Captive screws are an engineered group of fasteners designed for a strong permanent holding against a fixed housing or component, with the use of captive gas. They offer a safe, permanent joining, without the risk of damaging or loose component fastener joints. Their low-profile design makes them easy to install and use, even by inexperienced workers. These screws have been on the market since the mid-1990s, and they are very well-suited to many different applications. This group of captive fasteners includes:

-enders. The panel edge screws that attach the front edge of a panel to its rear is a good example of a captive screw. They are most often used in applications requiring a tight, accurate fit. They require a precise joint position to ensure that the panels are correctly aligned when the mating assembly is placed on the sheet metal. There are also some limited circumstances where the washer-over-washer fastening method can provide increased security.

-screws. Like the panels, these screws are an example of captive fasteners that require a precise joint position. They are frequently used in applications requiring precision jointing. Most pre-drilled captive screw have pre-drilled holes, making it possible to install them with a pre-drilled hole guide. Some manufacturers offer devices that allow you to drill a pre-drilled hole at the proper depth in the rod, while others use a different method.

-lugs. These fasteners designed to rest against a surface are commonly used as captive screws. These assemblies are ideal for applications where a tight fit is required, but they aren’t always as secure as other types. Some lugs have ball bearings that help prevent rotation, so they are more secure than standard screws and bolts. Lugs are available in both pre-drilled and thread-locked varieties and are often incorporated into other types of assembly equipment.

-caulk. Caulk is a special type of rubberized tape that serves a variety of functions. In the case of captive screws, it ensures that the fastener assembly is held tightly in place and prevents movement that can cause parts to break. Some caulking is lubricated, but other forms are not, so it’s important that the proper type is chosen. Properly sized and pre-drilled, caulk is typically available in different forms including sheets and strips.

The captive screw is one of the most reliable fastening options available. With a reduced diameter and standardized shapes, they can be used for a variety of applications and are frequently employed in conjunction with other fastening materials. Depending on the application and the degree of security desired, there are a variety of different options to select from including captive screws that are made from different metals and materials.