Screws are often categorized based on their head. Pan head screws have a wide and flat head that resembles a pan, whereas truss head screws have a round head that protrudes out of the surface in which they are installed. There are also fillister head screws. Fillister head screws feature a head and threaded shank, but they are designed differently than other types of screws.
What are Fillister Head Screws?
Fillister head screws are threaded fasteners are characterized by a tall, cylindrical-shaped head with a flat top. Like all screws, they have a threaded shank and a pointed tip. Fillister head screws, however, are distinguished from other types of screws by their head.
Common Features of Fillister Head Screws
You can identify fillister head screws by their head. The head, of course, is the uppermost part of a screw. Located on the opposite end of the point, the head features an indention or shape that allows a screw to be driven into materials. Some screws have a slotted indention that supports a flat-head screwdriver, whereas others have a Phillips head indention that supports a Phillips head screwdriver.
While some fillister head screws have a different drive indention than others, they all have a tall head. This creates the appearance of a cylindrical cap. The tall head also allows for a deep drive indention. Whether a fillister head screw has a slotted or Phillips head drive indention, it will likely be deep.
You can find fillister head screws in different materials. Some of them are made of stainless steel steel or carbon steel. Carbon steel, of course, has a higher concentration of carbon, resulting in a superior level of strength. Stainless steel, on the other hand, is better protected from corrosion. Other common materials in which fillister head screws are made include brass and alloy.
What Are Fillister Head Screws Used For?
Fillister head screws are used in a variety of fastening applications. They are commonly found in high-precision devices, such as microscopes, cameras and even medical equipment. With their tall head, they can handle vibrations without loosening.
Circuit boards and small electronic devices often feature fillister head screws. They can fit into tight spaces where other screws cannot. Other screws often have wider heads that take up more space, making them a poor choice for circuit boards and small electronics.
Fillister head screws are used extensively in automotive and aerospace applications. Automobiles and aircraft produce vibrations, which can cause other types of screws to loosen and fail. Fillister head screws, though, resist vibration-related loosening thanks to their tall head.