It’s a stainless steel screw with a little flat washer already stuck on it. They come as a set—you don't have to put the washer on yourself. The head is kind of low and rounded (that's the "pan" head), and it's got a Phillips (cross) drive.
When would you use it?
Pretty much anytime you want stuff to not rust and to go together fast.
Outdoor things – like deck furniture, mailbox posts, or gutter brackets. Stainless steel doesn’t rust, so rain isn't a big deal.
Putting thin or soft stuff together – like sheet metal, plastic panels, or electronics cases. The washer keeps the screw head from digging in or cracking the material.
Anywhere you want it to look clean – the pan head sits nice and neat, not all bulky.
Boats, trailers, wet places – stainless steel is the way to go here. (Pro tip: if it's near saltwater, spring for the really good stuff, like 316 grade.)
The best part? You don't drop the washer. It's already on there, spinning freely. Makes the job way faster and less annoying.
They basically make the screw and washer separately, then clip them together.
The screw is made from steel wire. A machine smashes one end to form the head, then rolls the threads on.
The washer is just punched out of a metal sheet.
Then, another machine slides the washer onto the screw and gives it a tiny pinch so it stays on but can still spin. That way it won’t fall off in your pocket.
Yes, totally normal. Most companies will send you a few for free to check out.
The catch: You usually just pay for shipping. So the screws are free, but you cover the delivery—like a few bucks for UPS or FedEx.
How you get 'em:
Just email or message a supplier and say something like: "Can I grab a few free samples of the M4 stainless pan head screws with washers? I'll pay for shipping." They'll hook you up if you sound like a real person with a project.
