Set Screws
4114 Products
LILY Bearing stocks 4,114 set screws in seven tip styles — cup-point, cone-point, flat-tip (nonmarring), extended-tip, ball-point, hollow-lock, and swivel-tip — across steel, stainless steel, brass, nickel alloy, and plastic. As headless fasteners, set screws thread entirely into a hole and use the tip alone to hold a component — such as a collar, pulley, or knob — in place on a shaft. Use the filters below, or the comparison table, to narrow down by tip style, material, thread size, and length.
Compare by Tip Style
| Tip Style | How It Holds | Best For | Watch Out For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cup-Point | A concave, rimmed tip digs slightly into the shaft for a secure, non-slip grip | General-purpose holding of collars, pulleys, gears, and knobs on a shaft | Leaves a small mark on the shaft — not for finished or precision surfaces |
| Cone-Point | A pointed tip penetrates the shaft, often into a matching drilled dimple, for the highest holding power of any tip style | Permanent or semi-permanent positioning where maximum grip matters most | Penetrates the shaft surface — not for parts that need frequent repositioning |
| Flat-Tip (Nonmarring) | A flat face presses against the shaft by friction alone, without digging in | Finished shafts, coated surfaces, or components that must be repositioned without marring | Lower holding power than a cup or cone point — not for high-torque applications |
| Extended-Tip | A narrow cylindrical tip (a dog-point-style design) engages a matching hole, groove, or detent in the shaft | Precise axial and rotational positioning where the shaft has a matching feature | Requires a matching hole or groove in the shaft — won't work on a plain shaft |
| Ball-Point | A rounded ball tip contacts the shaft at a single point, allowing smooth sliding adjustment | Applications requiring frequent, easy repositioning without removing the screw | Lower holding power — not for parts under heavy load or vibration |
| Hollow-Lock | A hollow tip locks the part in place without digging into the mating surface | Applications where surface integrity must be preserved | Less common tip style — confirm fit and availability for your thread size |
| Swivel-Tip | The tip pivots to automatically align itself with the mating surface | Angled or non-perpendicular surfaces where a rigid tip wouldn't seat flush | A specialty design — confirm compatibility with your specific angle and application |
Most tip styles are available in steel, 18-8 and 316 stainless steel, brass, nickel alloy, and (for flat-tip screws) plastic, with thread-locking versions available for added vibration resistance.
Need a Custom Set Screw?
Don't see the tip style, material, or length you need? Our team can cross-reference an existing part or quote a custom configuration. Request a Quote or Contact Us. LILY Bearing also offers customized fastener services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which set screw tip has the strongest holding power?
Cone-point set screws generally provide the strongest holding power, since the pointed tip penetrates the shaft (often into a matching dimple) rather than just gripping the surface. Cup-point screws are a step below — a good balance of strong holding power for general use without requiring a matching hole in the shaft. Flat-tip and ball-point screws hold with friction only and are best reserved for finished surfaces or applications needing easy repositioning.
What does "nonmarring" mean for a set screw?
A nonmarring set screw has a flat tip that presses against the shaft by friction alone, without digging in or leaving a mark. It's the right choice for finished, coated, or precision shafts where a cup-point or cone-point screw's penetrating tip would cause visible damage.




