26 Different Types of Screws & Their Uses [Pictures & PDF] (2024)

In this article, you will learnwhat are thedifferent types of screws?When and how to use them?explained withPictures.

You can also download the PDF file of this article at the end of it.

What is Screw?

The screw is a short and sharp-pointed metal tip having helical threads running around its long shaft with a slotted head, which are used to join objects together by twisting them. Screws are types of fasteners, which are used to fasten materials using tools such as hammers or screwdrivers.

Screws are often manufactured as self-threading, which means the thread cuts into the material when the screw is turned. This creates an internal thread that allows the fastening material to be pulled together and prevents it from being pulled out.

These are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, and each has different functions. Screws are usually round, flat, short, long, and more, but it will be difficult to identify or know about them for your project because they are available in various types.

In order to give you detailed information about different types of screws, we bring to you 26 types of screws that are commonly used in industries or at home. So let’s know about each type of screws.

Parts of Screws

Following are the main parts of the screw:

1. Drive
2. Head
3. Threaded shank
4. Non-threaded shank
5. Thread
6. Thread length
7. Tip
8. Crest
9. Screw thickness

#1 Drive

These parts are also known as screw heads. The drive is a slot where the tip of the screwdriver will fit to rotate the screw. There are a variety of sizes and shapes of drives available. According to that, it should be better to have multiple screwdriver tips in a personal toolbox.

#2 Head

The head is the main part of the screw that is located on top of it. All types of screws can be tightened or loosened by the screw head. It is usually broader than the shank and thread. It has the conditions to adjust a screwdriver or wrench.

#3 Threaded Shank

This is the tapered part where the threads and helical grooves are on the screw. In this place, the screw makes its grip on the joining bodies.

#4 Non-threaded Shank

This is the longer part of the screw that does not have threads. This part may be left absent in some types of screws. It is usually at the top that allows the tip of the wood screw to pull the screw into the wood like a regular screw.

#5 Thread

It is a ridge or a similar section in the form of a helix or conical spiral on the outer or inner surface of a cylinder or cone.

The distance between each thread that makes a difference is known as the pitch. Some screws have short threads that are close to each other. And some have larger threads that are further spaced.

#6 Thread Length

In general, the length of the thread is either full or partial. Therefore, full thread and partial screw threads are also available.

#7 Tip

This is the lowest part of the screw where the screw enters the object you are inserting the screw into. It usually helps to screw through the joining bodies.

If it doesn’t have a tip, it becomes a bolt that requires a pre-made hole. But, some screws are missing this part where the threads are still present.

#8 Crest

The crest of the thread is the major part of the thread, whether it is internal or external. The crest is the valley of the thread.

#9 Screw Thickness

The thickness of the screw is measured by two diameters which is the minor and major diameter. The major diameter is the diameter at the thickest part of the thread and the minor thickness is the diameter at the base of the screw.

Read Also: 16 Different Types of Sprockets and Their Uses [Explained With Pictures]

Types of Screws

Following are the types of Screws:

1. Carriage bolts
2. Decking screws
3. Double ended screws
4. Drywall screws
5. Eye bolt screws
6. Framing screws
7. Fillister head screws
8. Hex cap screws
9. Hammer drive screws
10. Lag screws
11. Machine screws
12. Masonry screws
13. Oval head screws
14. Pan-head screws
15. Particle board screws
16. Square head bolts
17. Self-drilling screws
18. Set screws
19. Shoulder screws
20. Sheet metal screws
21. Socket-head screws
22. Thread cutting screws
23. Washer-faced screws
24. Wood screws
25. Weld screws
26. Tamper-proof screw

#1 Carriage Bolts

Carriage bolts are forms of bolts used to fasten metal to metal or wood to metal. It is different from other bolts by its shallow mushroom head and the shank being rounded along its entire length.

The carriage bolt is designed with a domed head, which can prevent loosening from one side. The increased head size of the screw also prevents the bolt from being pulled through the wooden construction. Using a domed head nut prevents the carriage bolt from unlocking from the unprotected side.

#2 Decking Screws

Deck screws are special screws used to hold decks (flat roofless structures) together primarily for outdoor applications. Decking screws are made of stainless steel or carbon steel and are specifically designed for joining wood or composite boards together.

They are made in such a way that they are capable of resisting coating like rust and corrosion due to which they can withstand damp environmental conditions. They are available in covered threads with sharp edges and narrow points.

#3 Double Ended Screws

Double-ended screws are threaded fasteners used to form a joint that is usually under the object. These are used to two pieces of wood or two parts that are able to move together. They have two pointed ends that can be inserted into two surfaces, which will form a hidden joint.

They are headless screws with rotating threads at both ends which can be woodless screws with machine screws on both ends or a combination of wood screws. Double-ended screws are easily attached or detachable from the user, so they are easy to use.

#4 Drywall Screws

Drywall screws are typically used to attach drywall panels with softwoods or metal studs. These are unique forms of self-tapping screws with a cylindrical shaft. These screws have deeper threads than regular screws with a relatively higher pitch and length, which prevents them from loosening from the drywall.

