---
title: "What Are Inch Slotted Shoulder Screws Used For?"
description: "Inch Slotted Shoulder Screws (Trade series (inch shoulder screws)) are used for locating moving parts on a defined shoulder with a slotted head."
url: https://engineeringhardware.com/applications/inch-slotted-shoulder-screws/
source: Engineering Hardware & Fasteners
---

# What Are Inch Slotted Shoulder Screws Used For?

Bolts · Trade series (inch shoulder screws) · Application guide

Typical applications, the industries that specify inch slotted shoulder screws, and how to choose the right size, material and finish for the joint.

Inch Slotted Shoulder Screws are used for locating moving parts on a defined shoulder with a slotted head. They are manufactured to Trade series (inch shoulder screws), and the choice of size, property class and finish is driven by the load in the joint and the environment it sits in.

- **Primary duty:** Locating moving parts on a defined shoulder with a slotted head
- **Governing standard:** Trade series (inch shoulder screws)
- **Screw size range:** 1/2 to 3/8
- **Category:** Bolts

Application notes are general engineering guidance. Verify the property class and any approval requirement against your own design calculation.

![What Are Inch Slotted Shoulder Screws Used For? application image](https://engineeringhardware.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Inch-Slotted-Shoulder-Screws.webp)

The primary duty of Inch Slotted Shoulder Screws is locating moving parts on a defined shoulder with a slotted head. Below: the sectors that specify them in volume, the checklist used to select the right size and material for the application, installation notes, and the known limits of the type. Stocked across roughly 1 to 3, they cover light-duty and instrument-scale work.

## Typical Applications for Inch Slotted Shoulder Screws

The most common settings where these are specified:

- **Linkage mechanisms:** slotted-head shoulder screws used as pivots and bearing shoulders.
- **Tooling fixtures:** replaceable guide and stop points in jigs.
- **Camera mounts:** controlled shoulder length where axial position matters.
- **Light machinery:** wear-resistant pivot hardware assembled with a slot driver.

Product catalog

## Related Shoulder Bolts products

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### [Hexagon Socket Head Cap DIN912 Stainless S Teel A2-70 Hex Allen Key Bolt](https://engineeringhardware.com/product/hexagon-socket-head-cap-din912-stainless-s-teel-a2-70-hex-allen-key-bolt/)

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### [Custom Non-Standard Fasteners Manufacturer OEM/ODM Service Titanium Alloy Shoulder Bolts](https://engineeringhardware.com/product/custom-non-standard-fasteners-manufacturer-oem-odm-service-titanium-alloy-shoulder/)

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**US$0.012 – 0.06**MOQ 500 pieces

[![M5X8 Alloy Steel Stainless Steel Hexagon Socket Allen Head Shoulder Bolt ISO7379](https://img.engineeringhardware.com/M5X8-Alloy-Steel-Stainless-Steel-Hexagon-Socket-Allen-Head-Shoulder-Bolt-ISO7379.webp)](https://engineeringhardware.com/product/m5x8-alloy-steel-stainless-steel-hexagon-socket-allen-head-shoulder-bolt-iso7379/)

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### [M5X8 Alloy Steel Stainless Steel Hexagon Socket Allen Head Shoulder Bolt ISO7379](https://engineeringhardware.com/product/m5x8-alloy-steel-stainless-steel-hexagon-socket-allen-head-shoulder-bolt-iso7379/)

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[View all Shoulder, Stripper & Precision Bolts →](https://engineeringhardware.com/fastener-products/bolts/shoulder-stripper-precision-bolts/) [Full product catalog](https://engineeringhardware.com/products/)

## How to Specify Inch Slotted Shoulder Screws for Your Application

- **Size:** Match the nominal size to the mating thread or hole. This product spans 1–3; check the full table below for the exact dimensions of each size.
- **Strength class:** Choose the property class (e.g. 8.8, 10.9, 12.9 or A2/A4 stainless) for the load and environment, and tighten to the matching torque so the joint relies on preload, not friction.
- **Environment:** For damp, coastal or chemical exposure prefer A4/316 stainless or a suitable coating; indoors, plated steel or A2 is usually sufficient.
- **Standard:** This product is supplied to Trade series (inch shoulder screws). Quoting the standard on your order guarantees interchangeable dimensions between suppliers.

## Installation & Assembly Practice

- Tighten to the torque for the size and property class with a calibrated wrench — the joint is held by preload, not by the thread friction alone.
- Ensure at least one full thread projects beyond the nut after tightening, and never re-use a bolt that has been tightened into yield.
- Under slotted or oversized holes, fit a hardened washer so the preload does not relax into the hole edge.

## Common Selection Mistakes with Inch Slotted Shoulder Screws

- Specifying class 12.9 "to be safe" in a corrosive environment — high classes are more sensitive to hydrogen embrittlement and stress corrosion; 8.8 hot-dip galvanized often outlasts them outdoors.
- Choosing a length that puts the shear plane through the threaded portion when a plain shank (partially threaded bolt) was available.
- Mixing stainless bolts with plated-steel nuts: the joint loses its corrosion logic and can gall or seize.

