16 Types of Screws and Their Uses
Screws are a fundamental requirement in many of the applications, and when it comes to choosing the right screw, you must understand each type well. There are different types of screws for construction, medical, automobile, and aerospace applications.
If you want to know about the 16 different types of screws and their uses, the guide below is for you.
What Are Screws?
Screws are types of fasteners which are used for fixation of different components together. It holds the components and parts tight with better alignment. Screws help in the construction of various parts by combining the separate portions together and making them useful.
16 Types of Screws and Their Uses
The 16 different types of screws and their uses are given below.
1. Wood Screws
Wood screws are fasteners which help join two wood pieces together. They have large threads that cut inside the wood and create a strong connection. They need a pilot hole to help with installation.
Wood screws are mostly made using brass, steel, or stainless steel and also have coatings like nickel and zinc. These screws are mostly chosen for outdoor applications as they resist corrosion and are durable. These screws are used in assembling furniture and their carpentry applications.
2. Machine Screws
Machine screws are fasteners which can be inserted in either tapped or pre-drilled holes. They cannot create their own threads but can fit in the existing ones. These screws have secure and precise fastening, which makes them suitable for appliances, machinery, and electronics. These screws create a very strong bond and are suitable for high-precision environments.
3. Countersunk Screws
Countersunk screws have a conical head which lets them sit flush below the material surface in which they are fastened. This design is attained by creating a countersunk hole in the component of the same shape as of screw head.
These screws are used in such applications which need a flat and smooth surface. They are manufactured using different types of materials, like stainless steel, steel, and brass have different shapes of screw heads. It is used in metalworking and woodworking applications.
4. Pan Head Screws
Pan head screws are known for their rounded and flat head, which helps it secure on the surfaces without deep penetration. It is opted in applications where the screw is required to be kept above the material. The pan head helps distribute the pressure uniformly on the surface. These are used in machines, electronics, woodworking, and cabinet making.
5. Sheet Metal Screws
Sheet metal screws are designed for fastening the surfaces of metal. They have pointed and sharp tips with self-tapping threads, and they can cut the material as it is inserted. They are suitable for joining thin sheets of metals.
The design of these screws offers a secure and tight fit, and there are different head styles they are available in, like hex, flat, and pan. Sheet metal screws are used in HVAC applications, construction, and automobile sectors.
6. Drywall Screws
Drywall screws are used for securing drywall to metal or wood studs in construction applications. They have a self-tapping point that is shaped and easily penetrates the drywall without any drilling. These screws are coated with surface finishing to enhance their durability and corrosion resistance. These screws are available in varying diameters and lengths.
7. Concrete Screws
Concrete screws consist of heavy-duty fasteners which can fix the objects to bricks and concrete. These screws do not require anchor inserts and are quite straightforward. They can be coated with zinc plating, which enhances durability. These screws are used in construction and DIY projects.
8. Deck Screws
Deck screws are meant for fixing the decking boards to the deck frames. These screws can withstand the outdoor connection and hence are suitable for being exposed to harsh conditions.
These screws are corrosion-resistant and consist of ceramic or zinc coating. Deck screws have versatile thicknesses and materials and can easily fix and maintain a uniform and smooth surface.
9. Self-Drilling Screws
Self-drilling screws consist of different drill tips with varying lengths. The drill tips can also be chosen based on their diameter. The thickness of the material impacts the requirement for length, and it helps join the steel or other metal sheets together.
10. Euro Screws
Euro screws consist of fasteners which are used in furniture making to assemble the particle board. It has a flat head, which allows the wood to be secured without any damage. It is designed for a shallow hole and can be used in furniture applications, creating a strong fix.
11. Lag Screws
Lag screws are also called lag bolts, and they are meant to be used for heavy-duty applications. They are used in soft materials as well as wooden installations. They consist of a very thick thread offering excellent holding power. These screws are suitable for applications that require strong connections, like in decking, construction and carpentry applications.
12. Set Screws
Set screws are designed to secure the object within another object without using any sort of nut. They have a cylindrical body and have a pointed tip. These screws are fixed so that a component can be locked in its place.
There are different types of set screws like cup point, flat point, or sharp point. These screws are used in pulleys and gears.
13. Grub Screws
Grub screws are such types of fasteners that can fit flush or below the material surface and create a secure grip. They have threaded through the entire length and also a socket on one of its ends. These are used to secure one component with another, like fastening the shaft and pulley together.
14. Tamper-Resistant Screws
Tamper-resistant screws are used in public areas where vandalism needs prevention. It is a type of security screw which makes tampering difficult. These screws are meant to secure gutters, car number plates, and grill bars.
15. Metal Roofing Screws
Metal roofing screws are meant to secure the materials for roofing. These screws have a flat head which is large, and have a washer with a self-drilling point.
The layout of these screws makes them easily penetrate the structure without the need for pre-drilling. These screws are used in metal roofing applications and can be made using stainless steel or galvanized steel.
16. Self-Tapping Screws
Self-tapping screws are designed to create their threads which help them drive in the materials easily. These screws consist of cutting threads and sharp tips, which help them tap into plastic, wood, and metal materials. They can offer a secure stronghold and hence are suitable for automobile, construction, and manufacturing applications.
Common Materials for Making Screws
The screws are made using a versatile option of materials, but some of the commonly adopted materials for screws are as follows:
Steel: It is the most common material for screws as it is simple and affordable and even offers durability.
Copper: Copper screws are corrosion-resistant and can be exposed to some harsh surroundings without wearing out.
Aluminum: Alluminio is durable and lightweight, and hence it is chosen for screw-making.
Titanium: Titanium screws are chosen for applications which are critical and require a blend of lightweight and strength as they are expensive.
Benefits of Using Screws
Screws are opted for many applications, and it is because of the benefits they offer; some of these benefits are as follows:
- Screws use less energy and fix the components very well with less energy required and hence offer a mechanical edge.
- They are very strong and last longer, which creates a bond that is durable.
- Screws are mostly manufactured using materials that are rust-resistant and hence can be used for all types of environments.
- There is a wide range of shapes and sizes these screws are manufactured in and have varied thread patterns too. Hence, based on the requirements of each application, they can be selected.
- Screws are easily removable and can be driven back whenever required.
- They offer reusability as they last long and hence can be used for another application whenever needed.
Factors to Consider When Selecting Screws Types
When selecting screws for your projects, the most important factors which you should keep in mind are discussed below:
- The material of the screw plays a vital role in its capability to create bonds as well as last longer. You must select the material based on the application, whether it is for outdoor use or indoor use. Does it need to be aesthetically pleasing or just functional?
- The type of head determines the way it will be driven and how it will look when installed. There are different head types, such as pan head, flat head, round head, etc., and each type has a different role to play.
- It is important to choose the right size and length of the screw so that it can offer proper fastening. The diameter of the screw and how deep it will penetrate are the two important aspects to consider.
- When choosing a screw for humid or outdoor applications, make sure to choose the one which offers corrosion-resistant materials or coating so that rust and corrosion can be prevented.
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Conclusione
The selection of the right screw is very important for required fastening. The guide above has given an insight into the different types of screws and how they can be used in every application.
