1/4" UNC photo threaded pin with internal hexagon 1/2"

1/4" UNC photo set screw with 1/2" hex socket, small, inconspicuous, but absolutely crucial

Sometimes it’s these tiny parts that end up saving the entire setup. Our 1/4" UNC photo set screw with 1/2" length and hex socket falls exactly into this category. A classic pin for photo and video equipment that integrates seamlessly into common accessories, without any fuss but with reliable precision.

The set screw is made from 18-8 stainless steel. This is not some exotic marketing material, but a proven stainless steel that simply works in everyday use: corrosion-resistant, robust, and insensitive to typical studio and outdoor conditions. Whether you’re tightening things in a dry studio or working outside in damp weather, the screw remains dimensionally stable and reliable.

Precise 1/4" UNC thread for photo and video equipment

The thread corresponds to the classic 1/4" UNC photo thread you know from tripods, quick-release plates, camera cages, and countless adapters. It is an imperial UNC right-hand thread, exactly what has been standard in photography and video for decades. Not an exotic special format, but deliberately compatible with typical photo mounts.

The screw type is a stud, meaning a pure set screw without a head that can be countersunk flush or nearly flush. Ideal when you need a flat, clean surface or want to permanently connect components without a screw head getting in the way. This is extremely practical, especially for camera plates, clamps, or custom-built rigs.

1/8" hex socket, important: imperial key required

The set screw is driven via a 1/8" hex socket. And here’s the point many only notice when it’s too late: you need an imperial hex key for this. A standard metric hex key usually doesn’t fit properly, sits loosely or only engages halfway, and in the worst case the head rounds out.

We want to emphasize this very clearly: for installation you need a special 1/8" imperial hex key, which is not included in the scope of delivery. If you already work with US photo accessories or imperial screws, you probably already have such a key in your tool bag. If not, it’s worth getting one, especially if you frequently work with UNC threads.

Clean workmanship for reliable connections

The set screw is designed so that it is easy to start and engages cleanly in the 1/4" UNC thread. The threads are precisely manufactured so you can fasten components without play. This precision is particularly noticeable with camera accessories that must not come loose or twist.

With its length of 1/2", you have sufficient thread engagement to achieve a stable connection without the screw protruding unnecessarily far. This is especially convenient when you use the screw in plates, brackets, or clamping blocks that are meant to remain flush. In short: you get a solid, everyday solution for typical photo and video applications.

Areas of application in photo and video work

Typical use cases include fixing quick-release plates to camera rails, screwing accessories to cages, retrofitting 1/4" mounts, or replacing lost original set screws. Especially if you like building your own setups or modifying existing equipment, you’ll need such a screw sooner or later—and usually exactly when none is available.

Whether you want to securely fasten a monitor mount, fix a plate on a slider, or stabilize a small rig: the 1/4" UNC photo set screw with 1/2" hex socket is made to do its job unobtrusively. No frills, but reliable.

Important note on compatibility

Since this is an imperial 1/4" UNC right-hand thread, the screw fits standard photo threads, but not metric M6 or similar threads. If you’re unsure whether your accessory has a 1/4" photo thread, it’s worth taking a quick look at the manufacturer’s specifications or comparing it with a known 1/4" screw from your collection.

In summary: you get a robust set screw made of 18-8 stainless steel, with 1/4" UNC thread, right-hand thread, and 1/8" hex socket, perfect for use in photo and video equipment—provided you have the matching imperial hex key at hand.