Uses of a Cheesehead Screw

• Cheese head screws fall into the machine screw category. Maria Toutoudaki/Photodisc/Getty Images

  Cheese head screws or bolts fall into the category of machine screws. They have a greater strength and durability than wood screws and are made with a finer thread. The screws can be used with or without nuts and/or washers and are usually used with a tapped hole. Cheese head screws have a slotted head that is flat on the top and cylindrical in shape.

Overall Uses

• Cheese head screws are used in a wide variety of applications. They are found in small electrical appliances and are used to clamp cables securely to terminals. They are also found in applications where a sunken screw is required. They are often used in exercise equipment assemblies for their strength and durability when placed under heavy loads.

Advantages of Use

• These cylindrical head screws have an immense driving power due to deeper grooves than wood screws, making them suitable for use with power drivers. This feature also offers a strong grip. While available in a variety of sizes, another advantage of the cheese head is its manufacture in smaller sizes for use as fastenings for electronics and other delicate applications.

Materials for Use

• In addition to traditional metals like steel, brass and nickel, cheese head screws are also available in nylon. This material is ideal for applications where the screw should not act as a conductor or where corrosion may be a problem, such as for use in electronic or electrical equipment or in close proximity to batteries. Nylon is also easily machined to alter the threads on the screw.