Thumb Screws
641 Products
LILY Bearing stocks thumb screws with a knurled (grooved) head that lets them be tightened and loosened by hand, without a tool. Screws are available in five head profiles — narrow, raised, low-profile, high-profile, and flared-collar — and in steel, brass, and stainless steel. Use the filters below, or the comparison table, to narrow down by head profile, material, thread size, and length.
Compare by Head Profile
| Head Profile | What It Is | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Narrow | A slim, standard-diameter knurled head | General-purpose hand-tightened fastening where space is limited |
| Raised | A taller head than narrow, with more surface for gripping | Applications needing a more secure hand grip than a narrow head provides |
| Low-Profile | A short, flat knurled head | Tight clearance above the mounting surface |
| High-Profile | The tallest knurled head, with the most gripping surface | Frequent hand-tightening where maximum grip and leverage matter most |
| Flared-Collar | A knurled head with a wider flared base built in, acting like an integrated washer | Applications needing better load distribution without adding a separate washer |
Most head profiles are available in steel, brass, and stainless steel. Slotted versions add a screwdriver slot to the head, letting you apply extra torque with a tool when hand-tightening alone isn't enough.
Need a Custom Thumb Screw?
Don't see the head profile, 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
What is a thumb screw used for?
A thumb screw is designed for hand-tightening and loosening without a tool, which makes it a good fit for panels, access covers, and other parts that need to be removed or adjusted frequently. The knurled head grips the fingers securely, and slotted versions let you switch to a screwdriver when a job calls for more torque than hand-tightening alone can provide.
Which thumb screw head profile should I choose?
Choose a low-profile head where clearance above the surface is tight, and a raised or high-profile head where you need a more secure grip or more leverage for frequent hand-tightening. Choose a flared-collar head when you want built-in load distribution without adding a separate washer.