They have a rough thread and flat tip that makes them easy to drill under the surface of drywall but requires a power screwdriver. Drywall screws provide a firmer grip but do not have the same corrosion-resistant properties as deck screws. They do not require pre-drilling the holes as they have their own drilling tip.

#5 Eye Bolt Screws

An eye bolt is a bolt that has an eye-shaped loop at one end and threads around the shank of the screw at the other end. The eye bolt screws are used to attach a secure eye to a structure or system, so it becomes easy to tie ropes or cables.

These are very easy to carry in metal and provide stability plus strength so that an object can be easily pulled out or lifted with the help of rope. Eyebolt screws are normally used as a connection point for anchoring, pulling, pushing, or hoisting applications.

#6 Framing Screws

Framing screws are types of screws used for sheet metal, wood, composite decking, and cement fiberboard applications. These special types of screed are designed to fit into varieties of materials from hardwood floors to brittle materials.

The function of framing screws is similar to circular saw blades because they prevent sawdust from reaching the edge of the screw hole. Framing screws are commonly seen in outdoor applications such as kitchen cabinet installation and deck building.

#7 Fillister Head Screws

Fillister head screws are slotted head machine fasteners. These pan heads are similar to machine screws but are made of larger heads that can be useful for attaching metal or wood to metal. Often most of the time, these are also referred to as cheese head screws.

The heads of these screws are primarily chosen for counterbore holes. These sizable deep heads make them suitable for reciprocating and slot drives. But more generally, cheese head screws are a great selection for use in tool manufacturing and automotive applications.

#8 Hex Cap Screws

Hex cap screws are six-sided bolts (hexagon) made with a perforated hex head and a washer face on the bearing surface. These types of screws are used to attach wood or metal to wood. These screws have tight tolerances on body dimensions and have a chamfer.

Hex screws have short steel threads making them ideal for interior home improvement projects. These screws also include a flat washer under the screw head and provide precise application. The major use of hex bolts is in docks, bridges, road structures, and buildings.

#9 Hammer Drive Screws

These screws fall under the category of self-tapping screws. These screws are typically manufactured with rounded heads that have no slots. Hammer drive screws are used for attaching nameplates or wall signs, as well as are used to seal drain holes.

In addition, they are also highly useful for corrosion-resistant tubular structures. Screws have a similar function to nails as they are driven into the holes using a hammer or mallet for fast assembly purposes. Before installing them, it requires a small pre-drilled hole to complete the task successfully.

#10 Lag Screws

Lag screws are used in heavy work and are often used in construction to fasten pieces of wood together. They are rigid screws that come in hex or square with thick threads and are able to hold up to heavy workpieces.

The lag bolt provides a long-lasting connection due to its long length. This is why they are used for materials that may be subjected to heavy force or can bear heavy loads. It is usually much heavier screws than traditional wood screws. These screws differ from ordinary wood or sheet metal screws.

#11 Machine Screws

See Also

Screw Head Types: Exploring the Varieties and What They Do

A machine screw fastening parts that have a socket in their head that allows it to be turned using a screwdriver. They are commonly employed to hold parts of machines in industries such as electronics, engineering, and manufacturing equipment.

These screws are specifically used to fasten a tapped hole to the surface using a nut. The screws are stretched when tightened, and tensile loads secure the parts together. Normally, Their pointed ends are used to connect metal parts together. Nowadays, they are seen in almost every material including nylon, brass, stainless steel, and carbon steel.

#12 Masonry Screws

Masonry screws are heavy-duty screws used to hold strong materials such as concrete, CMU, mortar joints, and brick in place. They are made of stainless or carbon steel and come with or without a rust coating.

Fitting a masonry screw requires a pre-drilled small hole using a carbide bit or hammer drill before being inserted. Masonry screws are available in two types: a flat head for countersinking, or a hex washer head to sit on the top of the surface of the material.

#13 Oval Head Screws

These screws are known in the shape of undercut or trim heads with shorter screw lengths that usually give a longer thread grip. Oval-head screws are somewhat countersunk, with the screw head about halfway above the surface.

The oval countersunk screw heads have a rounded finish top and are mostly used to cover switches. They are also considered a good option to make the finished product more attractive. These types of screws are generally available in two types, rounded head screws, and Phillips oval head screws.

#14 Pan Head Screws

Pan head screws are a common head type of non-countersunk screw head used in woods. These are also self-tapping, self-drilling, and machine screws. They have wide heads, a flat bearing surface, a flat head with rounded sides that sit on top of the material it fastens to.

With its larger diameter and higher edges, the drive slot is deeper, allowing for increased torque while reducing the risk of screw damage. Pan-head screws with single cuts in slotted heads are a type of pan head screws that works with any screwdriver. The main purpose of using these screws is to secure metal components like machinery and automotive engine parts.

#15 Particle Board Screws

Particle board screws are full-length threaded screws. The advantage of these screws is that the longer thread yields greater engagement and higher pulling force. This type of screw is designed for composite wood such as laminated particle board or craftwood. And is used by cabinet makers in domestic and commercial joinery.

