All About Inter Screws: A Guide to Their Uses and Benefits

A Guide to The Features, Uses and Benefits of Inter Screws

At Fastenright we provide a huge range of inter screws for various applications. We tend to refer to them as Barrel Nuts and you can see our range here.

When it comes to fasteners for secure and professional furniture assembly, Inter screws are a popular and effective choice. These connectors, often found in flat-pack furniture kits, provide a sturdy and reliable fastening solution that’s easy to use. In this blog post, we’ll explore what inter screws are, their typical features, and how they’re used in various applications.

What Are Inter Screws?

Inter screws, also known as barrel nuts, sleeve nuts, chicago screws or connector screws, are a type of fastening system designed to join two or more components securely. The system typically consists of two parts:

1. A threaded barrel nut: This cylindrical component fits into a pre-drilled hole in one material.
2. A connecting bolt: This screw threads into the barrel nut from another component to create a strong, stable connection.

The name “Inter screw” reflects their function as an intermediary fastener that pulls parts together with precision.

Key Features

Materials

Inter screws are available in a range of materials depending on the application. Common options include:

• Steel – Strong, stiff and magnetic but poor corrosion resistance so often coated or plated.
• Stainless Steel – Various grades and types such as A1, A2, A4 or 316 all offering distinct properties, including temperature resistance, affordability, corrosion resistance and ductility.
• Brass – A Copper-based alloy often used in marine applications or for cosmetic reasons. Also commonly seen in electronics due to its low conductivity.
• Aluminium – A good choice for its aesthetic appearance in addition it is corrosion resistance and non-magnetic.

Finish Options

Inter screws are often plated in finishes for corrosion resistance and aesthetic appeal. Common options include:

• Zinc plating – Gives a protective layer to the fixing for a good level of corrosion prevention.
• Chrome plating – Decorative as well as providing corrosion resistance.
• Brass plated – Can be decorative but also improves strength and outstanding formability, enabling improved production of demanding shapes.

There are a wide range of other materials and finishes available at Fastenright for specialist applications. See more about materials and finished here.

Sizes

Inter screws are available in a range of diameters and lengths both metric and imperial to suit various furniture and construction needs. Typical sizes range from:

• Diameters: M3 – M16 The “M” designation for metric screws indicates the outer diameter of the screw in millimetres
• Lengths: 7mm – 30mm long, measured under the screw head.

Thread Diameters and other size specification may vary and are available depending on individual fixings. See individual products for full technical data.

Head

Inter screws come with various head types to suit different applications and aesthetic preferences. Below are details of some of the common head types for Inter screws:

• Countersunk / flat head – A flat, countersunk head sits flush with the surface when installed.
• Low profile head – Ideal for uses when headspace is limited.
• Truss Head – Also known as a mushroom head, has a wide and rounded head for better strength and load distribution protecting the part or parts from damage.
• Button head, round head, domed head – All similar with a slightly domed head that protrudes above the surface.

Drive

As with the other features and specifications the type of drive used on inter screws varies according to the applications depending of the level of torque and the level of security required. Below is a list of common drive types for Inter screws:

• Socket – Hexagonal recess in the head installed using a hex wrench or insert bit. Provide higher resistance to cam-out and they can be used with power drivers enabling faster installation and higher torque to be achieved.
• Slotted – Standard slotted drive can be installed with a flat blade screwdriver.
• Combination drive – Standard slotted / phillips drive.
• Hex head – The hex head is tightened using a standard spanner or socket drive, allowing high torque to be achieved.
• Torx drive – For higher torque applications, requires a special driver bit for installation or removal.
• Pin torx or security torx – Offers increased tamper resistance for higher torque applications, and require a special driver bit for installation or removal.
• 2 hole – Increased tamper resistance for low to medium torque applications, require a special driver bit for installation or removal.
• Clutch head – Ideal for medium security these have a permanent one-way drive suited to medium torque applications.
• Shear barrel nuts – One-way permanent fastener for high security applications such as banks or prisons.

Applications of Inter Screws

These versatile fasteners are found in a wide range of industries and projects. Flat-pack furniture assembly is perhaps the most common use, where inter screws ensure wardrobes, tables, and bookshelves are easy to put together and stay sturdy. Cabinetry and joinery projects also benefit from their strong and reliable connections, whether for kitchen units, office desks, or storage systems.

Their neat, flush finish makes them a popular choice for retail displays, as they keep shop fittings and showcases looking professional. In industrial settings, inter screws are valued for their strength and reliability, often used in metalwork or machinery.

Benefits

• Strong connections: The barrel nut’s design spreads force evenly, creating robust joints that resist loosening over time.
• Reusability: Inter screws can usually be easily disassembled and reassembled, making them perfect for modular furniture.
• Aesthetic appeal: Their sleek design allows for a clean, flush finish, enhancing the overall appearance of furniture or projects.
• Cost-effective: Their durability and reusability make them a cost-efficient choice for long-term applications.
• Ease of alignment: The barrel nut’s cylindrical shape helps ensure perfect alignment of the materials being joined.

Tips for Installation

Getting the best results with inter screws is all about preparation. Start by ensuring your holes are drilled accurately and to the correct depth so the barrel nut fits snugly. Use the right tools to avoid damaging the screw head – a hex key, screwdriver, or specialised driver, depending on the drive type, should do the trick. Take care not to over-tighten the screws, as this can strip threads or warp the fastener. Finally, double-check that the screw and barrel nut sizes match the specifications of your project.

Fastenright’s Range of Inter Screws

Fastenright Ltd is a major supplier of fasteners and associated fixings. We offer one of the widest ranges of standard and security fasteners available from a single supplier, from micro diameters to large diameters and various type of heads, drives and threads. For example we offer the largest sizes of Pin Torx Barrel Nuts – M12 x 50 and M16 x 50 – which are widely used in the playground equipment industry. Our customers receive individual attention from staff providing expert advice, guidance and technical knowledge. All orders are fully traceable from product manufacture to delivery.

Inter screws are a must-have for furniture assembly and other applications that require strong, reliable connections. The correct choice will provide the strength and simplicity needed to get the job done right. Call us now to speak to an expert and get a competitive quotation.