Screws

Is a screw missing from the cover after disassembly, or does a worn socket head screw need replacing with a new one in the same thread and length? In this product group we bring together screws from S&S Cycle in imperial and metric sizes, so you can find the right screw for your project instead of guessing.

Screw types and head styles

The head style determines which tool you need and how the screw sits in the part. In the range you will find, for example:

• Socket head cap screws (SHC) with a cylindrical head and internal hex, also in low-profile versions (LSHC) where space above the head is limited.
• Flat head socket screws (FHSC) that sit flush with the surface in a countersunk hole.
• Slotted and Phillips screws that are tightened with a screwdriver.
• Special screws such as breather screws for the backplate.

If you need something other than a screw, you will find bolts and nuts in the sister categories, and plain machine screws have their own subcategory for machine screws.

How to choose the right screw

Start with the thread. The designation 1/4-20 means a diameter of 1/4 inch and 20 threads per inch (UNC), while 3/8-16 and 1/2-13, for example, are larger sizes with coarser threads. Metric screws are specified in millimetres. Imperial and metric threads are not compatible, even if the dimensions can look similar. Length is typically measured under the head on cylindrical screws and overall on countersunk screws, so check how the specific screw is measured. The screw must have sufficient thread engagement without bottoming out in the hole. Also choose material and finish according to location: steel where function matters most, and chrome or coloured finishes such as Lava Chrome where looks also count.

Installation and maintenance

Use the torque specification from the vehicle's or part's instructions, and tighten in several stages when multiple screws hold the same cover. A washer can spread the load on soft materials, and threadlocker can be relevant where there is vibration, but it depends on the location. Clean the threaded hole before installation, and replace screws with worn heads or damaged threads instead of reusing them. You will find more parts from the same brand on the S&S Cycle page.

Frequently asked questions

What do the abbreviations SHC, LSHC and FHSC mean?

SHC is a socket head cap screw with a cylindrical head, LSHC is the same type with a lower head, and FHSC is a flat head socket screw. All are tightened with an Allen key, but the height and shape of the head differ.

Can I use a metric screw instead of an imperial screw?

No. Even where the diameter is almost the same, the pitch is different, so the thread can be damaged. Check whether the hole has imperial or metric threads before you order, for example with a thread gauge.

How do I find the right screw length?

Measure the old screw the same way the replacement is specified: typically under the head for cylindrical heads and overall for countersunk ones. The screw must have good thread engagement without bottoming out in the hole.

Can screws be reused after disassembly?

It depends on the screw's condition and location. Screws with rounded heads or stretched or damaged threads should be replaced. Also follow the manufacturer's instructions if a particular screw is specified as single-use.