Types of Screws

Everyone knows what a screw is, a mechanical device that fastens things together. More specifically, they have a thread (spiral design) that circles the screw from the wider top to the bottom of it. The thread pulls it at a small interval whenever you turn or tighten the screw. Did you know there is a multitude of different kinds of screws that are used for a variety of applications? If you want to get familiar with most screws and learn what they are used for, keep reading. 

The following screws are the main fastener options. Other types are outside of this category, but in this instance, the fastener kind will be discussed. The screws (alphabetically) include Barrel, Cap, Captive, Concrete, Deck, Drive, Drywall, Framing/Self-Drilling, Machine, Set, Sheet Metal, Shoulder, Thread Forming/Cutting, Thumb, Weld, and Wood.  

Barrel 

These types of screws are mainly utilized for securing two things together and are outwardly threaded as a two-part locking system. The barrels are the nut components that are threaded on the inside. It comes in many different lengths and girth sizes, heads, finishes, and materials. It works by the screw couples with the barrel, and then it’s turned to tighten the two objects together. 

Cap

It can be made from metal or non-metal materials, depending on your need. There are a bunch of different types of heads for this screw (fillister, hex) and drive styles (slotted, hex socket) applied to threaded nuts or pre-drilled holes. You will find them typically being used to put together machinery. 

Captive 

This threaded fastener structure is where the captive screw is bonded with pairing parts, which will stay together when removed. People use these screws when fastening panels and accessing storage and ports. It can handle being removed and screwed back in repeatedly. 

Concrete

These threaded fasteners were explicitly created for drilling and securely staying in concrete. You can also put glue to boost stability and holding power and grease for sliding the driving easier. Depending on your activity, the concrete screws are made from various materials and come in many types of head styles. 

Deck 

The threads on these are much bigger width-wise than the shaft and are used when building a deck. They are used with wood or synthetic wood, pushing through the material and locking inside the deck’s joists. The heads are usually designed for a flat finish. 

Dowel 

On their ends, they have something called “lag threads.” They are often used to secure wood or pliable material together while having the screws hide inside and not be seen outside. It will depend on the application, but dowel screws can be wholly or partly threaded, come with different threads, or have the same ones on either end of the screw. 

Drive

They have big, angled spiral threads for heavy-duty tools and substantial applications with castings, sheet metal, and plastic. They are known for things to be assembled quickly and efficiently. 

Drywall 

These screws have tough threads and are pointed so they can self-thread through the wallboard (drywall), wood material, and metal studs. They are customarily used to affix the drywall to the foundation or studs of a structure. 

Framing/Self-Drilling 

Before the threads can interconnect, the unique points of the screw will create self-drilled holes. This type is used for framing in metal or wood foundations and is a reliable and quick-acting screw. They come in a variety of drive and head styles.  

Machine 

Fully threaded screws are used with nuts or tapped holes for machinery assembly. It comes in a diverse range of options for the size of threads, head and drive types, lengths, finishes, and materials. 

Set

Their use is for affixing shafts to hubs. They come in a wide variety of tips that include cone, dog point, knurled, and cup, and they also have different drive options.

Sheet Metal

Sharp threads and tips help this screw cut through sheet metal, and they can attach metal to wood, metal to metal, plastic, and fiberglass. No pre-drilling is required when you use this screw. The types can include flush or rounded, and many drive kinds that depend on the activity you’re using them for. 

Shoulder 

Generally used for linkages, sliding components, and joints in many industries like consumer wares and aerospace. They feature spiraled shafts that are utilized as “bearing surfaces.” The primary shoulder (or shank) gives a precise fit to its counterpart, with different grades for purchase. It can be used for bearing mounts, spring guides (punch and die), and pivots. 

Thread Forming/Cutting 

Uniquely created threads and tips, driven inside holes, can cut or form independently. They have a metal cutting edge on the tip of the screw that helps with tricky, high-stressed materials. When you need the exact opposite effect, thread-rolling screws should be used instead.

Thumb

You turn thumb screws by hand. Phillips or slotted grooves can be used with tools like the Phillips screwdriver in many different head styles. These are used because you can loosen and tighten them often. 

Weld

They have been created to be adhered for all time to metal materials or surfaces by welding the area. Once the screws are secured, other items are attached to them using nuts to hold them in place. They come in different lengths, sizes, and materials for various applications. The head style of the screw depends on the welding method and the items you assemble. 

Wood

The type of screw is intended to push through wood easily because they have self-tapping threads. Pilot holes are used to avoid cracking or splitting the wood. Mostly the head of this screw is flat, but in some instances, they are oval or round. 

In Conclusion 

There are more screw types, but this gives you a pretty good overview of the types of screws. Specialized screws are used for specific jobs; there are tamper-proof and resistant screws and quarter-turn ones. 

It’s incredible how often screws are used in our life. You might take things for granted, but It’s important to have the best quality hardware for your automobile, even with the little things like license plate screws affixed to the front and back license plates of vehicles. If you operate an auto dealership and are looking to find a comprehensive selection of license plate screws, visit MBR Marketing at: https://mbrmarketing.com/dealer-supplies/license-plate-accessories/license-plate-screws.

Whatever screws you use for the task will depend on the job you are doing. Research, organizing, and being prepared will make the assembly of things faster and more expert. You will thank yourself for having the proper knowledge of the types of screws available.