Screws are most often used to fasten materials such as wood and metals; however, they can also be used with other materials. This article provides information on the different types of screws.
Wood can also be fastened with nails. Check out our article about the different types of nails.
Screw Composition
Screws are metal fasteners that have a threaded shank, which is driven by turning. The threads prevent the screw from pulling out.
The head of the screw has a recessed area that accepts a tool, such as a drill or screwdriver, which turns the screw into place. Various shapes are used depending on the type of materials being fastened, the intended appearance, and the type of driving device.
The threads are the helical ridges along the screw, which provide the friction that keeps the two materials together..
The pitch is the distance between threads. Coarse-threaded screws have a larger pitch, i.e. the threads are farther apart.
Different Types of Screws
Wood Screw
Generally coarse-threaded, threaded point that creates its own mated threads in wood.
Drywall Screw
Bugle head, thin shank, specifically designed to fasten drywall to studs, often used as a multi-purpose screw.
Sheetmetal Screw
Short, coarse-threaded, typically a round head. Used to fasten sheet metal or other thin materials.
Cap Screw
Threaded screw, no point, used to fasten machine parts with pre-threaded holes. Driven with a bolt driver rather than a screwdriver.
Machine Screw
Narrow shank, fine-threaded, used with a nut or driven into a pre-threaded hole.
Set Screw
No head, the shank is slotted.
Screw Head Shapes
Screws have various head shapes that are used for different materials or final appearances.
Flat Head
Pan Head
Round Head
Truss Head
Oval Head
Fillister Head
Bugle Head
Types of Screw Heads
Screws have different slots in the head to accept the different types of driving tools.
Slotted Head
Phillips Head
Allen Head
Square Head
Security Head
