What are male and female screws (chicago screws )?

Male and female screws are fasteners used in pairs and consist of two parts: a male screw (convex part) and a female screw (concave part). They are connected to each other by a specific structure (e.g. threaded, socketed or dimpled fit) and are widely used in scenarios where removable or quick installation is required.

Structure and principle

• Male screws: usually the part with external thread, projection or plug, common shapes such as cylinder, conical head, etc.

• Female screws: Correspondingly designed with internal threads, recesses or sockets, which can be closely fitted with male screws.

• Connection: Fixed by rotating, pressing or plugging, without additional nuts (different from bolts and nuts)

Common Types

1. Threaded Male and Female Screws

• Similar to a screw, the male screw has a male thread and the female screw has a female thread, which are screwed together to secure the screw.

• Application: Furniture assembly, mechanical parts connection.

2. Plug-in type male and female Screws

• The male screw is a raised structure (such as mortise and tenon), the female screw is a groove or hole, directly inserted to lock.

• Applications: exhibition stands, tent stands, toy splicing.

3. Expansion type male and female Screws

• Female screw with expansion structure (such as plastic sleeve), knocked into the hole after the expansion of the fixed.

• Application: wall fixing (hanging pictures, lamps).

Areas of application

• Furniture industry: for quick assembly of panel furniture, e.g. wardrobes, bookshelves.

• Construction works: fixing lightweight partition walls, suspended ceilings or pipes.
  

• Electronic equipment: as connectors (e.g. power plugs and sockets).
  

• Automotive manufacturing: fixing of interior parts or wiring harnesses.

Materials and options

• Metal (steel, stainless steel, aluminium): for high strength and corrosion resistant environments.

• Plastic (nylon, PP): lightweight, insulating, mostly used in electronics or household.
  

• Selection basis: based on load bearing, environment (humidity, temperature) and aesthetic needs.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Advantages:

• Easy to install: no need for complicated tools, saves time.
  

• Removable: easy to maintain or adjust the structure.
  

• Concealment: some designs can hide the connection points to enhance aesthetics.
  

• Disadvantages:
  

• Strength limitation: not as strong as welding or riveting.
  

• High precision requirement: excessive tolerance can lead to loosening.

Differences with similar parts

• Bolts and nuts: additional nuts are required for fixing, male and female nails are self-matching.

• Rivet: permanent connection, while the male and female nails are removable.
  

• Expansion bolts: exclusively for walls, more functional.

In short, male and female screws show efficiency and flexibility in removable connection scenarios through clever structural pairing. Choosing the right type and material can significantly improve installation efficiency and reduce costs, making them an important component in modern assembly.

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