Brass machine screws are precision-manufactured fasteners used across a vast range of electrical, electronic, plumbing, medical, automotive, and general engineering applications. At Cable Glands India, we are a leading manufacturer and exporter of brass machine screws in all types, head styles, drive forms, and thread specifications — supplying distributors, OEMs, and assembly manufacturers in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Germany, and worldwide.
What Are Brass Machine Screws?
Brass machine screws are threaded fasteners designed to thread into a tapped hole, nut, or insert. Unlike wood screws (which create their own thread), machine screws require a pre-tapped hole or nut. They are manufactured from brass (CW614N/C36000) for its excellent machinability, corrosion resistance, non-magnetic properties, good electrical conductivity, and attractive appearance. Brass machine screws are widely used in electrical enclosures, electronics, instrumentation, and applications where non-sparking fasteners are required.
Types of Brass Machine Screws We Manufacture
1. Pan Head Brass Machine Screws
The most commonly used machine screw head style — low-profile, rounded top with a flat bearing surface. Available with Slotted, Phillips (PH), Pozidriv (PZ), and combination drives. Thread: M2 to M12 metric; #2-56 to 3/8″-16 UNC; UNF available. Standard: DIN 7985, ISO 7045, ASME B18.6.3.
2. Countersunk (Flat Head) Brass Machine Screws
90° or 82° (US) countersunk head screws that sit flush with or below the material surface. Ideal for electrical panel faces, instrument covers, and applications requiring a flush finish. Per DIN 965, ISO 10642, ASME B18.6.3 (82° for US market, 90° for metric).
3. Round Head Brass Machine Screws
Large-diameter, semi-elliptical head providing wide bearing area. Used in timber, soft plastics, and where pull-through resistance is needed. Popular in antique restoration and electrical fitting applications. Standard: DIN 85, ASME B18.6.3.
4. Cheese Head Brass Machine Screws
Cylindrical head with flat top and vertical sides — compact and strong, widely used in precision instruments, clocks, electrical meters, and applications where high screw head engagement is needed. Standard: DIN 84, ISO 1207.
5. Hexagonal Head Brass Machine Screws / Hex Bolts
Six-sided head driven with a spanner or socket — for higher torque applications, structural connections, and easy assembly/disassembly with standard tools. Metric: DIN 933/931; Inch: ASME B18.2.1.
6. Socket Head Cap Screws (SHCS) in Brass
Cylindrical head with internal hex (Allen key / Torx) drive — high torque capability in a compact head form. Used in precision machinery, electronics enclosures, and jigs and fixtures. Standard: DIN 912, ISO 4762, ASME B18.3.
7. Truss Head Brass Machine Screws
Extra-wide, low-profile head for maximum bearing surface in thin or soft materials. Used in sheet metal, plastic, and thin-panel electrical enclosures. Standard: ASME B18.6.3.
8. Binding Head Brass Machine Screws
Wide, shallow head with an under-head recess used for wire binding in electrical panels, relay racks, and terminal boards. Particularly common in US electrical work (ASME B18.6.3).
9. Fillister Head Brass Machine Screws
Narrow, tall cylindrical head allowing deep slot engagement — used in precision instruments and optical equipment where maximum screwdriver torque transfer is needed. Standard: ASME B18.6.3.
10. Brass Set Screws (Grub Screws)
Headless screws with full thread — used to lock gears, collars, and pulleys onto shafts. Available with cup point, cone point, flat point, and dog point. Standard: DIN 913/914/915/916, ISO 4026, ASME B18.3.
