Screws are widely used fasteners that help form robust joints in various materials, making them essential in construction, manufacturing, and numerous everyday applications. With an extensive range of screw types available, selecting the right one can be crucial for ensuring durability, load-bearing capacity, and structural integrity. Below, we will break down some of the most common screw types, their characteristics, and ideal applications, so read on to learn more.
Wood screws are often designed with a tapered body and a sharp point, enabling efficient penetration into wood without pre-drilling a pilot hole. Their partially threaded shank can enhance grip while minimizing the risk of splitting, making them ideal for carpentry, furniture making, and framing projects.
Machine screws typically feature uniform threading and require a pre-drilled hole or a corresponding nut to be installed and held in place. Unlike wood screws, these fasteners usually are not self-tapping and are commonly used for securing metal parts, machinery, and electronics.
Opposed to many self-tapping screws, self-drilling screws have a drill bit-like tip that can allow them to cut their own pilot hole during installation. This feature often makes them highly effective for fastening metal sheets and other tough materials in roofing, HVAC systems, and structural applications.
Lag screws, or lag bolts, are notably thicker than most standard screws and often feature deep threads for high-strength fastening in wood and masonry. Their hexagonal heads also enable strong torque application, making them ideal for securing heavy beams, posts, and outdoor structures in many situations.
Sheet metal screws typically have sharp, closely spaced threads that can securely grip thin metal sheets tightly. In contrast to machine screws, they generally do not require pre-tapped holes, making them suitable for various types of ductwork, auto body repairs, and lightweight metal assemblies.
Deck screws are specifically designed for outdoor wooden structures and often feature corrosion-resistant coatings to withstand weather exposure. They also typically have deeper threads than standard wood screws to enhance grip and minimize loosening over time.
Drywall screws typically have a distinctive bugle-shaped head, which distributes pressure evenly to prevent the tearing of drywall paper. They are commonly available with coarse threads for wood studs and fine threads for metal studs, allowing for secure and clean attachment to various types of framing.
Concrete screws, also known as masonry screws, generally feature a hardened steel construction with deep, aggressive threads that can enhance grip in brick, concrete, or stone. In contrast to lag screws, which often require anchors for assembly, concrete screws are routinely used as standalone fasteners for masonry applications like furring strips to concrete walls.
Set screws are headless fasteners designed to be fully recessed into the material they secure. As such, they are typically used to assemble rotating parts like gears and pulleys on shafts while staying flush with the surface to ensure a smooth assembly.
Security screws regularly have specialized heads that require rare tools for removal, which helps deter unauthorized access to spaces. Unlike certain types of standard screws, these fasteners are commonly found in public installations, electronics, and safety-critical areas where security is a concern.
If you are seeking competitive purchasing options on new, used, obsolete, or hard-to-find screws, look no further than Hardware and Fasteners. Here, we leverage our purchasing power, market intelligence, and strong industry connections to provide timely fulfillment on a wide variety of parts. Keeping this in mind, explore our website at your convenience and do not hesitate to utilize our online Request for Quote (RFQ) to secure pricing information on screws or other related items you find on our database.
 |
“We Proudly Support Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund that serves United States Military Personal experiencing the Invisible Wounds of War : Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Post Traumatic Stress (PTS). Please visit website (www.fallenheroesfund.org) and help in their valiant effort”. |
We Hope that You Will Visit Us Again the Next Time You Need NSN Parts and Make Us Your Strategic Purchasing Partner.
Request for Quote