Screws

4 things you should consider when buying screws

There are several considerations you can make before you go out to buy screws.

We therefore provide you with a number of suggestions below for considerations you can make, so you are sure to get the types of screws that fit your needs.

#1 - What do you need the screws for?

There are many different tasks that require you to use screws, and it can be difficult to determine which screw fits the task.

It could be that you want to start building new or renovating the existing house.

If so, there is a good chance that you will need some screws, and what you are getting started with has a significant impact on which types of screws you will need.

If, for example, you need to work with wood, you will need a different type of screw than if you are working with concrete or bricks.

A wood screw is not designed to hold as well in a concrete wall as a concrete screw is.

It is therefore important to consider which tasks you will be undertaking, so you can ensure that you can get the right types of screws for the task.

#2 - What material will you be working with?

When you are buying screws, it is important to consider which material you will be screwing into, as it has a significant impact on what type of screw you will need.

If you will be working with wood, you will likely need a standard wood screw, as it can be used for nearly all types of wood.

A wood screw can be found for both outdoor and indoor use, where the outdoor screws are often made of stainless steel to better withstand wind and weather, while indoor screws are made of electro-galvanized steel, which makes them rust more slowly than otherwise.

If you are working with concrete or bricks, you will likely need a concrete screw, as it is much better at gripping in the concrete wall.

Additionally, there are many other forms and types of screws, so it is important to research which screws are suited for which tasks, so you can make the right purchase.

#3 - What types of screws do you need?

You can find many different types of screws on the market, and it can be difficult to know which types are suitable for what.

For example, it is important to know what type of thread the screws should have, as certain types of threads are better suited for performing certain tasks than others.

Types of threads you can find on screws:

• Coarse thread
• Fine thread
• High-low thread

The coarse thread is the type of thread you find on most wood screws, and ensures that the screw goes quickly into the material.

The finer thread means that the screw needs to be driven in more to penetrate the material, but it also holds better.

The fine thread is primarily used if you need to screw into harder types of wood.

The high-low thread is mainly used for the installation of drywall, where you need to ensure that you do not tighten the screw too much and leave marks in the drywall.

The other thing you need to be mindful of when looking at screws is which type of drive it uses.

The drive affects the type of screwdriver or bits for the screw gun you will need to use, as it can potentially damage the screw if you use the wrong type.

The most common types of drives you can find on screws:

• Torx
• Slotted drive
• Pozidriv cross drive
• Phillips cross drive
• Hex

It is therefore important to research which drive the screws use, so you can be sure that your tools will fit the screws, so you do not need to buy new bits or screwdrivers.

#4 - Could a set of assorted screws be right for you?

In addition to standard boxes of screws, we also sell assortment boxes, where you can get a complete range of different screws with one purchase.

If you want to be sure to have the right screws on hand, it might be a good idea to get an assortment box, as you will have a large selection of matching screws.

This way, you'll have the correct screws for several different projects on hand and won't have to buy many different boxes to ensure that you have enough screws.

Additionally, the screws also come in a nice box with a handle, which you can easily carry around while having a good overview of the different types of screws you have with you.

4 Types of Screws Available on the Market

There are many different types of screws on the market, and it can be challenging to know which type of screw is suitable for the right task.

We therefore provide an overview of a couple of the most common types of screws you can find, so you have an idea of what to look for.

#1 - Wood Screws

Wood screws are one of the most common types of screws you can find and are often used for almost all types of wood.

They are available in both outdoor and indoor versions, where the outdoor version is made of stainless steel, which protects against the elements.

The indoor version is made of electro-galvanized steel, which means it is protected against general rust and wear, but can still rust if used outdoors.

Wood screws are generally available in lengths ranging from 12 - 200mm and thicknesses from 3 - 6mm.

#2 - Drywall Screws

A drywall screw is, as the name suggests, for screwing drywall onto the wall.

The screws are generally available in two versions, a coarse and a fine.

The coarse version of the screw is designed for use when you are mounting drywall onto a wooden frame, where it needs to grip the wood to hold the panel in place.

The finer version should be used if you are mounting the drywall onto a steel frame, where you only need to screw it through either an existing hole or through a relatively thin steel washer.

Drywall screws are generally available in lengths of 25 - 75mm and with a thickness of 3.5 - 4.2mm.

#3 - Bracket Screws

Bracket screws are primarily used when you are mounting a bracket on wood.

When the bracket is correctly placed, you drive the bracket screws into the pre-drilled hole of the bracket, which provides the bracket with a solid and stable platform to sit.

Another advantage of using bracket screws over bracket bolts is that it is easier to screw out the bracket screw again if you happen to place the bracket incorrectly.

Bracket screws are available for both indoor and outdoor use, so be mindful of which type you need for that.

Bracket screws are available in lengths of 25 - 50mm and in a thickness of 4 - 5mm.

#4 - Security Screws

A security screw is a screw that is generally used to secure windows and doors against attempted break-ins.

It works by, when screwed in, its special mechanism ensures that it cannot be unscrewed again, making it difficult for potential burglars to unscrew the window or door.

You just need to be sure that the screw is placed in the correct spot when you screw it in, as you can only remove the screw again by cutting it with an angle grinder.