Phillips Oval Head Machine Screws Stainless Steel — M1.6 to M10, All Sizes

A general rule is to use a screw length that is 2–3 times the thickness of the material being fastened. For example, if you're fastening a 3mm (≈1/8") panel, a screw length of 6–10mm is typically appropriate. Always account for the countersink depth when selecting length — the oval head sits partially below the surface, so the effective clamping length is slightly less than the nominal screw length.

Each diameter has a standard ISO metric coarse thread pitch: M1.6 → 0.35mm, M2 → 0.4mm, M2.5 → 0.45mm, M3 → 0.5mm, M3.5 → 0.6mm, M4 → 0.7mm, M5 → 0.8mm, M6 → 1.0mm, M8 → 1.25mm, M10 → 1.5mm. These match standard metric tapped holes and nuts. If your application uses a fine-pitch thread, contact us to confirm compatibility before ordering.

These screws are generally made from 304 stainless steel, which provides good tensile strength for light-to-medium duty applications such as electronics enclosures, appliance panels, and general mechanical assembly. For heavy structural or high-load applications, consult an engineer and verify the specific grade and proof load requirements for your use case.

Stainless steel (typically 304 grade) offers good corrosion resistance in most outdoor and humid environments. These screws are generally suitable for indoor wet areas and mild outdoor exposure. For marine environments or highly corrosive chemical exposure, 316 stainless steel is typically recommended. If you're unsure, contact us to confirm the material grade.

Both oval head and flat head screws are countersunk — they sit in a tapered hole. The key difference is the top surface: a flat head sits completely flush with the material surface, while an oval head has a slightly domed top that protrudes just above the surface. This gives the oval head a more finished, decorative appearance, which is why it's commonly specified for visible panels, instrument faces, and cabinetry hardware.

Yes. These use a standard Phillips (cross) drive. Driver size recommendations: M1.6–M2.5 → PH0 or PH1; M3–M5 → PH1 or PH2; M6–M10 → PH2 or PH3. Always use the correct driver size to avoid cam-out and head damage. Using an undersized driver on larger screws is a common cause of stripped heads.

Divide the mm value by 25.4 to get inches. Quick reference: 3mm ≈ 1/8", 6mm ≈ 1/4", 10mm ≈ 3/8", 12mm ≈ 1/2", 25mm ≈ 1", 50mm ≈ 2", 75mm ≈ 3", 100mm ≈ 4". These are approximate — always verify with a caliper for precision work.

Count the number of fastener points in your assembly, then add 10–15% as a buffer for drops, damaged threads, or future repairs. For production runs, ordering in larger pack quantities (100–200 pcs) generally reduces per-unit cost. For prototyping or one-off repairs, smaller packs (5–25 pcs) minimize waste. Pack size options vary by screw size — check the variant selector above.