As there are so many different types of screws, selecting the most suitable fixing for the job can be challenging. There are several important elements to consider, and knowing the specific requirements for the intended task will also help to determine the best screw type.
Material
The material you will be screwing into will play a significant role. Some types of screws are ideally suited to specific materials, such as wood screws, while others are more general-purpose. You should also consider the material’s thickness as this will dictate the required length of screw you will need.
Size
The screw you are using needs to be the right size for the material and application. Screws should not be too long, as this could result in the screw passing all the way through the material. Screws that are too short should also be avoided as this could compromise the strength of the fastening. Lastly, the diameter of the screw should be considered, as thicker screws may split more delicate materials while thinner, smaller screws could be bent out of shape by more heavy-duty components.
Drive Type
There are hundreds of different screw drive types, but the most common drives include:
- Phillips
- Torx T and TX
- Hex
- Hex socket
- Security hex socket
- One-way
Slotted drives are the most common. They simply feature a single slot in the head of the fastener and can be driven by a standard flat-bladed screwdriver.