Different Types of Screws that are Available
Screws are the most minor pieces of equipment responsible for holding some of the most significant structures. The function of every screw, irrespective of size, shape, dimensions, head, or tip, is always going to be constant, i.e. joining or fastening materials together in a secure manner. However, not all screws are the same, making it even more important to choose the correct screws for the right project.
Different types of screws
In reality, there are several categories of screws that are made all over the world by leading manufacturers like EJOT. Some of the more common types are screws are:
- Wood Screws: Made from brass, steel or bronze, wood screws are best suited for all projects involving wood as one of the materials needing joining. Their unthreaded shanks identify wood screws at the top and coarse threads at the tip. The design of wood screws allows it to penetrate smoothly through the wood with very little resistance, resulting in minimization of splintering of the wood.
- Drywall Screws: These screws are meant to work with drywall panels and are available in the W-type (coarsely threaded) screws used to fasten wood to drywall. It is also available in the more finely threaded S-type screws that join metal studs to the drywall. Drywall screws come with sharp tips, which makes the fastening process straightforward and are made from phosphate, zinc, or ceramic to reduce corrosion.
- Self-tapping or sdst screws: These are some of the world’s most commonly used fasteners. These screws have mating threads along the length of the screw and need a pre-drilled pilot hole for optimum and secure fastening. When being driven into the pilot hole, the threads of the self-tapping or sdst screws when being pushed into the pilot hole helps to join materials securely. Sdst or Self-tapping screws are different from other screws given pointy tip and design, allowing them to create their own threads in the fastening process.
- Sheet metal screws — Belonging to the self-tapping or sdst screw family, sheet metal screws combine different materials like plastic, rubber, metal, or plywood. Sheet metal screws come in varying sizes and types, and the screw used will depend on the materials that need fastening.
- Self-drilling screws: Self-drilling screws are nothing but self-tapping or sdst screws with a drill point to drill a hole and simultaneously create the mating threads to fasten materials together. Self-drilling screws can drill quickly through metal and do not need a pilot hole to be pre-drilled.
Colour head self-drilling screws from global leading screw manufacturer EJOt come with a durable coating on the heads of the screws. Available in many-colored heads, these color head self-drilling screws are found in multiple colours to match the colour of the roofing or cladding. Designed to last as long as the roof, these colour head self-drilling screws are best suited for roofing projects to match the colours of the roof chosen by homeowners and architects.
- Masonry Screws: These screws are also called ‘anchors’ and are used to fasten concrete to wood or metal. Masonry screws are commonly used to join wood plates to a concrete foundation.
- MDF and Dowel Screws: medium-density fiberboard screws are used in moulding projects and the construction and assembly of bookcases, cabinets, and shelves. MDF is extremely tough screws and eliminates the need for a pre-drilled pilot hole while also reducing the chances of the wood splitting during the joining process.
- Mirror Screws: Specialized screws made only to fasten mirrors to walls without the need to fit any additional brackets. Mirror screws have a threaded hole and a countersunk head, making it easy to attach cover caps. Not only does this make installation easy, but it also gives the mirror a stylish look and finish. This enables the (included) cover caps to be screwed on, resulting in a chic finish. Coated with zinc, these screws and covers are resistant to rust and corrosion, allowing them to be used in places with high moisture levels, like bathrooms.
From above, it is clear that there are screws for every purpose and to be used with different kinds of materials. Hence, it becomes crucial to understand the screw types and when a particular screw is needed, and how any screw can be optimally used.