Top 10 Shoulder Screw Brands in 2026
What sets one shoulder screw brand apart from the next, and how do you pick the right supplier for your build?
Choosing a shoulder screw brand is not only about price. A shoulder screw works as a bearing or pivot surface, so material, shoulder tolerance, and finish decide whether a moving assembly runs clean or wears out early. The best shoulder screw brands match the metal and the tolerance to your application, hold a recognized standard, and ship when you need the part.
In this post, we list the top shoulder screw brands for 2026, based on manufacturing quality, material range, standards compliance, and availability. Some are makers, some are distributors, and a few do both.
Quick Comparison of Top Shoulder Screw Brands in 2026
| Brand | Best For | Strengths |
| UPS Lakshmi | Custom shoulder screws built to drawing | Made-to-print work, ISO 7379 and ANSI B18.3, stainless and alloy options |
| Camcar Innovations | Buyers wanting a heritage socket-screw name through distribution | Long engineering history, drive-system expertise, alloy-steel parts |
| JW Winco | Engineers speccing standard machine components | Inch and metric catalog, CAD models, ISO 9001:2015 |
| Aspen Fasteners | Online, self-service bulk ordering | Fast shipping from North American centers, custom-to-print, easy online buying |
| Fastenal | Local availability and managed inventory | Largest North American distributor, branches and vending, supply-chain support |
| Fabory | European buyers wanting a deep catalog | 400,000+ products, e-commerce, vendor-managed stock |
| AMPG | Specialty and custom US-made shoulder screws | Same-day stock, Swiss-machined customs, titanium and aluminum options |
| Holo-Krome | Safety-critical, high-strength US-made parts | Cold-formed strength, Grade 12.9, HOLO-CODE traceability |
| Lyn-Tron | Electronics and connector hardware | US-made precision parts, RoHS compliant, tight tolerances |
| Unbrako | Premium high-tensile socket fasteners | Heritage brand since 1911, tested strength, accredited lab |
10 Top Shoulder Screw Brands to Know in 2026
1. UPS Lakshmi
UPS Lakshmi is fastener maker that produces shoulder screws for printing and also ships to the USA. The company machines its shoulder bolts to ISO 7379 and ANSI B18.3 dimensions, holds an H9 tolerance on the shoulder, and checks each batch before it ships. That tight tolerance matters, because a loose shoulder can cause binding or early wear in moving assemblies.
Material choice runs from SS-304 and SS-316 stainless for wet or corrosive work to heat-treated alloy steel for heavy load-bearing spots. Stainless parts get a passivated finish for extra protection against moisture and chemicals. If you need a non-standard shoulder length, diameter, or finish, UPS Lakshmi makes the part from your drawing instead of pushing a catalog substitute.
You will find UPS Lakshmi shoulder screws in aerospace, automotive, and general industrial assemblies, along with wind-energy hardware. For buyers who want custom shoulder screws without a large minimum, it is a practical first call.
Founded: 2006
What Shoulder Screws Does UPS Lakshmi Make?: Stainless (SS-304, SS-316) and heat-treated alloy steel shoulder bolts to ISO 7379 and ANSI B18.3, with custom shoulder lengths and finishes built to drawing.
Which Industries Does UPS Lakshmi Serve?: Aerospace, automotive, general industrial, and wind energy.
What Should Buyers Know About UPS Lakshmi Shoulder Screws?: Parts hold h9 shoulder tolerance, ship with batch inspection, and can be made to print when a standard size will not fit. Stainless versions carry a passivated finish for corrosion resistance.
2. Camcar Innovations
Camcar Innovations is one of the older names in American fasteners, with roots going back to 1943 in Rockford, Illinois. Over the decades it became part of Textron Fastening Systems and later Acument, and the brand sits behind several drive and recess systems used across the industry.
Today, Camcar Innovations works on fastener research and design, then supplies an authorized network of manufacturers that produce the parts. Camcar Innovations-branded shoulder screws, usually in alloy steel, reach buyers through industrial distributors and online catalogs.
