Screws are one of the world’s most popular types of fasteners. Statistics show that billions of screws are used annually. Featuring a head, threaded shank and pointed tip, they are designed to secure or hold multiple objects together. Some screws, however, feature a low-profile design that promotes a smooth and clean finish.
What Are Low-Profile Screws?
Low-profile screws are threaded fasteners that sit close to the surface of the object in which they are driven. They don’t protrude far out of objects. Instead, low-profile screws sit close or “low” to the object’s surface.
Low-profile screws are commonly used in the following applications:
- Circuit boards
- Smartphones
- Computers
- Medical devices
- Aircraft panels
- Automotive components
- Robotics
- Wearable electronics
- Furniture
- Precision instruments
How Low-Profile Screws Differ From Other Screws
Unless you’ve used them in the past, you might be wondering how low-profile screws differ from other screws. As previously mentioned, low-profile screws are characterized by a low height relative to the surface of the object in which they are driven. Other types of screws, in comparison, have a taller height.
Normally, when you install a screw, the screw’s head will protrude out of the object. Low-profile screws are designed to either protrude out very little or not at all. Countersunk screws, for instance, don’t protrude out at all. They feature a tapered head that allows them to sit flush with the object’s surface. Other low-profile screws may have a similar tapered or low-raised head, which minimizes the height at which they protrude out.
Why Choose Low-Profile Screws
Low-profile screws offer several benefits. For starters, they allow for a cleaner, more polished finish than traditional screws. This is why low-profile screws are often used in furniture. rather than having screw heads protruding out of furniture, manufacturers use low-profile screws to achieve a cleaner finish.
If you’re worried about snagging, you may want to choose low-profile screws. Clothing and other objects can get caught on fastener heads, such as screw heads. Instances of snagging such as this can lead to bodily injury, especially in commercial workplaces. Low-profile screws minimize the risk of snagging to promote a safer environment.
Another benefit of low-profile screws is improved aerodynamics. They allow air to move over surfaces with less resistance. As a result, low-profile screws are often used to manufacture airplanes, helicopters and automobiles. They improve the aerodynamics of vehicles such as these to promote efficiency and performance.