Pan head machine screws have a flat or slightly rounded top that gives a neat appearance on visible metal joints. They are used anywhere a larger screw head might get stuck or would appear out of place. These machine screws work best in materials that are thin or are not frequently accessed to avoid damage to their heads.

These machine screws have deeply sunk heads with flat top surfaces for fastening flatly against sides of metal joints and equipment. These screws sit flush against the surface of panels and electrical components for a finished look.

Round head machine screws have a slightly domed top for easy-access fastening to metal parts. They offer an attractive smooth finish and come in slotted or Phillips drive types.

Truss head machine screws have wide, slightly round heads and wider bodies under the head to fasten thin materials to metal substrates. They are used in construction to fasten thin plates to rafters and for attaching the back of cabinets to steel studs.

Oval head machine screws have deeply sunk heads with rounded tops, making them less noticeable from the surfaces they join. The oval style is more decorative than other machine screw options.

Cheese head machine screws create counterbore holes to fasten equipment. They have a rounded top with a square side profile (like a wheel of cheese), round sides, and a flat bearing surface. The longer side height distinguishes a cheese head from a pan head.

Hex head machine screws allow for more high-torque tightening than other types of machine screws. They have six flat sides and a flat, indented hexagonal top. They are most commonly made in smaller sizes to be used in high-volume assembly applications. Hex heads may be slotted for tightening with a screwdriver or unslotted for tightening with a socket wrench. These screws can be used with nuts or in prethreaded holes with a matching thread pitch.

Fillister head machine screws are most frequently used in counterbore holes to fasten equipment. They have a rounded top surface with a slightly domed profile and round sides. The longer side height distinguishes a fillister head from a pan head. Although the cheese head and fillister are very similar machine screws, the dome top of the fillister creates an overall deeper head for stronger connections.

These binding screws help make firm electrical connections or bind thick materials together. They have rounded top surfaces with slightly tapered sides. The bearing surfaces are flat, and the slotted drive type has a raised ring cut into the shank for tight fastening.