Socket Cap Screws, also known as Allen head screws, are reliable and durable and are used in many applications. They are available in a variety of head styles and materials. Stainless steels are used for their corrosion resistance, high-temperature strength, scaling resistance, and low-temperature toughness. These properties account for their extremely wide use in practically every industry. Austenitic Stainless Steels are alloys of iron and carbon that contain between 16% and 30% Chromium, a maximum of 0.15% carbon, along with Nickel (or Manganese), and other alloying elements. The chromium, which helps develop a passive surface oxide film, provides corrosion resistance in stainless steels. Austenitic Stainless Steels are designated by a 3 digit SAE Stainless Steel Grade beginning with the number 3 (e.g. 304, 316). Another common naming convention for Austenitic Stainless Steels are 18/8, 18/10, 18/0, etc. where the 18 refers to the % of Chromium and 8 to the % of Nickel contained in the material. With a high cylindrical head, socket cap head fasteners have a recessed driving area and offer high hold power at high torque levels. Hex socket drive systems are driven by hex wrenches or power tools with hexagonal bits. A threaded fastener's size name includes information about the major external diameter (in millimeters), followed by the thread pitch (millimeters per thread), which indicates if it is coarse or fine. Coarse threads are better when working with brittle materials; they are sturdier and are easier to thread and unthread compared to fine. Coarse threading also allows for thicker coatings and platings.
