Captive screws meet new machinery directive

Captive screws manufactured by Specialty Fasteners & Components (SFC) meet the new machinery directive and prevent vital fasteners being lost when machine guards and panels are removed.  Available in thread sizes M2.5 to M10 (or imperial equivalents) and retained in the panel by snap-in, swage-in or threaded grommets allows the new fasteners to provide flexibility in installation, says the company.

Captive screws help minimise down time due to lostcomponentsand are replaceable if the threads become damaged during use. There is a wide range of standard items and SFC can also design bespoke parts to meet most applications. The company also offers important advice - when designing-in captive screws, remember to leave enough space for the screw thread to be free of the nut with the joint closed otherwise the screw will try & wind itself out of the panel. This can be achieved with either with a counterbore in the nut or a stand-off on the panel.