Screw Head Types — Visual Reference Chart
Screw Head Types — Visual Reference Chart
Mutual Screw & Supply · mutualscrew.com · (800) 222-0324
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
Domed top, no flat bearing surface. 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
Deep, narrow head with a recessed top. Provides extra room for deeper drive recesses; used in precision 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
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.
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. Family owned 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.