Drive Types Available
- Slotted: Single straight slot (ASME B18.6.3, DIN 84/85)
- Phillips (PH): Cross drive Type II (ASME B18.6.3)
- Pozidriv (PZ): Improved cross drive (ISO 4757)
- Hex Socket (Allen): Internal hexagon (DIN 912 / ASME B18.3)
- Torx / Star: Six-lobe drive (ISO 10664)
- Combination (Slot+PH): Dual-drive for versatility
- Square Robertson: Square drive (popular in Canada)
Thread Standards We Manufacture
- Metric Coarse (MC): M1.6 to M24 (ISO 68, ISO 724)
- Metric Fine (MF): M6×0.75 to M24×2 (ISO 68)
- UNC (Unified National Coarse): #0-80 to 1″-8 (ASME B1.1)
- UNF (Unified National Fine): #0-80 to 1″-20 (ASME B1.1)
- BSW (Whitworth Coarse): 1/16″ to 1″ BSW (BS 84)
- BSF (British Standard Fine): 3/16″ to 1″ BSF
- BA (British Association): 0BA to 10BA (small instruments)
Related Brass Fastener Products
- Brass Hex Nuts, Lock Nuts, and Nyloc Nuts
- Brass Washers (Flat, Spring, Shakeproof)
- Brass Threaded Rods and Studs
- Brass Standoffs and Spacers (Hex and Round)
- Brass Eye Bolts and Hook Bolts
- Brass Rivets (Solid, Split, Tubular)
- Brass Binding Posts and Terminals
- Brass Tapping Screws (Self-Tapping)
Material Grades & International Equivalents
| Standard | Grade | Cu% | Zn% | Pb% | Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EN (Europe) | CW614N | 57–59 | Bal. | 2.5–3.5 | Standard machine screws |
| BS (UK) | CZ121 | 57–59 | Bal. | 2.5–3.5 | UK designation for CW614N |
| ASTM (USA) | C36000 | 60–63 | Bal. | 2.5–3.7 | US free-cutting brass |
| EN (DZR) | CW617N | 57–59 | Bal. | 1.6–2.5 | Dezincification-resistant screws |
| ASTM | C27400 (Yellow Brass) | 63–67 | Bal. | — | Lead-free, architectural screws |
| EN | CW625N (Eco Brass) | ~75 | Bal. | <0.09 | NSF61 / RoHS lead-free |
| DIN | Ms58 / 2.0401 | 57–59 | Bal. | 2.5–3.5 | German standard |
Mechanical Properties of Brass Machine Screws
| Property | CW614N Brass | C36000 Brass |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 360–440 MPa | 340–415 MPa |
| Yield Strength | 120–200 MPa | 105–310 MPa |
| Hardness | 80–120 HV | 55–75 HRB |
| Elongation | 20–30% | 25–53% |
| Machinability Rating | 100% | 100% |
| Density | 8.5 g/cm³ | 8.49 g/cm³ |
Why Choose Cable Glands India for Brass Machine Screws?
- Complete Range: All head styles (pan, countersunk, round, cheese, hex, socket) × all drives × all threads (metric + imperial) × all sizes (M1.6 to M24; #2 to 3/4″).
- High-Volume Capacity: Automated CNC screw machines (Davenport, Acme-Gridley, Swiss-type) producing millions of screws per month with ±0.01mm consistency.
- Surface Finishing: Natural brass, nickel-plated, chrome-plated, tin-plated, gold-plated, zinc-plated, hot-dip tin. RoHS-compliant finishes standard.
- Thread Accuracy: Go/no-go thread gauging on 100% of production. Pitch gauging, lead accuracy, and flank angle verified per ASME B1.1 and ISO 1502.
- Private Labelling: Custom packaging, part marking (laser or ink), and private-label programs for US distributors.
- Cost Advantage: 40–60% cost savings vs US or European brass screw suppliers for equivalent quality.
Frequently Asked Questions – Brass Machine Screws
Q1: What is a brass machine screw used for?
A: Brass machine screws are used to fasten components together through pre-tapped holes or nuts. Common applications include electrical panel assembly, electronics enclosures, instrumentation, plumbing fittings, automotive interior trim, marine hardware, and precision optical equipment.
Q2: Why use brass machine screws instead of stainless steel or carbon steel?
A: Brass offers: non-magnetic properties (critical for electronics and MRI applications), non-sparking (safe in explosive atmospheres), excellent corrosion resistance, good electrical conductivity, and attractive golden appearance. Brass is softer than SS or carbon steel — avoiding thread galling in brass-tapped holes.
Q3: What is the difference between UNC and UNF brass machine screws?
A: UNC (Unified National Coarse) has fewer threads per inch — easier and faster to assemble, better in soft materials (aluminium, plastic). UNF (Unified National Fine) has more threads per inch — greater engagement strength, finer adjustment, better vibration resistance. Choose UNC for general use; UNF for precision and high-vibration applications.
Q4: What size Phillips head brass machine screws do you stock?
