Screw head types
What is a screw head? A screw head is the portion of the fastener above the shank that carries the drive (or external wrenching flats) and bears on the workpiece or countersink. Head shape determines load distribution and flush vs. proud fit.
Use this visual dictionary to recognize common head styles—the part that holds the drive and bears on your workpiece. Head shape is separate from drive type (Phillips, Torx, etc.) and from thread type. For how the head sits on the surface, see head shape profiles.
Head comparison
Approximate grouping for identification—actual standards vary by product line.
| Head type | Torque / bearing | Typical use | Common materials |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hex (external) | High wrench torque | Structure, machinery, automotive | Alloy steel, carbon steel |
| Pan | Moderate; above surface | Machine screws, sheet metal | Steel, stainless steel |
| Truss | Wide low bearing | Thin sheet, covers | Steel, stainless |
| Countersunk (flat) | Flush bearing | Finished surfaces, hinges | Steel, brass, stainless |
| Oval | Flush seat + decorative dome | Trim, hardware | Brass, steel |
| Round | Dome above surface | Legacy, decorative | Steel, brass |
| Fillister | Tall side walls | Precision, counterbores | Steel |
| Wafer | Thin wide bearing | Panels, sheet metal | Zinc-plated steel |
Hex head
External hex for sockets and wrenches. High torque, positive grip.
Typical uses: structural bolts, machinery, automotive.
Common drives: external hex (no recess); sometimes paired with a washer face.
Pan head
Low dome with flat bearing surface; sits above the material.
Typical uses: machine screws, sheet metal, general hardware.
Common drives: Phillips, Pozidriv, Torx, slotted.
Truss head
Very wide, low profile—large bearing area and shallow height.
Typical uses: thin sheet, covers, applications needing a low dome.
Common drives: Torx (hexalobular), Phillips, often with internal drive.
Countersunk (flat) head
Tapered cone to sit flush in a countersink; top surface can be flush with the workpiece.
Typical uses: finished surfaces, hinges, metal and wood where a flush fit matters.
Common drives: Phillips, Pozidriv, Torx, slotted.
Oval head
Countersunk seat with a rounded top—decorative finish, slightly raised above flush.
Typical uses: trim, hinges, visible hardware.
Common drives: slotted, Phillips.
Round head
Full dome above the surface; taller than a pan head.
Typical uses: older machinery, decorative applications, some machine screws.
Common drives: slotted, Phillips.
Fillister head
Tall cylindrical head with a flat or slightly crowned top—deep head height.
Typical uses: precision mechanisms, counterbored holes, vintage equipment.
Common drives: slotted.
Wafer head
Very thin, wide head—minimal stack height, large bearing area.
Typical uses: sheet metal, computer cases, thin panels.
Common drives: Phillips, Torx.
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Guide
FAQ
What is the difference between a pan head and a flat head screw?
A pan head sits above the surface with a rounded skirt; a flat (countersunk) head tapers into a countersink so the top can sit flush or below the surface.
What screw head is used with a wrench?
External hex heads and some flange heads are turned with a wrench or socket. Internal hex (Allen) uses a key inside the head.
What is a truss head screw used for?
Truss heads have a wide, low profile for a large bearing area—common in sheet metal, thin materials, and where a low dome is needed.
How do I match thread size after identifying the head?
Use the Thread Identifier with diameter and pitch measurements, or the universal screw size chart for common metric and imperial sizes.
Industry overviews of head styles and drives appear in resources such as EJOT’s guide to head styles and drives (self-drilling screws context).
Also read
Reference: Screw drive types, Head shape profiles
Guides: Bolt vs Screw, Bolt Head Markings