There are many different screw types and lengths. The below guide is an overview of some of these and the most common lengths used with V-Slot and accessories.

 

Head Type

At Maker Store we sell Low Profile, Button Head and Cap Head Screws.

 

Screw Diameter Sizes

Most of the V-slot profile and accessories use M5 screw sizes. M5 means Metric 5mm diameter. In fact the holes at the end of each length of V-Slot can be tapped to M5 allowing for easy fastening of plates and etc.

We also sell other size screws to fit with non-v-slot accessories, such as NEMA17 stepper motors (which have holes for 4 x M3 mounting screws). The NEMA17 Threaded Rod Plate is a good example of both M5 and M3 in use:

 

 

Screw Length

When matching plate, wheels and other accessories it is important to get the correct length of screw to suit your project and fit the parts. Below are some common configurations and screw sizes. This is to be used as a guide only. As always please do your own research and make choices based on your project and your needs.

 

M5 x 6mm

These are the shortest M5 screws we stock. They can be used for connecting plates to the ends of V-Slot allowing for 3mm depth into as most plates are 3mm thick. Obviously 3mm is not that deep, so this is recommended for builds that do not require strong joins (3D printers and etc). On the other hand, tapping to only 3mm deep is really easy to do.

NOTE: M5 x 6mm screws are not suitable for mounting plates using Tee Nuts – use M5 x 8mm (as below).

 

M5 x 8mm

The most common use of M5x8mm screw is to mount 3mm thick plates (Motor Mount, NEMA23 Motor Mount, Threaded Rod, NEMA23 Threaded Rod, Limit Switch plates and etc) to V-Slot using Tee Nuts and the profile slots.

 

M5x8mm are also good to use for end mounting 3mm plates onto V-Slot similar to the 6mm above.

 

M5 x 25mm

The 25mm Low Profile Screws were previously included with all wheel packs. When mounting wheels with Eccentric Spacers  on one side and 1/4″ spacers on the other, use the M5 x 25mm screw.

 

Other Lengths

There are of course many other lengths and all can be used in various combinations to suit your projects. Spacers and shims can be used to “fine tune” your requirements.