Characterized by the presence of external threading, screws are one of the world’s most versatile and commonly used fasteners. They are designed to secure objects by removing materials while simultaneously creating helical grooves. Fine adjustment screws serve this same purpose, but they feature a unique design that distinguishes them from other types of screws. So, what is a fine adjustment screw exactly?
The Basics of Fine Adjustment Screws
A fine adjustment screw is a type of screw that’s designed with 40 to 100 threads per inch. Of course, this is significantly more threads than traditional screws. As a result, fine adjustment screws can be “adjusted” for increased precision.
If an application requires the use of a screw in a specific area of the object or objects, a fine adjustment screw may be used. Optical mirrors, for example, are often mounted using fine adjustment screws. The screw can be driven deeper into the optical mirror, or it can be driven farther out of the optical mirror, to achieve the correct position. Other types of screws offer less-precise adjustments, making them a poor choice for applications such as this.
What Are Fine Adjustment Screws Made Of?
Fine adjustment screws are typically made of stainless steel. Stainless steel has become the preferred material for adjustment screws because of its ability to withstand rust and degradation. With a chromium content of about 10.5%, it’s naturally protected against rust and corrosion. The chromium is placed on the exterior of steel, resulting in a barrier that inhibits oxidation. Fine adjustment screws made of stainless steel typically last longer and offer a higher level of security and support than those made of other materials.
Fine Adjustment vs Ultra-Fine Adjustment Screws: What’s the Difference?
In addition to fine adjustment screws, there are also ultra-fine adjustment screws. As you may have guessed, ultra-fine adjustment screws have even more threads per inch than their fine adjustment counterparts.
Fine adjustment screws have 40 to 100 threads per inch. In comparison, ultra-fine adjustment screws have 100 to 500 threads per inch. Therefore, ultra-fine adjustment screws can contain over five times as many threads per inch than conventional fine adjustment screws. According to Wikipedia, ultra-fine adjustment screws are incredibly difficult to produce, especially if they contain more than 250 threads per inch.
In Conclusion
Fine adjustment screws work like most other screws, with consumers and businesses using them to secure objects. However, fine adjustment screws are characterized by the presence of more threads per inch.