FF-S-85 Thumb Screws | Federal Specification Knurled & Winged Head Screws | Akbar Fasteners Mumbai
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ISO 9001:2015 · US Federal Specification
Knurled Head  ·  Winged Head  ·  Tool-Free Fastening

FF-S-85
Thumb Screws
Mumbai · India

Akbar Fasteners Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai — ISO 9001:2015 certified manufacturer and exporter of thumb screws referenced under US Federal Specification FF-S-85. Thumb screws solve a problem none of our other screw specifications address — genuinely tool-free fastening, with a knurled or winged head large and grippy enough to be turned firmly by hand alone, for access panels, covers, and adjustments that need to be opened and closed routinely without reaching for a driver.
Reference US Federal Specification FF-S-85
Head Types Knurled, Winged, Spade
Materials Steel, Stainless Steel, Nylon
Typical Use Tool-Free Access Panels & Adjustments
3
Core Head Types
50+
Countries Export Experience
0
Tools Required to Operate
ISO
9001:2015 Certified
Built for Hands, Not Tools

Why Thumb Screws Are Their Own Fastener Class

Every other screw specification we manufacture assumes a driver, wrench, or socket will turn it. A thumb screw assumes the opposite — that a person needs to turn it repeatedly, quickly, and without reaching for a tool at all. That requirement drives the entire design: the head has to be large enough to grip firmly with bare fingers, textured or winged enough not to slip under the moderate torque a hand alone can generate, and shaped so the fastener can be captured, spun, and re-tightened dozens of times over its working life without wearing out or becoming uncomfortable to operate.

That’s a genuinely different engineering goal than any of our other screw types — a cap screw or machine screw is optimized for maximum, tool-assisted clamping force; a thumb screw is optimized for repeated, comfortable, tool-free hand operation at a clamping force well below what a wrench could deliver. Getting the head style right for the actual hand-access and frequency-of-use situation is the practical decision buyers need help with, more than any strength specification.

Akbar Fasteners Pvt. Ltd. exports to over 50 countries, and our thumb screw range is manufactured across knurled, winged, and spade head types, verified under our ISO 9001:2015 quality system.

FF-S-85 Thumb Screw — Akbar Fasteners
Why Buyers Specify FF-S-85

Where FF-S-85 Genuinely Applies

Genuine Tool-Free Operation

Head geometry sized and textured for reliable hand-tightening without any driver or wrench.

Built for Repeated Use

Durable knurl or wing geometry designed to withstand frequent hand-operation without degrading.

Unambiguous Federal Specification

Removes ambiguity in federal purchase orders needing a defined thumb screw standard.

Multiple Material & Finish Options

Steel, stainless steel, and nylon options across common head styles for different environments.

Head Types We Manufacture

Thumb Screw Head Type Options

Knurled Head

Knurled Head Thumb Screw

Fine or coarse knurl texture around a round head, giving reliable grip in a compact profile.

Winged Head

Wing Head Thumb Screw

Two flared wings extending from the head, giving maximum leverage for higher hand-applied torque.

Spade Head

Spade Head Thumb Screw

Flattened spade-shaped head for a low-profile grip in tight-clearance panel applications.

Matching Head Type to Application

Head Type Selection Guide

The right head type depends on the torque needed, clearance available, and how often the fastener will be operated. This table is the quick reference we use with buyers before quoting.

Head TypeHand TorqueTypical Use Case
Knurled HeadModerateCompact panels, general-purpose access
Winged HeadHighestHigher clamping force with only hand torque
Spade HeadLower to ModerateTight clearance, low-profile applications
Materials, Finish, and Dimensions

FF-S-85 Specification Details

Material Options

Materials We Manufacture In

  • Carbon Steel Plain / Zinc Plated
  • Stainless Steel 304 / 316
  • Nylon / Plastic Lightweight, Non-Marking
  • Finish Plain / Nickel / Black Oxide
Manufacturing Process

How Thumb Screws Are Made

  • Process Cold Formed / Machined
  • Head Texture Knurled / Cast Wing
  • Testing Dimensional Verified
  • Quality Batch Sampled
Size Range

Available Dimensions

  • Nominal Size #4 – 3/8″ (Inch Series)
  • Metric Equivalent Available to Drawing
  • Length Custom to Application
  • Head Type Knurled / Winged / Spade
Where FF-S-85 Thumb Screws Are Specified

Application Areas

Wherever a panel, cover, or adjustment needs to be opened and closed routinely without a tool.

Electrical & Server Enclosures

Tool-free access panels
for frequent maintenance

Test & Measurement Equipment

Adjustable panels and
calibration access covers

Camera & Tripod Mounts

Hand-adjustable mounting
and positioning hardware

Government & Defense Equipment

Federal procurement
tool-free access needs

Machine Guard & Cover Panels

Frequently removed
machine guards and covers

Laboratory Equipment

Frequent hand-adjustable
fixturing in lab settings

Audio/Visual & Rack Equipment

Rack panel and
enclosure access hardware

General Tool-Free Access Panels

Standard fastening across
federally specified projects
Every Export Shipment Prepared With

Standard Export Documentation

Prepared as standard practice for every FF-S-85 thumb screw shipment.

Mill Test Certificate (MTC)

Heat number, chemical composition, and mechanical property verification for every lot.

Certificate of Conformance

Confirms the shipment matches the purchase order head type/material specification in full.

Dimensional Inspection Report

Verification of head knurl/wing geometry and thread dimensions for correct fit and grip.

Certificate of Origin (COO)

Confirms India as country of manufacture for destination customs purposes.

NABL Accredited Test Reports

Independent mechanical and dimensional testing available on request for critical applications.

Commercial Invoice & Packing List

Itemized value, Incoterm, and detailed carton/weight breakdown for customs clearance.

Standards We Manufacture To

Internationally Recognised Standards Coverage

US Federal Specification
FF-S-85
Federal specification reference for knurled, winged, and spade head thumb screws for tool-free fastening.
Companion Federal Spec
FF-S-86
The shoulder screw specification for precision pivot and bearing applications instead of hand-operated fastening.
Companion Federal Spec
FF-S-92
The set screw specification for tool-driven headless shaft-locking applications.
Commercial Equivalent
ASME B18.17
The commercial thumb screw and wing screw standard frequently cross-referenced alongside FF-S-85.
Material — Steel
ASTM A510 / A575
Carbon steel wire and bar specifications commonly referenced for standard thumb screw material.
Quality System
ISO 9001:2015
QMS certification covering our complete manufacturing, inspection, and documentation process at our Mumbai facility.
FF-S-85 Thumb Screws — Manufacturer & Exporter

Need Genuine
Tool-Free Fastening?

Tell us your access frequency, clearance, and material requirement — we’ll confirm the right head type and quote across our full thumb screw range. Akbar Fasteners Pvt. Ltd. responds within 24 hours.

Sales: +91 724 0000 733 · Support: +91 800 9315 333 · sales@akbarfasteners.in

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