What is a plow screw?

The

plow screw is the type of fastening element that is used for the production of mechanical connections that require a smooth or flush surface where the screw head protrudes. These were thus named for their timely use in the production of plows. Today, plow screws are used on many types of heavy building equipment such as snow plows, road comparators and shoulder blades. The plow screws are usually exposed to high forces and wear and it is important to choose a right screw for each individual application.

The plow is used in combination with a nut. It has a large head at one end and a cylindrical shaft with an outer fiber, a spiral rib that allows the nut to sink when you turn. The plow screw head is melted with a short square neck to prevent the screw from turning when the nut is tightened or removed. The matrix, which usually has a hexagonal shape, has a hole with an inner fiber that corresponds to the fiber of the plow screw.

plow screws are tightened or releasedBy applying a torque to the matrix. When the matrix rotates clockwise, it proceeds along the screw fiber and tightens the mating objects together. When the screw and nuts are tightened against two or more objects located between them, a high amount of clamping force can be generated. The mashed surfaces between the screw and the matrix resist the application of forces and help prevent the mechanical connection from relaxing over time.

The plow head is usually flat or a slight shape of the dome to ensure that the smooth surface is maintained at the bolt site. The low profile of the head is the primary feature of the plow screw. Because the head of the screw is flushed with mating, the head is often exposed to high wear. For example, snow plow blades must have a flat surface against the ground to ensure that the snow is effectively removed. The plug screws used in the production of snow plow blades will be exposed to the same forces as the blade as it is pulled on the ground.

plow screws come indifferent standard and metric sizes. The type and size of the plow screw selected for a particular application depends on the forces and environment to which the mechanical connection will be exposed. They are produced by means of carbon steel, stainless steel and metal alloys for high wear resistance. The material used is often treated or stiff to provide improved wear resistance and extend the usable service life of the screw.