/8".
What is the load capacity of these carbon steel cheese head screws?
Carbon steel machine screws generally offer good tensile strength for light to medium-duty fastening applications. The exact load capacity depends on the specific grade of carbon steel and the coating applied. These screws are typically suited for instrument assembly, electronics enclosures, and general mechanical fastening rather than structural or high-load applications. Contact us to confirm suitability for your specific use case.
Are these screws suitable for outdoor or corrosive environments?
It depends on the coating you select. Blue-white zinc and white zinc coatings provide basic corrosion resistance for indoor or mildly humid environments. Black zinc and black nickel offer moderate protection with a decorative finish. For outdoor or moisture-prone applications, the 304 stainless steel natural finish provides good general corrosion resistance. The 316 stainless steel option is generally recommended for marine, coastal, or chemically aggressive environments where chloride exposure is a concern.
What thread standard do these screws use, and are they compatible with standard metric hardware?
These screws use the ISO metric coarse thread standard. Each size (M1.2, M1.6, M2, M3, M5, M6) has a corresponding standard pitch. They are compatible with standard metric nuts, threaded inserts, and tapped holes used across electronics, automotive, and general engineering applications. Always verify the thread pitch of your existing hardware before ordering to ensure a proper fit.
What screwdriver do I need for slotted cheese head screws?
Slotted (single-slot) cheese head screws require a flat-head (slotted) screwdriver. The driver blade width should match the slot width of the screw head as closely as possible to avoid slipping and damaging the head. For very small sizes like M1.2 and M1.6, a precision or watchmaker's flat-head screwdriver is typically required. Using an oversized blade can damage the screw head or surrounding material.
What is the difference between a cheese head and a pan head screw?
A cheese head screw has a cylindrical head with a flat top and vertical sides, giving it a taller profile than a pan head. This taller head provides a deeper slot for better driver engagement and is commonly used in precision instruments, electrical equipment, and applications where a secure grip on the driver is important. A pan head has a lower, more rounded profile and is more common in general-purpose fastening. If your application requires a flush or low-profile head, a countersunk or pan head may be more appropriate.
How do I choose between the different coating options?
Choose your coating based on the environment and aesthetic requirements: Blue-white zinc and white zinc are cost-effective options for dry indoor use. Black zinc and black nickel provide a dark finish suitable for electronics and consumer products where appearance matters. Colour zinc offers a decorative iridescent finish. 304 stainless steel is a good all-round choice for general outdoor use. 316 stainless steel is recommended for marine, coastal, or chemically aggressive environments where maximum corrosion resistance is needed.
🛒 Select your size, coating, and quantity above, then add to cart — ships from our US warehouse.