A: We stock Phillips head brass machine screws in metric M2 to M10 (lengths 3mm to 50mm) and UNC from #4-40 to 1/4″-20 (lengths 1/4″ to 2″). Custom lengths and metric fine thread available on order. Min. 500 pieces per size for standard; 100 pieces for special.
Q5: Are brass machine screws suitable for outdoor applications?
A: Natural (unplated) brass machine screws are suitable for outdoor use in non-coastal environments. For coastal or marine outdoor use, specify nickel-plated or tin-plated brass screws. For highly corrosive environments, upgrade to stainless steel SS316 screws.
Q6: What is the maximum thread size you can manufacture in brass machine screws?
A: We manufacture brass machine screws up to M24 metric (24mm diameter) and 1″ UNC in standard head forms. Larger diameters (M30, M36) available as hex head bolts in brass. Minimum size: M1.6 metric / #0-80 UNC.
Q7: Do you supply ASME B18.6.3 compliant brass machine screws for the US market?
A: Yes. We manufacture brass machine screws compliant with ASME B18.6.3 (Machine Screws and Machine Screw Nuts) for the US market — covering pan head, flat head (82°), round head, fillister head, truss head, and binding head styles in UNC and UNF threads.
Q8: What surface finishes are available for brass machine screws?
A: Natural bright brass, barrel polished, nickel-plated (electrolytic, 5–15µm), chrome-plated, tin-plated (matte or bright), zinc-plated, gold-plated (decorative), silver-plated, and black oxide. All plating meets ASTM B689 (nickel) or ASTM B734 (tin) standards.
Q9: Can brass machine screws strip threads in aluminium or plastic?
A: Yes — over-tightening any screw in soft materials causes thread stripping. Use correct tightening torque (typically 30–50% of proof load for brass). For thermoplastics, use brass heat-press or ultrasonic inserts rather than direct tapping to prevent stripping.
Q10: Are your brass machine screws RoHS compliant?
A: Standard CW614N brass screws contain lead and are RoHS-exempt for industrial/electrical equipment under Annex III exemptions. For fully RoHS-compliant (lead-free) screws, we offer CW625N (Eco Brass) or C27400 (low-zinc yellow brass) machine screws — specify “lead-free” when ordering.
Q11: What is the typical lead time for brass machine screws?
A: Standard sizes in stock: 1–2 weeks. Made-to-order standard sizes: 3–4 weeks. Special thread forms, non-standard head styles, or special finishes: 5–7 weeks. Air freight to USA: 5–7 days additional. Sea freight to US ports: 18–25 days.
Q12: Do you offer full thread and partial thread brass machine screws?
A: Yes. Full thread (fully threaded along entire shank) is standard for most machine screws. Partial thread (unthreaded shank between head and thread) is available for screws over 25mm length where shank grip is desired. Specify “FT” (full thread) or grip length when ordering.
Q13: What industries in the USA purchase brass machine screws from Cable Glands India?
A: Electrical panel manufacturers, switchgear OEMs, electronic equipment makers, plumbing product manufacturers, medical device companies, aerospace/defense subcontractors, marine hardware distributors, instrumentation companies, and industrial equipment manufacturers across the USA import brass machine screws from Cable Glands India.
Request a quote for brass machine screws from Cable Glands India. Specify head type, drive type, thread (metric/UNC/UNF), size, length, finish, and quantity to sales@cableglandsindia.com. We respond within 24 hours.
📦 Request a Free Quote from Cable Glands India
We are a leading manufacturer and exporter of precision-machined components based in Jamnagar, India — the brass capital of the world. Our products are trusted by buyers across the USA, UK, Europe, Australia, Canada, and the Middle East.
- ✅ ISO 9001:2015 Certified manufacturing facility
- ✅ CNC machined to tight tolerances — drawings welcome
- ✅ MOQ flexible — from sample quantities to bulk orders
- ✅ 30–60% cost savings vs. European or US domestic suppliers
- ✅ Fast lead times — most orders dispatched within 7–14 working days
- ✅ Third-party inspection available (SGS, Bureau Veritas, etc.)
- ✅ Custom alloys, threading, plating & packaging on request
📧 Get in Touch
Email: sales@cableglandsindia.com
Website: www.cableglandsindia.com
Response time: Within 24 hours (Mon–Sat)
Send us your technical drawings, specifications, or a sample part. Our engineering team will review and revert with pricing and lead time within one business day.