Phil Oval Head Machine Screw — Metric Sizes
What Is a Phil Oval Head Machine Screw?
A Phil oval head machine screw, also known as a raised countersunk head screw with cross recess, combines a 90 degree countersunk bearing with a rounded, domed top that sits above the surface. The result is a decorative, semi flush appearance with the self centering convenience of a Phil recess. Manufactured to DIN 966 and ISO 7047, these fully threaded screws seat in a countersunk hole and mate with tapped holes, inserts, or nuts. They are widely chosen for automotive trim, appliance panels, electronics, and finished assemblies where both a clean look and efficient powered driving are needed, and are offered in plated steel and A2/A4 stainless.
Key Features and Benefits
- Decorative Raised Dome: The rounded top gives an attractive, semi flush finish on visible trim, panels, and covers.
- Countersunk 90 Degree Bearing: The conical underside centers the screw in a countersunk hole and spreads clamp load evenly.
- Self Centering Phil Recess: The cross recess centers the bit and controls cam out for fast, consistent driving.
- Full Thread Engagement: Threaded to the head for strong grip in tapped holes, inserts, and nuts.
- Steel and Stainless Options: Plated steel for general use and A2/A4 stainless for corrosion resistant service.
Materials and Finishes
- Carbon Steel (Zinc Plated): Standard plated finish for automotive trim, panels, and general assembly.
- Carbon Steel (Chrome Plated): For bright, decorative trim and visible finished surfaces.
- Stainless Steel (A2 / A4): For marine, outdoor, and corrosion prone environments.
Standards Compliance
- DIN 966 — Raised countersunk (oval) head screws with cross recess
- ISO 7047 — Raised countersunk head screws with type H cross recess
- ISO 4757 — Cross recesses for screws
Size Range and Availability
Available in M2 through M10 in metric coarse thread, in plated carbon steel and A2/A4 stainless steel.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is a Phil oval head machine screw used for?
It is used where a decorative, semi flush finish and fast powered driving are both wanted, such as automotive trim, appliance panels, electronics, cover plates, and finished assemblies that thread into tapped holes or nuts.
2. What is the difference between an oval head and a flat head screw?
Both share a countersunk 90 degree underside, but a flat head seats fully flush with a flat top, while an oval head has a raised, domed top that rises above the surface for a decorative appearance.
3. Do oval head screws need a countersunk hole?
Yes. They require a 90 degree countersunk hole so the conical bearing seats correctly, while the domed top stays proud of the surface for the decorative effect.
4. Why choose a Phil drive over a slotted drive?
A Phil cross recess centers the bit automatically and controls cam out, which makes it better suited to powered assembly and higher volume work than a traditional slotted drive.
5. Are Phil oval head machine screws available in stainless steel?
Yes. We stock them in A2 and A4 stainless, plus chrome and zinc plated steel, for both decorative and corrosion resistant applications.
6. What thread type do these screws use?
They use standard metric coarse thread and mate with tapped holes, threaded inserts, or nuts of the same specification.
7. What size Phil driver fits these screws?
The driver size scales with the screw diameter. Smaller M2 to M3 sizes typically use a PH1 bit and mid range M3.5 to M5 use PH2. Match the bit to the recess to avoid cam out.
8. What sizes do you stock for Phil oval head machine screws?
We stock M2 through M10 in metric coarse thread, in plated carbon steel and A2/A4 stainless steel.
