Dog-point hand knob screws come in a variety of sizes to accommodate different applications and requirements. The sizes are typically defined by the diameter of the screw, the length of the screw, and the thread pitch. Common diameters for these screws include:
- Metric sizes: M4, M5, M6, M8, M10, M12, etc.
- Imperial sizes: 1/4", 5/16", 3/8", 1/2", etc.
The length of the screw can vary significantly, ranging from short lengths like 10mm or 1/2" to longer lengths such as 100mm or 4", depending on the specific use case.
Thread pitch, which is the distance between threads, also varies. For metric screws, common pitches include coarse threads like 0.7mm for M4, 1.0mm for M6, and 1.5mm for M10. For imperial screws, thread counts such as 20 TPI (threads per inch) for 1/4" screws or 16 TPI for 5/16" screws are typical.
The dog-point feature itself is a cylindrical extension at the end of the screw, which is smaller in diameter than the main threaded portion. This feature is designed to fit into a corresponding hole or slot, providing precise alignment and preventing damage to the mating surface. The length of the dog-point can also vary, but it is generally a small portion of the overall screw length.
These screws are available in various materials, including stainless steel, carbon steel, and plastic, to suit different environmental conditions and strength requirements. The hand knob, which is attached to the screw, comes in different shapes and sizes, such as star knobs, T-handles, or wing knobs, to provide ergonomic grip and ease of use.