Now, if there was ever a question that seems so open ended to most people, it is probably “so, what type of screw do I need?”. We think the best way to answer this is to list the most popular screw types for you. We'll then give a short overview of where they can be used and the preferred applications. We're generous like that! Below you'll find a list of the most common types and a short description of their features. 

Wood Screws

Yes, screws for wood, not screws made from wood! These have a tapered point and can also have a smooth unthreaded portion of shank. These are also referred to as timber construction screws.

 

Cutter Wood Screws

These screws allow for fast accurate driving into softwood, chipboard and most hardwood and do not damage the wood surface.

 

Stainless Steel Decking Screws

Rust-free, and suited for wooden decking with permanent corrosion protection, features a small cylindrical head for a better appearance and a CUT point ensures exact screw positioning and reduces splitting.

 

Self-Tapping Screws

These are more commonly used where two different material types need to be combined or when access needs to be gained for regular maintenance or dismantling. You will see self-tapping screws in many home appliances such as ovens where the fan protector or light covering needs to be removed and then replaced using the same screw and along the same threads. We have covered these in a previous post which you can read here.  

 

Self-Drilling Screws 

Screws with a drill point that are self-tapping and mainly used for cladding and sheet metal applications. Usually used on soft steel material, self-drilling screws are arranged by their size and are numbered from 1 to 5 based on strength. The higher numbers are used on thicker metals. These screws have a drill-shaped point which drives through metals without the need of pilot holes. These screws can be closely compared to sheet metal screws.

 

Stainless Steel Sealing Screws

Used in applications (especially roofing) in which sheet metal, façade profiles or plastic cladding requires fastening to a wooden substructure or masonry (with plug) in a secure, waterproof manner. Includes one-piece sealing washer.

 

Concrete Screws

These are self-tapping screws that do not require a plug that can also be used in masonry and brick as well as concrete. Concrete screws are also available with a corrosion resistant coating for harsher applications that cut their own thread into concrete, brick, or block.

 

Drywall Screws

These are screws that are used for fixing plasterboard to wooden battens or metal studding.

 

Coach Screws

Coach screws can be used as a universal, simple, and strong fixing screw into masonry when used alongside wall plugs.

 

Dowel Screws

Dowel screws have a machine thread at one end and a coach screw thread at the other end with spanner flats for inserting into timber.

 

Machine Screws

These are fully threaded for use with a nut or in a tapped hole. We sell 2 types here at BS fixings, firstly, the A2 Countersunk Pozi Head Machine Screw sold in boxes of 100. Secondly, the A2 Pan Pozi Head Machine Screw is also sold in boxes of 100.

 

Socket Screws

These screws are used where there is a lack of space which means it is not practical to use externally wrenched fasteners. They are screws with an internal hex drive. Stainless steel socket button screws come in boxes of 50. 

 

Tamper Resistant Screws

These require a specific matching driver to remove the screw as they have a 6-lobe pin recess, making them tamper-resistant. They are available as machine or self-tapping screws.

 

Non-Removeable Screws

These screws have a driver recess designed not to turn in an anti-clockwise direction, so they cannot be loosened and removed as a standard screw can.

 

Grub Screws

These screws are manufactured with no head enabling them to be fully driven into threaded holes.

One thing to consider is that often the same screw types have different names or different written descriptions. Therefore, if you are in any doubt, please contact us and our sales team will be able to explain in more detail.