Particle board screws are similar to drywall screws but are available in shorter lengths than standard drywall screws. Due to their lightweight, they can be easily carried and handled. These screws are used by cabinet makers in domestic and commercial joinery.

#16 Square Head Bolts

Square head bolts are like hex cap screws but have a four edge square head instead of a six edge hexagonal head. They are also known as both bolts and screws and are designed to work with a spanner. These screws are threaded partially along a shoulder under the head.

The function and purpose of a square head screw determine the size of the head of the bolt. This type of screw is used to tighten the nut as well as two parts. Square head screws were the industry standard before hex bolts gained importance.

#17 Self-drilling Screw

Self-drilling screws come with a highly sharp pointed end that almost work as a drill bit and cutting threads useful tap holes during installation. Because they have a tip like a drill bit, they don’t require pilot holes. Self-drilling screws are typically used screws for quick drilling in both metal and wood.

These are usually be determined by their point and flute tip. They can drill and tap their own holes in harder materials saves you using the tool. These screws are easy to find because of their point, which curves at the end and is look like a twist drill.

#18 Set Screws

A set screw is a screw used to secure an object within or against another object such as fixing a pulley or gear on a shaft by applying pressure and/or friction. A set screw is typically used without a nut that is screwed into a threaded hole drilled in two objects to secure it.

Once the screw fits into the first object, the projected end of the set screw presses firmly against the second object, working similarly to a clamp. These are often headless and are threaded along their entire length so that it sits completely inside the hole.

#19 Shoulder Screws

This type of screw fits into one part and provides a freely rotating pin joint connection in the other. It consists of a large diameter shank just below the head which is a smaller diameter for the threaded length.

This design allows a shoulder screw to be fitted firmly to one part without locking the other part, giving it axial clearance. These screws provide versatility by acting as a shaft for rotating items such as shoulder bearings.

#20 Sheet Metal Screws

Sheet metal screws can bind or join two pieces of sheet metal to other types of metal, such as tubing. Sheet metal screws can secure and tighten metal objects to each other or fasten objects. These screw sizes are available which include flat, hex, and round.

Sheet metal screws have pointed ends and include a fine thread along the shank. These screws work by drilling into the sheet metal with the fully threaded shank. The advantage of using these screws is that they can provide excellent penetration, corrosion-resistant, and superior holding.

#21 Socket Head Screws

A socket cap screw is a type of machine screw that has a cylindrical barrel-shaped head with a hexagonal socket. Due to their cylindrical heads and internal wrenching features, they allow for use in locations where externally dampening fasteners are not desirable.

These screws are perfect when needing a fastener to sit under the surface of the material. Wherever a joint is required, they can deliver extremely strong and reliable plus they are also resistant to corrosion. Apart from these, they give an attractive and quality finish.

#22 Thread Cutting Screws

These types of screws have sharp edges because the depth of the hole is slightly longer than that of the screw. This arrangement will keep the metals from getting locked inside the device. Thread cutting screws are often used with wood and metal.

The purpose of using these is to reduce the build-up of internal tool stresses, thus making them ideal for extremely hard materials. Unlike a thread-forming screw, it does not have a cutting edge, which is difficult in materials with low compressive strength.

#23 Washer Faced Screws

These types of screws act as springs to decrease the distance between the nut and the head of the screw. The washer-faced type screws are available in many types and sizes.

Basically, some types have teeth that penetrate the surface and lock the screw head into the workpiece. In this type, the washer face is located just below the head, providing a smooth bearing surface for easy tightening.

#24 Wood Screws

As the name suggests, this type of screw is used to attach a wooden workpiece. A wood screw is commonly made of brass, steel, and bronze materials. Wood screws have different threads and are available in a variety of heads.

As we move towards the top of the screw, it thins a bit, the diameter of the screw being thicker than the tip. These are available in both the options which are partially or fully covered threads at the shank. The head size of this screw depends on different applications.

#25 Weld Screws

These are needed to be welded to a metal surface with a shaft to hold the item in place with a nut and washer. The screw is first welded to the plate by melting a specially created point on the screw and then on the plate by means of a powerful electrical impulse.

The welded screw protrudes from the head to allow welding without any holes. The welding stud is then attached to a piece of metal that is positioned on the metal base. They are used in the automotive, industrial, marine, construction, and aerospace industries.

#26 Tamper-proof Screws

Tamper-proof screws are made difficult or impossible to remove when installed. These are suitable for use in buildings or areas that are accessible by the public as a means of controlling or preventing destruction.

These are the types of safety screws that can be determined by their unconventional drive resulting in more difficulty to tamper or take apart. These screws are primarily used in prisons to secure materials such as car license plates, gutters, and grill bars.

Wrapping It Up

In the range of wood screws and deck screws to specialty screws for machining, woodwork, or metalwork, choosing the right fastener will make your project go smoothly. As you now know there are many types, so buying the right screws for your material makes the best of your project.

So now, I hope I’ve covered everything about “types of screws“. If you still have any doubts or questions on this topic, you can contact us or ask in the comments. If you like this article then please share it with your friends.

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