lightscrews

Lightscrews is a term used in some mechanical and lighting industries to describe fasteners that provide built-in illumination. The concept is not tied to a single universal standard and can refer to different implementations, including both active and passive lighting options. In general, lightscrews are designed to aid assembly, alignment, or signaling by emitting light from or around the screw itself.

Designs and variants range from self-contained, active lightscrews to passive, glow-in-the-dark types. Active variants incorporate a miniature light source, such as an LED, and a power source or a connection to the host equipment, enabling illumination of a targeted area during installation or maintenance. Passive variants rely on photoluminescent materials or surface coatings that emit light after exposure to ambient illumination, offering no powered component. Lighting motors, lenses, or fiber-optic guides may also be integrated to direct light along a component interface.

Materials and form factors vary widely to suit applications, with common options including stainless steel, aluminum, and high-strength polymers. Typical sizes span small machinery fasteners such as metric M3 to M6 and similar imperial equivalents. Environmental considerations, such as water or dust resistance, may influence IP-rating requirements and sealing methods. Electrical or optical safety standards apply to active versions, particularly in exposed or consumer-facing equipment.

Applications are found in electronics assembly, aerospace, automotive interiors, stage lighting, and other environments where hands-free illumination improves visibility or reduces handling errors. The term lightscrews is most often used descriptively rather than as a formal product category, and specific features are determined by the manufacturer and intended use. See also fasteners, LED lighting components, and illuminated hardware.