Topic: Valve cover bolts/screws: what do you like?

[JBMorse]

Another question that came up while doing a top end rebuild has to do with the 6mm valve cover screws. I ruined a couple of them getting them out (yes I have JIS screwdriver, these were very stuck). I do have extras of these, but I was considering replacing all of them with new.
For the lower part of the engine, you can get kits of nice socket head SS screws:




I'm not sure I want these for the top of the engine. Has anyone seen kits for the valve cover bolts with something else? Maybe SS cap screws like these:



The pan head 6mm machine screws at hardware stores have much bigger heads than the Honda screws and I think they'd look a little odd. There's also the question of whether to replace them with all the same or use hex bolts where they were originally and something else in place of the JIS screws.
What have you all used for this?

[evanphi]

I have the round socket heads like in the first photo. I think button heads would be too wide.

[flybox1]

I have the round socket heads like in the first photo. I think button heads would be too wide.

Agreed.   Too wide. 
I have the socket heads too.  Love them.

[calj737]

Button heads are not too wide, nor are flange head head style screws (used commonly on modern bikes). I used ARP 12-pt flange heads on my 500 motor and they fit everywhere. In fact, button heads on your valve cover are better than socket heads because they are shorter and won't interfere with the tappet covers when attempting to remove them. (The flange of the tappet cover screw will hit the socket head).

[JBMorse]

I compared Hillman brand button head to the original pan head screw and it was the same head diameter. I might just go with those, but I see no kits of them anywhere so I would be paying for them individually, which would add up quickly.
I've seen some pictures of socket head screws for the valve cover and they do look pretty nice. I'll have to think about which way to go.

[slikwilli420]

Try allensfasteners.com for any fasteners. They must buy them by the truckload because they are substantially cheaper than anywhere else.