Chinese Lighting Hardware: Are the Screws Any Good?

You've chosen a beautiful light. It arrives. You open the hardware bag... and the screws look cheap.

Does it matter? Actually, yes.

Here's what you need to know about screw quality in Chinese lighting.

Why Screws Matter

Screws might seem minor. But they:

• Hold your light up (safety!)

• Connect electrical parts (also safety!)

• Determine ease of installation

• Affect longevity (cheap screws rust)

What Good Screws Look Like

Material:

• Stainless steel (best for most)

• Brass (good, especially for fixtures)

• Zinc-plated steel (okay for indoor)

• Never: plain steel (rusts)

Head type:

• Phillips #2 (standard, works)

• Slotted (okay but can strip)

• Hex (good, less stripping)

• Torx (excellent, rare in lighting)

Thread:

• Clean, sharp threads

• Consistent depth

• No burrs

Plating:

• Smooth, even

• No rust spots

• Matches fixture (if visible)

What Poor Screws Look Like

• Rust spots (even new)

• Burrs (can damage threads)

• Soft metal (strips easily)

• Wrong length (common problem)

• Wrong head (strips out)

Common Screw Problems

Too soft:
Some cheap screws are made of soft metal. They strip when you tighten them. Then you can't remove them later.

Wrong length:
Too long = hits wires. Too short = doesn't grip.

Rusty:
Even new screws can have rust spots if poor quality.

Mismatched:
Different screws in same bag (different lengths, finishes).

Missing:
Nothing worse than starting installation and finding missing parts.

What to Check

Before buying:

• Look for "hardware included" in description

• Check reviews for installation complaints

• Ask about screw material if critical

When it arrives:

• Check all hardware immediately

• Test screws in their holes (before final install)

• Look for rust or defects

If screws are poor:

Option 1: Use them carefully. If they're just cheap but functional, maybe fine.

Option 2: Replace them. Hardware stores sell better screws for pennies.

Option 3: Return the light. If screws are this bad, what else is wrong?

Real Example: Good Hardware

I bought a pendant from a reputable China site. Hardware came in labeled bags. Screws were stainless, clean threads, correct lengths. Installation smooth.

Real Example: Poor Hardware

A friend bought a cheap chandelier. Screws were soft metal — stripped immediately. Had to buy replacements before installing.

Screw Materials Guide

What About Included vs. Missing?

Good sellers include:

• Mounting screws

• Wire nuts

• Ground screw

• Chain (if applicable)

• Canopy hardware

Bad sellers:

• Missing pieces

• Wrong sizes

• Cheap substitutes

The Bottom Line

Screws seem minor. But bad screws can ruin installation.

Check hardware when your light arrives. Test before starting. Replace if needed.

Good screws = smooth installation. Bad screws = frustration.