If you want a socket-screw name with long engineering history and you buy through distribution anyway, Camcar Innovations is worth a look. Just confirm current stock and lead times with your distributor, since the brand runs through a partner network rather than a single storefront.
Founded: 1943
What Does Camcar Innovations Offer?: Engineered fasteners and drive systems, with alloy-steel shoulder screws available through distribution.
What Should Buyers Know About Camcar Innovations Shoulder Screws?: Camcar Innovations designs and licenses through an authorized manufacturer network, so buy through a distributor and verify stock, finish, and lead time for the exact size you need.
3. JW Winco
JW Winco supplies standard machine components in both inch and metric sizes, and shoulder screws sit inside that catalog alongside knobs, levers, pins, and clamps. The North American arm started in 1978 and works as both a manufacturer and distributor, with ISO 9001:2015 behind its quality system.
The pull for engineers is breadth and availability. If you are already speccing Winco parts for a machine build, adding shoulder screws from the same source keeps purchasing simple and shortens your vendor list.
Winco publishes clear dimensional data and 3D models, which helps when you are dropping parts into a CAD assembly and need to check fit before you order.
Founded: 1978 (North American operations)
What Does JW Winco Offer?: Inch and metric standard machine components, including shoulder screws, plus operating and clamping hardware.
What Should Buyers Know About JW Winco Shoulder Screws?: Parts come with full dimensional data and CAD models, ship from North American stock, and fit naturally into a build that already uses Winco components.
4. Aspen Fasteners
Aspen Fasteners runs an online-first model, built so you can search, price, and order industrial fasteners without a phone call. Its catalog covers inch and metric bolts, nuts, screws, and washers, and shoulder screws are part of that lineup.
The company keeps distribution centers across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, which helps with same-day or next-day shipping on stock items. For special parts, Aspen can produce to your print through its production network.
This brand suits buyers who value speed and self-service. If you already know the spec you need and want to order shoulder screws in bulk online, Aspen makes that quick.
Founded: 1961 (offline store) and 2009 (online platform)
What Does Aspen Fasteners Offer?: Inch and metric industrial fasteners, including shoulder screws, sold online with bulk pricing and custom-to-print options.
What Should Buyers Know About Aspen Fasteners Shoulder Screws?: Stock parts ship from North American distribution centers, often same day, and you handle the whole order online without waiting on a sales rep.
5. Fastenal
Fastenal is the largest fastener distributor in North America, founded in 1967 in Winona, Minnesota. Rather than make most parts itself, it stocks and supplies shoulder screws from many makers through thousands of branches and on-site locations.
Its strength is reach. Local branches, vending machines, and managed-inventory programs put parts close to where you work, which cuts downtime when a line needs a replacement screw fast.
If your priority is availability and supply-chain support across many sites, Fastenal fits. You can also tap its manufacturing arm, which includes Holo-Krome, for higher-strength socket products.
Founded: 1967
What Does Fastenal Offer?: Distribution of shoulder screws and a broad fastener catalog, plus vending and managed-inventory programs.
What Should Buyers Know About Fastenal Shoulder Screws?: You buy through branches or on-site service rather than a single factory, which makes Fastenal strong on availability and replenishment across multiple locations.
6. Fabory
Fabory is a European fastener specialist based in Tilburg, Netherlands, trading since 1947 under the Borstlap family name. It carries more than 400,000 products and holds a strong position across the Benelux and wider Europe, with shoulder screws among its standard fasteners.
Buyers get a deep catalog backed by e-commerce ordering and KeepStock inventory programs that keep parts stocked at the point of use. An accredited test lab supports quality and certification needs.
For companies operating in Europe that want one source for fasteners plus supply-chain help, Fabory is a natural fit. Stock and shipping run mainly from its Tilburg and Brno warehouses.
Founded: 1947
What Does Fabory Offer?: A large catalog of fasteners, including shoulder screws, with e-commerce ordering and vendor-managed stock.
What Should Buyers Know About Fabory Shoulder Screws?: Fabory serves Europe best, ships from central warehouses within tight lead times, and can supply certificates through its accredited laboratory.
