Captive Screws

Nov. 15, 2002
Fasteners that remain attached to the panel or parent material, even when disengaged from the mating part, are captive screws.

Fasteners that remain attached to the panel or parent material, even when disengaged from the mating part, are captive screws. They are used to meet military requirements, prevent screws from being lost, speed assembly and disassembly operations, and prevent damage from loose screws falling into moving parts or electrical circuits.

Methods used to attach captive screws to the parent material include split washers clipped on after the screw has been inserted in the panel; threaded panel holes used in conjunction with a screw that has an externally relieved shank, a long groove between the head and threads; or a ferrule or sleeve that is pressed, threaded, swaged, or flared to the parent material.

Captive screws are available with either inch or metric threads, and with most of the common finishes and head styles available in ordinary machine screws. Because there are no universally accepted standards for captive screws, many apparently similar captive screws are not interchangeable with each other.

Sponsored Recommendations

March 31, 2025
Unlike passive products - made of simple carbon springs - the bionic prostheses developed by Revival Bionics are propulsive, equipped with a motor and an artificial Achilles tendon...
March 31, 2025
Electric drives are a key technology for the performance of machines, robots, and power tools. Download this guide for an introduction to high-quality mechatronic drive systems...
March 31, 2025
Discover the world of maxon drive technology: motors, gearheads, sensors, controllers, and accessories. Configure your drive system online, including all relevant product and ...
March 31, 2025
Share current page XSun designs and manufactures a drone that is both energy-independent and can make its own decisions, for fully-automated missions. The company needed reliable...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Machine Design, create an account today!