Screw Head Types

Screw Head & Drive TypesHEAD STYLES · DRIVES

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Reference only. Head shapes are illustrations for reference only. Dimensions vary by standard (ASME B18.6.3, DIN, ISO) and manufacturer. © Mutual Screw & Supply. Printed from mutualscrew.com/pages/screw-head-types-visual-reference-chart

A visual guide to screw head styles and drive types, what each is used for, and a quick reference for picking the right combination.

Head Shape determines how the screw sits relative to the surface, how load is distributed, and whether the head can or must be countersunk flush.

Flat (Countersunk)

Sits flush with or below the surface. Most common head type overall.

Phillips · Slotted · Hex · Torx

Pan Head

Slightly rounded top with a flat bearing surface. The most common machine screw head.

Phillips · Slotted · Combo · Torx

Round Head

High domed top with a flat bearing surface underneath. A classic look, largely replaced by pan head in modern use.

Phillips · Slotted

Oval (Raised Countersunk)

Countersunk shank, domed top. Decorative finish; used on panels and trim.

Phillips · Slotted

Hex Head

Six-sided head driven with a wrench or socket. Standard for bolts and structural applications.

Wrench / Socket

Button Head

Low-profile dome. Used where a clean appearance matters and torque demands are moderate.

Hex Socket · Torx

Socket Cap (SHCS)

Cylindrical head with internal hex drive. High strength; standard in machinery and tooling.

Hex Socket (Allen)

Truss Head

Extra-wide, low-profile dome. Spreads load over a larger area; great for thin or soft materials.

Phillips · Slotted · Combo

Flange Head

Has a built-in washer flange under the head. Eliminates a separate washer; spreads load and resists loosening.

Hex · Hex Socket

Fillister Head

Tall, narrow cylindrical head with a slightly domed top. The extra height allows a deeper slot; common in precision and counterbored work.

Phillips · Slotted

Binding Head

Similar to pan but with an undercut beneath the head to capture wire or conductors. Common in electrical applications.

Phillips · Slotted

Washer Head

Pan or hex head with an integral wide washer. Common in sheet metal, wood, and roofing applications.

Phillips · Hex · Torx

Screw Drive Types

Drive Type is the recess or shape on the head that your tool engages. The right drive affects torque capacity, cam-out resistance, and tool availability.

Drive Type	Description	Typical Use	Cam-Out Risk
Slotted	Single straight slot. The oldest drive type. Requires a flat-blade screwdriver.	Electrical, legacy hardware, decorative	High
Phillips (#0–#4)	Cross-shaped recess. Designed to cam out under high torque to prevent over-driving. Most common drive in the world.	General purpose, wood, sheet metal, machine screws	Medium (by design)
Combination	Accepts both slotted and Phillips drivers. Versatile on job sites where both tools are present.	Construction, decking, general fastening	Medium
Hex Socket (Allen)	Six-sided internal recess driven by an Allen key or hex bit. High torque capacity, minimal cam-out.	Socket cap screws, machinery, tooling, precision assemblies	Very Low
Torx® / Six-Lobe (T#)	Star-shaped 6-point recess. Excellent torque transfer, very low cam-out. Increasingly standard in automotive and construction.	Automotive, decking, structural, electronics	Very Low
Square / Robertson	Square recess. Excellent cam-out resistance. Standard in Canada; growing in U.S. construction.	Wood screws, cabinetry, decking	Very Low
Pozidriv (PZ#)	Similar to Phillips but with additional radial lines. Better torque transfer than Phillips; common in European hardware.	European hardware, cabinetry	Low
Pin-In Hex / Torx	Hex or Torx recess with a center security pin. Requires a special driver, tamper-resistant by design.	Public fixtures, security applications, electronics enclosures	Very Low
Tri-Wing / Tri-Lobe	Three-wing or lobe recess. Specialty security drive; used in aerospace and consumer electronics.	Aerospace, electronics, security fasteners	N/A (security)

Cam-out occurs when a driver slips out of the recess under torque, which can strip the recess and damage the surrounding surface. Lower cam-out risk means higher torque can be applied reliably.

Screw Head and Drive Quick Reference

How to use this table: Match your application to the recommended head shape and drive type. For critical applications always verify with a product datasheet.

Application	Recommended Head	Recommended Drive	Notes
General machine assembly	Pan Head	Phillips or Hex Socket	Pan head is the default machine screw head for most assemblies
Flush / countersunk surfaces	Flat (Countersunk)	Phillips, Torx, or Hex Socket	82° or 90° countersink, match the angle to your countersink bit
High-torque / structural	Hex Head or Socket Cap	Wrench / Socket or Hex Socket	Hex heads are accessible with standard wrenches on any job site
Sheet metal / HVAC	Pan or Hex Washer Head	Phillips, Torx, or Hex	Washer head distributes load across thin metal without punching through
Wood / decking	Flat or Truss	Square, Torx, or Phillips	Flat heads countersink cleanly; Torx and square drives reduce cam-out in long drives
Roofing panels	Hex Washer Head	Hex	EPDM washer seals the hole, the washer is as important as the head
Electrical / wire retention	Binding Head	Slotted or Phillips	Undercut captures wire under the head without a separate clip
Decorative / trim	Oval (Raised Countersunk)	Phillips or Slotted	Dome top adds a finished look while still countersinking the shank
Precision / tooling	Socket Cap (SHCS)	Hex Socket	Tight tolerances, high torque capacity, minimal head profile
Tamper-resistant	Any head style	Pin-In Hex / Torx, Tri-Wing	Security drive requires a specialty tool; deters tampering in public applications
Thin / soft materials	Truss Head or Flange Head	Phillips, Combo, or Hex	Wide bearing surface prevents pull-through without a separate washer

Shop Screws at Mutual Screw & Supply

In stock across all head styles, drive types, grades, and finishes, from standard Phillips pan heads to security Torx and aerospace-grade socket caps. Serving customers since 1947.

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Head shape illustrations are schematic representations for reference only. Actual dimensions vary by standard (ASME B18.6.3, DIN, ISO) and manufacturer.