I need #3 x 1/4” black flathead screws

[Terry Starch]

I’ve been looking for #3 x 1/4” black flathead screws for awhile. I at looking online so could someone please help me find nice ones. I ordered them from some place and when I received them they looked as if they were painted. I was very disappointed. Thanks again, Terry

[glenn bradley]

So you're looking for black oxide finished screws? If painted wasn't good I guess we need to know what the required finish is. Microfasteners has #2 x 5/16 but, skips #3 and jumps to #4. Smallest McFeely's will go is #4 in a FHWS. Can you show us the application? Maybe we can get you something that will work.

[Lee Schierer]

Buy some #3 x 1/4" zinc plated screws at Home Depot (https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-3-x-1-4-in-Phillips-Flat-Head-Zinc-Plated-Wood-Screw-8-Pack-806811/204587385) and then blacken them via the procedure outlined here (https://www.delphiglass.com/blog/how-to/getting-a-good-black-patina-on-zinc).

Recipes for turning zinc black

1. Black for zinc:
200 gm iron chloride
1 lit water

2. Black for zinc:

1 heaping teaspoon salt
2 heaping teaspoons copper sulphate
1 cup water(200 ccm)

Just do a google search for turning zinc black.

[Terry Starch]

I need semi-gloss black screws for the turn buttons on the back of the picture frames.

[David Eisenhauer]

Try Blacksmith Bolts. They have #12 x 3" wood screws. Is that what you need? They have lots of choices on screws and they are good screws that can stand some driving and not turn out.

[johnny means]

We use machinist's tool black.

[roger wiegand]

https://www.mcmaster.com/91253a092

McMaster Carr is often the answer. they have both 3-48 x 1/4 and 3-56 x 1/4 in a black oxide finish.

[William Hodge]

You could use brass screws. I regularly do this to make hardware look old.

Get unlacquered brass screws, or strip the lacquer off. Sink the screws into a soft wood board, past the threads, in slightly oversize holes. Spray them with sodium hydroxide oven cleaner. Wait a day. Rinse them off, and take them out of the board. The heads will be dark brown, like a US 10 B dark bronze finish. If you scratch the oxidized finish, it an be touched up with a black Sharpie (not gold seal version).

[Peter Kuhlman]

Did you check McFeelys? They are the source for all things screws.

[Paul F Franklin]

I need semi-gloss black screws for the turn buttons on the back of the picture frames.

I think the only way you're going to get gloss or semi-gloss black is with painted screws.

[Jim Becker]

Try Blacksmith Bolts. They have #12 x 3" wood screws. Is that what you need? They have lots of choices on screws and they are good screws that can stand some driving and not turn out.

He needs a #3 size screw, not a #12. #12 would be a bit of overkill for the back of a picture frame. :) :D

[David Eisenhauer]

Jim I've always been proud of my ability to carefully read things and note the minute details. Always glad to be a help. Somehow I read that as a need for 1/4" by 3" long screws - sort of a dyslexia thing?

[Jamie Buxton]

Bear Woods Supply offers #3x1/4 black Phillips head wood screws. https://www.bearwood.com/black-phillips-FH-6.4-sc-505.html

[Rob Luter]

I need semi-gloss black screws for the turn buttons on the back of the picture frames.

When I hear "Back of Picture Frames" I think "Against Wall and Unseen". What does the gloss level matter?

[Jim Becker]

Jim I've always been proud of my ability to carefully read things and note the minute details. Always glad to be a help. Somehow I read that as a need for 1/4" by 3" long screws - sort of a dyslexia thing?
Well, that frame wouldn't come off the wall for sure if he uses the screws you mentioned. LOL But yea...I had to read it twice, too.

[Terry Starch]

Bear Woods Supply offers #3x1/4 black Phillips head wood screws. https://www.bearwood.com/black-phillips-FH-6.4-sc-505.html

Thanks I’ll check them out..

[Myk Rian]

When I hear "Back of Picture Frames" I think "Against Wall and Unseen". What does the gloss level matter?

That's what I'm wondering.

[ChrisA Edwards]

Maybe it's a stand up picture frame on a desk or something where the back will be exposed.

[Dan McGonigle]

Just wanted to mention that boltdepot.com has a huge selection of fasteners, easily organized. I've been ordering flathead brass screws from them, even very small #1 and #2, since a BORG employee told me they are now only offering phillips head screws in store. They may have what you're looking for.