7. AMPG
AMPG, short for Accurate Manufactured Products Group, makes shoulder screws as one of its main lines from a plant in Indianapolis, Indiana. The family-owned company started in 1987 and focuses on hard-to-find, custom, and architectural fasteners, all made in the USA.
Stock parts ship the same business day, and the company holds more than 90,000 items. When you need something off-standard, AMPG cuts it on CNC Swiss lathes from your drawing. Material options include 316 stainless, aluminum, titanium, and a few lightweight proprietary alloys.
This brand earns its place for specialty work. If a standard catalog screw will not do and you need it quickly, AMPG is built for exactly that.
Founded: 1987
What Does AMPG Offer?: US-made shoulder screws and shoulder bolts, sex bolts, washers, and shims, with strong custom and made-to-print capability.
What Should Buyers Know About AMPG Shoulder Screws?: Stock parts ship same day, custom parts run on Swiss lathes from your print, and material choices reach beyond steel into titanium and aluminum.
8. Holo-Krome
Holo-Krome has made socket-screw products in the United States since 1929, and shoulder bolts sit within that line. The brand built its name on cold forming, a process that produces parts with fewer internal flaws and better fatigue strength than machining alone.
Now part of Fastenal’s manufacturing division, Holo-Krome runs a large plant in Wallingford, Connecticut, and marks parts with its HOLO-CODE system for traceability. Its socket screws reach Grade 12.9 strength and aim at safety-critical work where failure is not an option.
The brand sells through distribution rather than direct, so order through an authorized distributor. For US-made, high-strength socket products with documented traceability, Holo-Krome is a strong pick.
Founded: 1929
What Does Holo-Krome Offer?: US-made socket-screw products, including shoulder bolts, set screws, and high-strength cap screws.
What Should Buyers Know About Holo-Krome Shoulder Screws?: Parts are cold-formed for strength, carry HOLO-CODE traceability, and sell through authorized distributors rather than direct.
9. Lyn-Tron
Lyn-Tron makes precision shoulder screws for the electronics world from its plant in Spokane, Washington. The company began in 1956 as Lynn Electronics and grew into a maker of standoffs, spacers, and connector hardware, with shoulder screws part of that catalog.
Everything is made in the USA, and most parts meet the RoHS directive for hazardous-substance limits. Lyn-Tron runs CNC, multi-spindle, and EDM machining, which lets it hold the tolerances that PCB and chassis work demand.
If your shoulder screws go into electronic assemblies, computer hardware, or connector systems, Lyn-Tron speaks that language. Domestic production also helps with lead times and supply stability.
Founded: 1956
What Does Lyn-Tron Offer?: US-made precision shoulder screws, standoffs, spacers, and connector hardware for electronics.
What Should Buyers Know About Lyn-Tron Shoulder Screws?: Parts are made in the USA, mostly RoHS compliant, and machined to the tight tolerances that PCB and chassis assemblies need.
10. Unbrako USA
Unbrako USA is a heritage socket-screw brand that traces back to 1911 and the Standard Pressed Steel Company in Pennsylvania. The name plays on the word unbreakable, and for decades it has been a reference point for high-tensile socket fasteners, shoulder screws included.
The brand puts weight on strength and consistency, with an ISO/IEC 17025-certified lab behind its quality checks. Its stainless line covers the common A2 and A4 property classes, and its high-tensile parts target demanding mechanical work.
Unbrako sells through distribution, with US buyers served via unbrakousa.com. If you want a premium, long-established socket-screw name and you care about tested high-tensile performance, it belongs on your shortlist.
Founded: 1911
What Does Unbrako Offer?: High-tensile socket fasteners, including shoulder screws, set screws, and socket head cap screws, plus a stainless range.
What Should Buyers Know About Unbrako Shoulder Screws?: The brand focuses on tested high-tensile strength, backs parts with an accredited lab, and sells through distribution rather than direct.
What to Compare Across Shoulder Screw Brands
Shoulder screw brands are not interchangeable. Here is what to weigh before you commit to a supplier.
