What are wing screws and where are they used?

Anyone who has to assemble or repair something is important to know what wing screws are and where they are used. These designs can be very diverse: there are fasteners of the M6 ​​and M8 categories with a plastic handle, M4, M5 and other models. It is also necessary to take into account the basic requirements given in GOST.

It is useful to start a conversation about a thumbscrew with the fact that the production of hardware in this category is fully transferred to DIN 316. Other standards do not apply to this fastener. There is no specialized GOST either, because the maximum can be guided by the general GOST for screws, tool and structural steels. The screw shaft has a metric thread. It got its name for the characteristic geometry of the head, reminiscent of really small horns.

The petals of the head part can be rounded (then they speak of the German version). In the American version, rectangular geometry is more characteristic. The nominal diameter can range from M4 to M24. The main norms for fasteners are fixed in DIN ISO 8992.

Wing screws are recommended for those cases where you have to systematically assemble and disassemble threaded connections. Fasteners of this kind are convenient to use and install. You can screw such a device with your own hands, without using additional tools. Moreover, the use of keys is contraindicated. This can severely damage the petals, and in this case, the fasteners will be inoperative.

Thumb screws are widely used:

• for assembling various types of furniture;

• to create various containers and boxes;

• as part of the clamping of the clamps;

• in the process of assembling temporary fences and temporary structures;

• in other cases, when ease of installation comes to the fore.

The main part of the wing screw is made from:

• ductile iron;

• forged steel;

• stamped steel;

• copper-zinc alloys (in various proportions);

• stainless steel grades.

But sometimes screws of this type are also made of other materials. Designs with a plastic handle are quite common. Usually nylon is used for its manufacture. Fasteners with a steel base are in many cases subjected to galvanic treatment, which significantly increases corrosion resistance.

The M4 screw can be 16, 20, 25, 30, 35 or 40 mm in length. In this case, the thread pitch is 0.7 mm. For products of the M5 size category, the length in the most "popular" versions is 16, 20, 25 or 30 mm. The M6 ​​dimension can be 10-40 mm in length. For M8, the size range is from 10 to 60 mm, and for M10 - from 35 to 60 mm.

Anyone can cope with the use of thumbscrews, as already mentioned. Options with plastic elements are distinguished by increased safety of use. The choice of construction materials is determined by the conditions of use. It is highly recommended to use only certified fasteners. Attention should also be paid to the probable causes of loosening of the screws.

It is necessary to twist them completely from the very beginning, but not excessively vigorously.... Vibration should be carefully avoided or measures taken to reduce it. It is equally important to avoid lateral movement of the bolt head in relation to the joint. If there is no such shift, then even unfavorable operating conditions are almost harmless.

Watch a video on how to make a do-it-yourself thumbscrew.