Button Head Socket Screws

Top quality stainless steel button head socket screws supplied straight from Warrington, UK.

Apart from our extensive range of button head screws, Speciality Metals stocks a variety of both standard fasteners and specialist fasteners, including both steel and stainless steel fasteners, nuts and bolts, screws and steel washers.

We ensure that we offer a comprehensive range which meets the needs and requirements of each and every one of our customers, whether you are looking for standard fasteners or something a little more unusual.

Button head socket screws are a popular choice in a variety of industries for their durability, versatility and low maintenance requirements. The M5 (5mm) size made from 304 grade stainless steel by Speciality Metals is especially popular due to its hygienic properties and corrosion resistance. Designed for applications where safety is paramount, these screws are reliable and secure. From food processing plants to marine applications, button head socket screws are an excellent balance of strength and convenience. Providing corrosion resistance and hygienic properties, they are an excellent investment for any project.

We also offer washers that will compliment our range of screws and bolts perfectly. 

Key product details:

• Standard – DIN 912
• Fasteners Type – Button Head Allen Socket Bolt Screw
• Shape – Round
• Drive Style – Allen Key
• Thread Diameter – M5 (5mm)
• Screw Length – Various
• Metal – Stainless steel grade 304 (A2)

Why Choose Speciality Metals

• FREE UK delivery on all orders
• Order dispatch within 24 hours of order
• Located in Warrington, UK which is the UK home of mesh and metals
• Our experienced staff are experts in the mesh market and care personally about your customer experience

Furthermore we stock a vast range of plain wire mesh and perforated metal options that compliment our sheet metal range perfectly.

Can Stainless Steel Button Head Bolts be Used in Load-Bearing Applications?

Stainless steel button head bolts can be used in load-bearing applications, but there are several factors to consider before deciding if they are the most suitable choice for your specific application:

1. Material: Stainless steel is generally strong and corrosion-resistant, which makes it a good choice for applications exposed to environmental elements. However, its mechanical properties, such as tensile strength and yield strength, are usually lower than those of high-strength alloy steel bolts. Make sure the stainless steel bolt you choose has adequate strength for your application.

2. Head Type: The button head design has a lower profile and smaller bearing surface area compared to hex head or socket head bolts. This means that the force exerted on the material being fastened is concentrated over a smaller area, which could potentially cause the material to deform or fail, especially in soft materials or thin sections.

3. Load Type: Consider the type of load the bolt will be subjected to. Is it a shear load, tension load or a combination of both? Button head bolts may not be as suitable for high-tension applications as other head types.

4. Installation: Ensure that the holes are drilled precisely and that the bolts are installed correctly. Incorrect installation can lead to reduced load-bearing capacity and potential failure.

5. Standards and Specifications: Make sure the bolts you select comply with the relevant standards and specifications for your application. For example, the ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) and ISO (International Organisation for Standardisation) have specific standards for bolts that cover aspects such as material properties, dimensions, and testing requirements.

What is the Tensile Strength of Stainless Steel Button Head Bolts?

The tensile strength of stainless steel button head bolts can vary based on the grade of stainless steel used. Here are some common stainless steel grades and their typical tensile strengths:

1. 304 Stainless Steel: This is one of the most common grades of stainless steel used for bolts and fasteners. It has a typical tensile strength of around 515 – 620 MPa (75,000 – 90,000 psi).

2. 316 Stainless Steel: This grade has a higher corrosion resistance compared to 304 stainless steel and is often used in marine applications. It has a typical tensile strength of around 515 – 690 MPa (75,000 – 100,000 psi).

3. A4-80 Stainless Steel: This is a high-strength austenitic stainless steel grade with a minimum tensile strength of 800 MPa (116,000 psi).

Are Stainless Steel Button Head Bolts Resistant to Chemical Exposure?

Stainless steel, in general, has good resistance to a wide range of chemicals due to its passive film – a chromium-rich oxide layer that forms on the surface of the steel. This oxide layer protects the underlying material from corrosion. However, the corrosion resistance of stainless steel button head bolts can vary based on:

1. Grade of Stainless Steel: Different grades of stainless steel have different levels of resistance to chemicals. For example, 316 stainless steel has better resistance to chlorides and other corrosive agents compared to 304 stainless steel.

2. Concentration and Temperature of Chemicals: The concentration and temperature of the chemical agents can affect the corrosion resistance of stainless steel. Higher concentrations and temperatures can increase the rate of corrosion.

3. Presence of Other Chemicals: The presence of other chemicals, especially chlorides, can also affect the corrosion resistance of stainless steel.

While stainless steel bolts have good resistance to many chemicals, they are not immune to all types of chemical exposure. For example, stainless steel is generally not recommended for use with hydrochloric acid or sulfuric acid at high concentrations and temperatures.

It is always recommended to check the manufacturer’s specifications, consult a specialist or use a corrosion resistance chart for the specific grade of stainless steel you are using.

Can Stainless Steel Button Head Bolts be Welded?

Stainless steel button head bolts can technically be welded, but it is not recommended for several reasons:

1. Material Properties: The heat from welding can alter the material properties of the bolt, potentially reducing its strength and corrosion resistance. Stainless steel is especially prone to a phenomenon known as ‘sensitisation’, where the chromium in the steel forms carbides at the grain boundaries, leading to reduced corrosion resistance in those areas.

2. Residual Stresses: Welding can introduce residual stresses into the bolt, which can lead to distortion or cracking, especially under load.

3. Heat Treatment: Many stainless steel bolts are heat treated to achieve the desired mechanical properties. Welding can alter the heat treatment and, therefore, the properties of the bolt.

4. Thread Integrity: The threads of the bolt may be damaged by the heat of welding, affecting the bolt’s ability to properly engage with a nut or threaded hole.

If you need to attach a bolt to a piece of metal, it is usually better to use a nut, tap a thread into the metal, or use a threaded insert rather than welding the bolt. If welding is absolutely necessary, consider using a stud or a specially designed weld bolt rather than a standard bolt.

Are Stainless Steel Button Head Bolts Recyclable?

Yes, stainless steel button head bolts are recyclable. Stainless steel is 100% recyclable, and it is one of the most recycled materials in the world. The recycling process involves melting the stainless steel and reforming it into new products. The quality of the stainless steel does not degrade during the recycling process, and it can be recycled indefinitely without loss of properties.

Recycling stainless steel is also environmentally friendly as it reduces the need for mining new materials and the energy required for producing new steel. Many steel manufacturers actively seek scrap stainless steel for recycling and use it as a significant component in the production of new steel.

We are also very proud of our ever expanding YouTube channel.