Set Screws Dog Point
Dog Point Set Screws
Dog Point Set Screws—also called full dog point set screws, dog point grub screws, locating set screws, or dowel point set screws—feature a full-diameter cylindrical tip that extends from the end of the screw. Unlike cup, cone, flat, or knurled point set screws that secure components through friction and surface deformation, dog point set screws are designed to physically engage with a mating hole, slot, or keyway machined into the shaft or workpiece. This positive mechanical interlock provides superior resistance to rotation and axial movement, making dog point set screws the preferred choice for precise positioning, permanent alignment, and high-load applications where slip cannot be tolerated.
How Dog Point Set Screws Work
Dog point set screws function as locating pins and fasteners combined into a single component. The cylindrical dog point is machined to a specific diameter that corresponds to a pre-drilled hole or machined slot in the mating part. When the set screw is installed, the dog point extends into this feature, creating a mechanical key that locks the assembly in position. This design transfers loads through the shear strength of the dog point rather than relying solely on thread friction and clamping force against the shaft surface. The result is a more secure, more precise, and more repeatable connection—especially valuable in applications involving torque transmission, indexing, or components that must maintain exact positioning over time.
Dog Point vs. Half Dog Point: What's the Difference?
The primary difference between dog point and half dog point set screws is the length of the cylindrical tip relative to the screw diameter. Dog point (full dog point) set screws have a longer cylindrical tip—typically equal to or greater than half the screw diameter—providing deeper engagement and greater shear strength. Half dog point set screws have a shorter cylindrical tip—typically less than half the screw diameter—offering a more compact profile while still providing positive location. Choose full dog point when maximum engagement depth and shear resistance are required; choose half dog point when space is limited or when a shorter projection is preferred for the mating feature.
Dog Point vs. Other Set Screw Points
Selecting the correct set screw point style depends on your application requirements:
- Dog Point: Positive mechanical engagement into a mating hole or slot—best for precise alignment, anti-rotation, and high-torque applications where slip is unacceptable
- Cup Point: Hardened edge bites into the shaft surface—most common general-purpose choice offering good holding power with some surface marking
- Cone Point: Sharp point for permanent installation into a mating indentation—provides excellent centering and high holding power but damages the shaft
- Flat Point: Smooth bearing surface—best for frequent adjustment without shaft damage or when pressing against a hardened surface
- Knurled/Serrated Point: Textured surface grips the shaft—good holding power with moderate surface marking, allows repositioning
- Oval/Round Point: Rounded tip—for frequent adjustment with minimal shaft damage, often used on shafts with a groove
When to Use Dog Point Set Screws
Dog point set screws excel in applications requiring precise, repeatable positioning and mechanical interlocking rather than friction-based holding. Common uses include securing pulleys, gears, sprockets, and couplings onto shafts where a keyway or drilled hole is present; locating components in indexed positions that must be maintained under load; assemblies subject to vibration, shock, or reversing torque where cup or cone points might slip; and any application where the set screw must function as both a fastener and a locating pin. When the mating part has a purpose-machined hole or slot for the set screw to engage, dog point is the optimal choice.
Available Materials & Finishes
Albany County Fasteners stocks dog point set screws in a variety of materials and finishes to match your application requirements, including alloy steel, stainless steel, and other grades. Browse our selection below to find the right combination of strength, corrosion resistance, and size for your project.
Need help selecting the right set screw point style? Contact our team—with over 18 million fasteners in stock and decades of industry experience, we can help you find the perfect set screw for your application.