Oct 20, 2026Guides
How to Send a Clear RFQ for Custom Screws
Learn what buyers should include in a custom screw RFQ, from drawings and material to surface finish, quantity, application and packaging requirements.
A clear RFQ helps both the buyer and the supplier save time. For custom screws, a small missing detail can lead to a wrong quotation, wrong sample or delay before production.
Many buyers send only a photo and a quantity. This can be a useful start, but it is usually not enough for a reliable quote. A custom screw is not defined only by appearance. Thread size, length, head style, drive type, material, surface finish, hardness, application and packaging can all affect cost and production.
Drawing or Sample
For custom screws, a drawing is the best reference. It should show the main dimensions, thread type, head style, drive type, tolerance and any special requirement.
If there is no drawing, a physical sample or clear photos can still help. Photos should show the screw from different angles, including the head, drive recess, thread, point and any washer or special feature.
For special screws, SEMS screws or non-standard fasteners, a drawing or sample can reduce misunderstanding before quotation.
Material and Strength
Material should be confirmed clearly. Common options include carbon steel, alloy steel, stainless steel, brass and aluminum.
For carbon steel and alloy steel screws, buyers should confirm the strength class or hardness requirement if it matters. For stainless steel screws, common grades include 304 and 316.
The right material depends on the application. A screw used in a dry indoor product may not need the same material as a screw used outdoors, near water or in a high-strength assembly.
Surface Finish
Surface finish should not be described only by color. A black screw may be black oxide, black zinc, black nickel, black Dacromet or another coating.
Buyers should confirm the required finish, such as zinc plating, black oxide, nickel plating, passivation, Dacromet or zinc-nickel coating. If there is a salt spray requirement or approved sample, it should also be mentioned.
For visible parts, appearance is important. For functional parts, corrosion resistance, coating thickness and assembly performance may matter more.
Application and Assembly
Is the screw used in metal, plastic, wood or sheet metal? Is the hole already tapped, or does the screw need to form its own thread? Is the assembly manual or automatic? Is there any torque requirement?
These details are especially important for self-tapping screws, thread-forming screws, SEMS screws and screws used in plastic parts. The wrong thread or hardness may cause cracking, stripping, slipping or unstable assembly.
Quantity and Lead Time
Quantity affects the production method, price and lead time. A sample order, small batch order and mass production order may not be quoted in the same way.
Buyers should mention the estimated order quantity, annual usage if available, and expected delivery time. If the project is still in testing, it is better to say so clearly.
Packaging Requirement
For standard screws, bulk packing may be enough. For black-coated screws, decorative screws, SEMS screws, small precision parts or mixed kits, better packing may be needed to reduce scratches, mixing and warehouse mistakes.
Useful packing details include inner bag quantity, box label, carton weight limit, pallet requirement and whether mixed sizes are allowed.
Related Products
Custom Screws Machine Screws Self-Tapping Screws SEMS Screws Torx Screws Hex Socket Cap Screws Washers
Final Note
A good RFQ does not need to be complicated, but it should include the key details that affect production and cost.
For custom screws, buyers should provide drawing or sample information, material, finish, quantity, application and packaging requirement. The clearer the RFQ, the faster the supplier can review the part and provide a practical quotation.
Hextro supports custom screws, SEMS screws, machine screws, self-tapping screws and other fasteners according to drawings, samples and application requirements.