## Where Inch Slotted Shoulder Screws Are Not the Right Choice

Not for permanent joints that will never be opened (a rivet or weld is cheaper), and not where the head must sit flush — use a countersunk screw instead.

Custom manufacturing · Made to drawing

## Need a inch slotted shoulder screws outside the standard range?

Head form and drive can be specified to the assembly rather than to a standard: a larger bearing face, a security drive, or a socket sized for the tool already on the bench. Made by cold heading or hot forging.

Minimum order from 2,000 pieces; samples within 7 days of drawing approval.

[Custom bolt manufacturing](https://engineeringhardware.com/custom/bolts/)[Send a drawing](https://engineeringhardware.com/custom/bolts/#rfq)

## Technical Drawing

Dimensioned line drawing of 1/8 Inch Slotted Shoulder Screws to Trade series (inch shoulder screws). Side view and top view, drawn to the dimensions in the table below and redrawn for any size selected.

- **Thread options:** #4-40 / #6-32
- **Shoulder length (in):** 1/8~1-1/2
- **Slot width (in):** 0.047~0.094
- **Slot depth (in):** 0.062~0.109
- **Material options:** 303 or 416 stainless / alloy steel / brass
- **Thread class:** 2A

## Dimensions & Specifications (Trade series (inch shoulder screws))

| Shoulder diameter (in) | Thread options | Shoulder length (in) | Slot width (in) | Slot depth (in) | Material options | Thread class |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 1/8 | #4-40 / #6-32 | 1/8~1-1/2 | 0.047~0.094 | 0.062~0.109 | 303 or 416 stainless / alloy steel / brass | 2A |
| 1/4 | #8-32 / #10-24 / #10-32 | 1/8~1-1/2 | 0.047~0.094 | 0.062~0.109 | 303 or 416 stainless / alloy steel / brass | 2A |
| 3/8 | 1/4-20 / 5/16-18 | 1/8~1-1/2 | 0.047~0.094 | 0.062~0.109 | 303 or 416 stainless / alloy steel / brass | 2A |
| 1/2 | 3/8-16 | 1/8~1-1/2 | 0.047~0.094 | 0.062~0.109 | 303 or 416 stainless / alloy steel / brass | 2A |

Inside the plant

## Manufactured in our own plant

This part is cold-formed, threaded, heat-treated and finished in-house. The stages below are where its class and finish are actually decided.

1. ![Wire rod feeding into a cold heading machine](https://engineeringhardware.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/09-wire-rod-feed-cold-heading-machine.webp) 01 **Cold heading** Wire rod is drawn to size and cold-formed into blanks. Forming rather than cutting keeps the grain flow continuous around the head, which is where a bolt is most likely to fail. Head dimensions and under-head radius checked at set-up and per shift.
2. ![Thread rolling machine producing bolt threads](https://engineeringhardware.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/03-thread-rolling-machine-bolt-production.webp) 02 **Thread rolling** Threads are rolled between hardened dies rather than cut. Rolled threads are stronger in fatigue than cut threads and hold pitch and flank angle far more consistently across a batch. Go / no-go ring gauges to ISO 965 tolerance class 6g.
3. ![Baskets of bolts staged for heat treatment](https://engineeringhardware.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/05-heat-treatment-baskets-black-bolts.webp) 03 **Heat treatment** Quench-and-temper brings carbon and alloy steel to the property class ordered — 8.8, 10.9 or 12.9 — with the furnace charge tracked so a finished lot can be traced back to it. Core hardness and tensile tested per lot to ISO 898-1.
4. ![Zinc plated bolts in a treatment basket](https://engineeringhardware.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/23-zinc-plated-bolts-treatment-basket.webp) 04 **Surface treatment** Zinc, zinc-nickel, hot-dip galvanizing, black oxide, phosphate and Dacromet, selected against the service environment rather than against the price list. Coating thickness and neutral salt spray hours to ISO 9227.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How do I choose the right size of Inch Slotted Shoulder Screws?

Match the nominal size to the mating thread or hole. This product is available from 1 to 3; the full dimension table on this page lists each size.

### How tight should Inch Slotted Shoulder Screws be torqued?

Tighten to the torque for the size and property class so the joint is held by bolt preload. The size pages and torque reference table give recommended values; use a calibrated torque wrench for anything structural.

### What material should Inch Slotted Shoulder Screws be for outdoor use?

For damp, coastal or chemical environments specify A4 (316) stainless or a suitably coated steel. For indoor or dry use, A2 (304) stainless or zinc-plated steel is normally adequate.

### Are Inch Slotted Shoulder Screws made to a recognized standard?

Yes — they are manufactured to Trade series (inch shoulder screws), so dimensions are interchangeable between suppliers when you quote the standard on your order.

### Can I get a quote for Inch Slotted Shoulder Screws in the size and material I need?

Yes. Use the technical drawing and quote form on this page to set the size and options, then send the exact configuration to our team for pricing and lead time.

## Related Pages

Product page: [Inch Slotted Shoulder Screws — specifications & sizes](https://engineeringhardware.com/fastener/inch-slotted-shoulder-screws/)

### Inch Slotted Shoulder Screws Specification Guides

### Related Fastener Applications