Material and Grade Selection
Different jobs need different metals. Alloy steel handles heavy loads, stainless 303 and 316 resist corrosion, and titanium or aluminum cut weight for electronics and aerospace. A good brand carries more than one option and tells you the grade and finish up front.
Areas to check:
- Whether the brand offers alloy steel, stainless, and lighter metals.
- Heat treatment and hardness for load-bearing parts.
- Surface finish, such as black oxide or passivation, for corrosion resistance.
- Material certificates and traceability on request.
Dimensional Precision and Tolerances
A shoulder screw acts as a bearing surface, so the shoulder diameter and length need to hold tight tolerances. Loose parts cause play, binding, or early wear. Ask what tolerance the brand holds and how it inspects parts.
Areas to check:
- Shoulder tolerance, often h9 or better.
- Roundness and surface finish on the shoulder.
- Batch inspection and measurement records.
- Consistency across repeat orders.
Standards and Compliance
Most shoulder screws follow ASME B18.3 for inch sizes or ISO 7379 for metric. Working to a recognized standard keeps parts predictable and replaceable. For regulated work, RoHS or defense certifications may also matter.
Areas to check:
- Conformance to ASME B18.3 or ISO 7379.
- RoHS compliance for electronics.
- Defense or aerospace approvals where needed.
- A documented quality system, such as ISO 9001.
Head and Drive Styles
Shoulder screws come with different heads and drives, and the right one depends on clearance and tooling. Socket (hex) heads are common, but some jobs call for a low head or a specialty drive.
Areas to check:
- Available head types, such as socket or low head.
- Drive style and tool compatibility.
- Thread size matched to the shoulder.
- Options for tight-clearance assemblies.
Custom and Made-to-Print Capability
Standard sizes do not always fit. Some brands make shoulder screws to your drawing, with custom shoulder length, diameter, material, or finish. That flexibility saves a redesign when a stock part falls short.
Areas to check:
- Willingness to build from your print.
- Minimum order quantities for custom parts.
- Lead time on made-to-order work.
- In-house machining, such as CNC Swiss.
Choosing the Right Shoulder Screw Brand
The right brand does more than sell you a screw. It matches the material, tolerance, and finish to your application, and it ships when you need the part.
Think about where your parts will work. A corrosive or marine setting points to stainless. A high-load joint wants heat-treated alloy steel. Electronics and aerospace often need lighter metals and cleaner handling. Match the brand’s strengths to those needs rather than picking on price alone.
Most shoulder screws follow recognized dimensional standards, ASME B18.3 for inch sizes and ISO 7379 for metric, so any brand you trust should be able to show conformance and supply material certificates on request. If a supplier cannot do that, treat it as a warning sign.
If you need custom shoulder screws built to a drawing, with stainless or alloy options and batch inspection behind them, UPS Lakshmi is set up for that kind of work.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know which shoulder screw brand fits my project?
Start with the application. Match the material to the environment, the tolerance to the moving parts, and the standard, ASME B18.3 or ISO 7379, to your spec. Then check that the brand can ship in your timeframe and supply certificates. A brand with case-relevant stock and clear documentation is usually the safer choice.
What is the difference between a shoulder screw and a regular bolt?
A shoulder screw has a smooth, unthreaded section, the shoulder, between the head and the threads. That shoulder acts as a bearing or pivot surface, so parts can rotate or slide around it. A regular bolt threads most of its length and is built to clamp, not to guide motion.
Should I buy from a manufacturer or a distributor?
Both work, and it depends on your need. Makers like AMPG, Holo-Krome, or UPS Lakshmi suit custom or high-spec parts. Distributors like Fastenal, Fabory, or Aspen suit fast access to many brands and quick replenishment. For one-off specials, go to a maker. For broad stock and supply-chain support, a distributor often wins.
What materials are shoulder screws available in?
Common choices are alloy steel for strength, stainless 303 or 316 for corrosion resistance, and lighter metals like aluminum or titanium for weight-sensitive work. Finishes such as black oxide or passivation add protection. The right material depends on load, environment, and weight limits.
