M2 Phillips Pan Head Machine Screws — 3 to 5.5mm, Carbon Steel & Stainless, 11 Finishes

For M2 screws, select a length so that at least 1.5–2 times the thread diameter (3–4mm) engages in the mating material. For example, if you are fastening a 1.5mm PCB to a standoff, an M2 x 3mm or M2 x 4mm screw is typically appropriate. For through-hole fastening with a nut, the screw should extend at least 2–3 full threads past the nut face. The 3mm and 3.5mm lengths are generally suited for very thin panels, PCB mounting, and miniature electronics enclosures where minimal thread engagement is needed.

The D= value specifies the outer diameter of the pan head at its widest point, in millimeters. For example, “M2 x 4mm D=3.5” means the screw is 4mm long with a pan head that is 3.5mm in outer diameter. M2 pan head screws can have head diameters ranging from approximately 2.5mm to 5mm depending on the manufacturing standard (ISO 7045, DIN 7985, etc.). If your application has a specific clearance hole, recess, or countersink for the head, select the D= variant that matches your requirement. If you are unsure, measure the head diameter of an existing screw you are replacing.

The “With Glue” variants have a thread-locking adhesive pre-applied to the threads. This adhesive activates under the pressure and friction of installation, bonding the screw in place and resisting loosening from vibration, thermal cycling, or dynamic loads. They are commonly used in RC vehicles, drones, power tools, motors, and any assembly subject to vibration where a separate liquid thread-locker (like Loctite) would otherwise be needed. Note that “With Glue” screws are generally single-use — removal may damage the adhesive patch and reduce locking effectiveness on reinstallation.

It depends on the finish selected. Stainless Steel and Stainless Steel / Black Zinc variants offer good general corrosion resistance and are suitable for most outdoor and mildly humid environments. Carbon steel variants with zinc plating (black, blue, colored) provide moderate corrosion protection for indoor or sheltered use. Bright Nickel and Bright Chromium finishes are primarily decorative with moderate indoor corrosion resistance. For marine or highly corrosive environments, stainless steel is generally the better choice. The “With Glue” thread-locking variants are suitable for the same environments as their base material.

M2 uses the ISO metric thread standard with a standard coarse pitch of 0.4mm. These screws are compatible with standard M2 metric nuts, threaded inserts, and tapped holes. They are not compatible with UNC or UNF inch-standard threads. If you are tapping your own holes, use an M2 x 0.4 tap. M2 is one of the smallest common metric thread sizes and is widely used in electronics, miniature robotics, and precision instruments. If you are unsure whether your existing hardware is M2 metric, measure the thread diameter with a thread gauge before ordering.

Carbon steel M2 machine screws are generally rated to property class 4.8 or higher, with tensile strengths typically ranging from 420 MPa to 800 MPa depending on the specific grade. Stainless steel variants are generally rated to A2-70, with a tensile strength of approximately 700 MPa. For very small-diameter screws like M2, actual load capacity is limited by the thread cross-section and is suitable for light-duty fastening in electronics, miniature enclosures, and precision instruments. Contact us to confirm the exact property class if your application has specific strength requirements.

Both are decorative electroplated finishes on carbon steel. Bright Nickel produces a warm, slightly yellowish-silver appearance and provides moderate corrosion resistance. Bright Chromium (chrome plating) produces a cooler, mirror-like silver appearance and is generally harder and more scratch-resistant than nickel. Both are primarily used for aesthetic applications where the screw head is visible in consumer electronics, appliances, or decorative assemblies. Neither is recommended for outdoor or high-humidity environments without additional protection.