Shoulder Screws

Custom and Special Shoulder Screws

Pattern Fasteners manufactures standard, special and custom shoulder screws for precision engineering, machinery and industrial applications.

Shoulder screws feature a precision-machined unthreaded section between the head and threaded portion. This shoulder acts as a bearing surface, spacer, pivot or locating feature, making the fastener suitable for assemblies where accurate positioning and controlled movement are important.

We manufacture shoulder screws to customer drawings, existing samples and bespoke specifications, with close control over shoulder diameter, shoulder length, thread form, head style, material, hardness and finish.

What Is a Shoulder Screw?

A shoulder screw, sometimes referred to as a shoulder bolt, combines a threaded fastening section with a larger-diameter unthreaded shoulder.

The shoulder is typically manufactured to close tolerances so it can interact accurately with mating components.

Depending on the application, it may be used to provide:

• Accurate component location

• A pivot point for moving parts

• A bearing surface

• Controlled spacing between components

• Guidance for sliding or rotating parts

• Positive alignment within an assembly

Custom and Non-Standard Shoulder Screws

Many engineering applications require shoulder screws with dimensions that are not readily available as standard components.

Pattern Fasteners can manufacture shoulder screws with:

• Metric and imperial threads

• Standard and non-standard diameters

• Bespoke shoulder diameters

• Custom shoulder lengths

• Fine and coarse thread pitches

• Specialist head styles

• Custom drive types

• Reduced or extended threaded sections

• Tight dimensional tolerances

• Cross drilling and secondary machining

• Heat treatment and controlled hardness

• Protective and decorative finishes

Components can be manufactured from your technical drawing, existing sample or individual specification.

Precision Shoulder Dimensions

The shoulder is often the most critical feature of the component.

Its diameter and length can directly affect alignment, movement and fit within the assembly. Close dimensional control is therefore essential where the screw is used as a pivot, guide or bearing surface.

Our manufacturing process allows shoulder dimensions to be produced to the tolerances required by the application.

Shoulder Screws for Moving Assemblies

Shoulder screws are particularly useful where one component needs to rotate, slide or pivot around the fastener.

Typical applications include:

• Hinges and pivots

• Linkages

• Rollers and pulleys

• Sliding mechanisms

• Jigs and fixtures

• Machinery assemblies

• Automotive components

• Tooling and production equipment

• Precision engineering systems

The most appropriate design will depend on the required load, movement, clearance and mating components.

Materials and Heat Treatment

Shoulder screws can be manufactured in a wide range of materials to suit different strength, wear, corrosion and temperature requirements.

Options may include:

• Carbon steel

• Alloy steel

• Stainless steel

• Brass

• Aluminium

• Titanium

• Specialist and non-ferrous alloys

Heat treatment and controlled hardness can also be specified where improved strength, wear resistance or durability is required.

Finishes

Protective and decorative finishes can be incorporated into the manufacturing specification, including:

• Bright zinc plating

• Chemical black

• Phosphate coating

• Tin plating

• Chrome plating

• Customer-specified coatings and treatments

The correct finish will depend on the component material, operating environment and corrosion-resistance requirements.

Shoulder Screws Manufactured to Your Specification

Pattern Fasteners has manufactured special and non-standard fasteners in the West Midlands since 1981.

Customers choose us for:

• Shoulder screws manufactured to drawings or samples

• Bespoke shoulder diameters and lengths

• Tight dimensional tolerances

• Standard and non-standard thread forms

• Specialist materials

• Heat treatment and controlled hardness

• Secondary machining and modifications

• Small batches and repeat production quantities

• UK-based manufacturing support

Request a Quote for Custom Shoulder Screws

Need a shoulder screw with non-standard dimensions, tolerances or materials?

Send us your drawing, sample or specification and our experienced team can review the shoulder geometry, thread, material, finish and production requirements for your application.