Plastic Cap Screws

Plastic cap screws are non-metallic screws used as fasteners to provide reliable and secure connections in various applications. They are made from plastic materials, which makes them ideal as alternatives where metal screws are not appropriate for use, such as home appliances, toys, and outdoor furniture. These cap screws are versatile and are often used in various industries, including manufacturing, electrical, automotive, construction, and medical. Common plastic screws include acetal, polycarbonate, and nylon screws. Shop affordable and customizable plastic cap screws and socket screws from suppliers and manufacturers on Alibaba.com.

Types of plastic cap screws

Plastic cap screws come in different sizes, colors, and materials. Metal cap screws can comprise plastic cover caps, or screw head covers to protect their heads from ingress and damage. The cover caps also provide screws, nuts, and bolts with a finished appearance and may snap or push-fit over the heads. Hexagon socket cap screws, also called set screws, feature a cylindrical head having a hexagon socket recess. Countersunk head cap screws create a smooth surface with their flat head without protruding parts. The flat heads with a low height for flat head cap screws allow well-distributed clamping force as they provide large bearing surfaces. A socket head cap screw features a hexagonal head, while torx cap screws have star-shaped heads that reduce spillage risks with better power transmission. The slightly convex hemispherical head for lens head cap screws provides good surface contact and an attractive finish, just like button socket screws that have featureless heads with no marks. Socket head cap screws are ideal for heavy-duty projects requiring higher levels of strength and safety, while button, low head, and flat head cap screws are ideal for lighter-duty applications.

Benefits of plastic cap screws

Plastic cap screws provide an aesthetic finish to applications or assemblies and can be custom-made to various specifications. Though most are fastened into pre-drilled holes, some can be used without matching nuts. Engineered plastic cap screws have special properties that make them durable, including flexibility, strength, and resistance to chemicals. Plastic screws and bolts help to dampen shock and vibration effects, which prevents the fasteners from loosening. Also, plastic offers protection from scratches and has non-conductive properties. Most plastic cap screws have excellent corrosion- and temperature-resistance properties, making them suitable for cold and hot environments. However, the temperature allowed may vary depending on conditions like tightening torque. The low-head socket cap design reduces damage risks to the screw head as it allows easy fastening. They can be fastened temporarily or permanently, thus making them versatile and applicable for many tasks in different industries.

Plastic cap screws vs. socket screws

A cap screw and a socket screw as fasteners serve various purposes, depending on specific requirements. The key differences include the head design, thread type, installation, and applications. A plastic cap screw, also called hex bolt, or hex head screw, has a distinctive hexagonal-shaped head, mostly large and flat, to provide a higher degree of torque and ensure they fit tight and secure. Socket screws, also called socket head screws or Allen screws, feature cylindrical heads with recessed hexagonal sockets. Usually, cap screws have full threads that ensure a strong grip, while most socket heads have partial threads for easy and precise adjustments. For installation or removal, cap screws require a wrench, while socket heads utilize a hex key or an Allen wrench. Mostly, plastic cap screws are ideal for heavy-duty and structural applications. Socket screws often require low-profile, sleek designs, and they are also ideal when maneuvering wrenches and sockets in limited spaces.