When most people think of screws, they envision traditional threaded fasteners with a sharp point on one end and a wide protruding head on the other end. There are many different types of screws, however, some of which feature a different design. Oval point set screws, for instance, are characterized by a headless design and an oval-shaped point. What are oval point set screws exactly, and what are they used for?
Overview of Oval Point Set Screws
Oval point set screws are threaded fasteners that are used to secure components in place. As shown in the photo above, they feature a cylindrical body or shank with exterior threading — just like most screws.
Oval point set screws receive their namesake from their oval-shaped point. They don’t feature a sharp cone-like point. Instead, they have a smooth and round oval point. This design makes oval point set screws useful for fastening applications while protecting mating surfaces from wear and tear.
How Oval Point Set Screws Are Installed
While there are different types of oval point set screws, most are installed with a hex key. They don’t have a protruding head with a traditional recess like a slotted or Phillips head recess, so you can’t install them using a traditional screwdriver. Most oval point set screws have an internal hex drive, which supports a hex key.
You can install oval point set screws by aligning them over a threaded hole and turning them with a hex key. Place the hex key inside of the internal hex drive and turn it clockwise. As you turn the oval point set screw, you’ll drive it deeper into the hole.
Why Use Oval Point Set Screws
With their oval-shaped point, oval point set set screws are gentle on mating surfaces. They won’t scratch or otherwise damage mating surfaces. This makes oval point set screws particularly useful for soft materials, such as wood.
Oval point set screws also offer a flush finish. They are designed to sit flush with the threaded hole in which they are installed. Because the head doesn’t protrude, they provide a clean and polished appearance with no external interference.
Another reason to use oval point set screws is repeatability. You can loosen and reposition components many times using oval point set screws. They don’t expose components to the same level of wear and tear. The end result is a longer component life and lower replacement costs.