Industrial captive screws solve the problem of runaway nuts and bolts. A captive screw or fastener locks into the parent medium, allowing easy installation and removal of electronics control panels, access ports and computer circuit boards without needing to keep track of stray hardware. Captive fasteners are also terrific for use in parts produced on assembly lines, where dropped screws and nuts can wreak havoc on moving conveyors.

Captive screws come in an endless variety of sizes and shapes and materials, and captive screw manufacturers are happy to offer custom machining to suit your specs. Some captive fasteners are tightened by hand; others require a screwdriver or hex tool; and still others snap into place in predrilled openings. Keep your needs in mind when you buy captive screws.

1. Look for metal industrial captive screws for heavy-duty use, especially in tight quarters or where you want to control loose hardware.

2. Work with captive screw distributors who offer online selection tools and custom machining to make your choice easier.

3. Select captive fasteners made of non-conductive plastics for electronics and computer use.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find metal captive panel screws for industrial use

Captive screw distributors offer fasteners in every size and shape. Explore options for threading, head type and materials, and find complementary retainers, spacers, washers and springs.

I recommend: Matdan Fasteners offers a full range of captive screws in standard, low profile, low-head miniature, high-head miniature, flush mount and snap-in series. Accurate Screw Machine Corporation (ASM)carries more than 30 types of captive screws and assemblies in brass, carbon steel and stainless steel. They offer same-day service on in-stock orders. Captive screw distributor Keystone Electronics Corp. offers 4-40, 6-32 and 8-32 threading options.

Partner with captive screw suppliers who provide special services

Whether it's just-in-time delivery or custom machining, find a supplier of industrial captive screws who can provide value-added extras.

I recommend: Chicago Nut & Bolt specializes in high-quality, non-standard captive fasteners designed to your specs and delivered to your job site. They'll warehouse your custom inventory for you, and get it to you when you need it. Talk to Alpha Omega Swiss about your precision CNC (computer numerical control) machining needs; they specialize in fasteners for medical, dental, aerospace and electronics applications. MBC Electronic Fasteners is a distributor of captive screws with a full range of in-stock choices, but they'll work with you to improve designs and cut costs.

Find non-conductive captive panel screws for electronics applications

Turn to captive screw manufacturers who specialize in electronics to find the right captive panel screws for printed circuit board (PCB) assembly and other sensitive electronics uses. These non-conductive snap-in fasteners are fashioned from high performance plastics.

I recommend: PEM fasteners, from noted captive screw manufacturer Penn Engineering, are available in reels or on tape for use in automated installation. Craftech Industries, Inc. is a supplier of captive screws for a variety of electronics and other engineering applications where an alternative to metal is required. Search the WCL catalog for the plastic snap-in captive fastener you need.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Be sure to match specs exactly when you buy captive screws for replacement. Captive fasteners are not standardized, and slight differences in threading, size and even manufacturer mean big differences in interchangeability.