Machine screws may look like bolts, but they aren’t necessarily the same. Machine screws have a slotted head, whereas bolts have a hex head. With a slotted head, machine screws can be installed using a screwdriver, such as a Philips head or flat-heat screwdriver. You can install a machine screw by placing a screwdriver into the slotted head and turning it. Conversely, you can remove a machine screw by turning the screwdriver in the opposite direction (counter-clockwise).

In comparison, bolts typically require the use of a hex socket to install. They don’t feature a slotted head. Instead, bolts have a hex head that only works with a hex socket. To install a bolt, you must place a hex socket over the bolt’s head and then turn it.

Another difference between machine screws and bolts lies in their respective size. Most machine screws are relatively small compared to other fasteners like bolts. Bolts are available in a variety of sizes, with some of them being over 2 inches long. Machine screws, on the other hand, are usually less than 1 inch long. You can still find longer machine screws, but they typically come in smaller sizes than bolts.