Pan Head vs. Wafer Head
Comparing 2 standards across 11 specifications. 11 key differences identified.
Pan Head screws (standardized under ISO 7045 and DIN 7985) feature a low-profile rounded top, vertical cylindrical outer sidewalls, and a flat horizontal bottom bearing surface. Providing clean aesthetics and strong clamping force without cutting into workpiece materials, it is the most common machine screw head in electronics and appliance assembly.
Wafer Head screws (Modified Truss / K-Lath / Framing Screws) feature an ultra-flat, razor-thin head with an integrated wide circular clamping rim and a flat underside. Engineered with a self-drilling TEK point or sharp piercing tip, they are standard in light-gauge steel stud framing, metal lath attachment, and drywall partition construction.
Specification Comparison Table
11 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Standard Specifications
|
ISO 7045 / DIN 7985 / ASME B18.6.3 | ASTM C1002 (Steel studs) / ASTM C954 / DIN 7504-M |
|
Primary Applications
|
Consumer electronics, sheet metal electrical enclosures, general machinery | Steel stud framing, stucco metal lath, HVAC ductwork, M.2 SSD hold-down screws |
|
Head Top Geometry
|
Slightly domed / curved low-profile top surface | — |
|
Outer Edge Geometry
|
Vertical cylindrical sidewalls with smooth radiused top transition | — |
|
Bearing Surface Profile
|
100% Flat horizontal bearing surface | — |
|
Recess Recesses Supported
|
Phillips (PH), Pozidriv (PZ), Torx (TX), Slotted | — |
|
Countersinking Required
|
No (Mounts completely proud of the workpiece surface) | — |
|
Head Thickness
|
— | Ultra-thin low profile (~1.0 mm to 1.5 mm thick) |
|
Head Outer Diameter
|
— | Wide circular flange (10.0 mm to 11.5 mm on #8 screws) |
|
Point Types
|
— | Self-Drilling TEK Point (#2/#3 drill point) or Sharp Piercing Point (Type S) |
|
Common Drive Recess
|
— | Phillips #2 / Square #2 |