Metric A2 Stainless Steel Dog Point Set Screws
Metric Dog Point Set Screws in A2 (18-8) Stainless Steel, also called full dog point grub screws, stainless locating set screws, or stainless dowel point set screws—combine positive mechanical engagement with excellent corrosion resistance for demanding environments. These set screws feature a full-diameter cylindrical tip designed to extend into a mating hole, slot, or keyway, providing precise alignment and superior resistance to rotation and axial movement. The A2 stainless steel construction ensures reliable performance in wet, humid, chemical, marine, food processing, and outdoor applications where carbon steel fasteners would corrode.
Why Choose A2 (18-8) Stainless Steel?
A2 stainless steel, also known as 18-8 or 304 stainless—is the most widely used stainless steel grade for fasteners worldwide. The designation "18-8" refers to the approximate composition: 18% chromium and 8% nickel. This combination creates a passive oxide layer on the surface that provides excellent resistance to corrosion, rust, and staining in most atmospheric conditions and many chemical environments. A2 stainless steel is non-magnetic in the annealed condition (though cold working can induce slight magnetism) and offers good strength for general-purpose fastening applications, though it cannot be heat-treated to achieve higher hardness like alloy steel.
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—such as a shaft, collar, pulley, or gear. 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
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 for heavy-duty applications. Half dog point set screws have a shorter cylindrical tip, 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 constraints or shallow mating features dictate a shorter projection.
Material Properties & Specifications
Our metric A2 stainless steel dog point set screws are manufactured to metric sizing standards with internal hex (Allen) socket drive. A2 stainless steel provides a minimum tensile strength of approximately 500-700 MPa (70,000-100,000 PSI) depending on size and manufacturing process—suitable for most general-purpose applications but lower than heat-treated alloy steel. For applications requiring higher strength, consider alloy steel set screws with appropriate corrosion-resistant coatings. A2 stainless performs well in temperatures ranging from cryogenic up to approximately 800°F (425°C) for intermittent exposure.
A2 vs. A4 Stainless Steel
Both A2 and A4 are austenitic stainless steels, but they differ in corrosion resistance and cost. A2 (18-8 / 304) offers excellent corrosion resistance for most environments and is the standard choice for general-purpose stainless fasteners. A4 (316) contains added molybdenum, providing superior resistance to chlorides, salt water, and marine environments—but at higher cost. Choose A2 for general corrosion resistance; choose A4 for marine, coastal, chemical processing, or high-chloride applications.
Common Applications
Metric A2 stainless steel dog point set screws are specified across industries where corrosion resistance and precise positioning are both required:
- Food & Beverage Processing: Conveyor rollers, mixer shafts, packaging equipment requiring washdown compatibility
- Marine & Coastal: Deck hardware, pulley systems, equipment exposed to salt air and moisture
- Medical & Laboratory: Equipment assemblies requiring sanitary materials and autoclave compatibility
- Outdoor & Architectural: Signage, fixtures, equipment exposed to weather and humidity
- Chemical & Pharmaceutical: Process equipment, instrumentation, assemblies exposed to corrosive chemicals
- General Industrial: Any application requiring precise shaft positioning in corrosive or wet environments
Installation Notes
Dog point set screws require a mating hole or slot machined into the shaft or component at the correct location and diameter. The dog point diameter is smaller than the major thread diameter—consult dimensional specifications to ensure proper fit with your mating feature. For best results, use the correct size hex key (Allen wrench) and tighten to manufacturer-recommended torque specifications. Stainless steel has a tendency to gall when threaded against other stainless components—consider using anti-seize compound on threads when installing into stainless tapped holes.
Need alloy steel, a different point style, or a specific size? Contact our team—with over 18 million fasteners in stock, we can help you source the right set screw for your application.