Woodscrews explained
Woodscrews are designed to join two pieces of wood, such as hardwood, softwood, MDF, and chipboard. They feature a large sharp point to enable them to dig into wood easily and a tapered shank. They're available in different lengths and gauge sizes to suit different thicknesses and densities of wood. PZ and Torx drive heads are the most popular types, but they come in various other drive types too. Woodscrew head types include countersunk, double self-countersunk, flat and rounded.
Materials and sizes they’re available in:
Woodscrews are available in a range of materials such as carbon steel, hardened steel, zinc, stainless steel and solid brass. Brass is usually chosen for its appearance when combined with brass ironmongery such as hinges and door handles. Stainless steel is ideal for areas exposed to moisture, and carbon and hardened steel can be fitted without needing pre-drilled holes. In addition, all wood screw materials have high levels of corrosion resistance. They are available in gauge sizes ranging from 3 to 8mm and lengths from 12 to 300mm.
Top things to consider:
- Look for features such as shanks that reduce wood split, twin threads for a fast and accurate drive, and tips that don’t require pre-drilling.
- When choosing the thread, consider the density of the wood. It’s best to use fine threads for hardwoods and coarse threads for softwoods.
- For outdoor applications, ensure you choose those suitable for outdoor use.
View our range of woodscrews.
Decking screws explained
Decking screws are specifically designed to join deck boards to decking joists. They have a braking fin on the thread, just under the screw head, that locks the screw in place, making the joint more secure than standard woodscrews. Decking screws come in various colours to match different deck board shades. Deck screw head types include countersunk, double self-countersunk, flange, pan, wafer, cylindrical, flat, and mushroom.
Materials and sizes they’re available in:
Decking screws are available in carbon steel, hardened steel, zinc, and stainless steel. These are all resistant to moisture and corrosion. And they're available in gauge sizes ranging from 3 to 6.7mm and lengths ranging from 16 to 200mm.
Top things to consider:
- Look for features such as slash tips to remove the need for pre-drilling and double threads for improved decking stability.
- When choosing the thread, consider the density of the wood. It’s best to use fine threads for hardwoods and coarse threads for softwoods.
View our range of decking screws.
Timber screws explained
Timber screws are specially designed for use on timber. They have an aggressive, coarse thread that grips wood securely into place. They come in various gauges, head and drive types, and sizes, meaning there is a choice of screw for any task.
Materials and sizes they’re available in:
These are available in carbon steel, hardened steel, zinc, and stainless steel. And, as they are most commonly used for outdoor applications, they often have a coating that protects them from the elements and stops rusting. They're available in gauge sizes ranging from 3 to 10mm and lengths ranging from 16 to 300mm. Timber screw head types include countersunk, double self-countersunk, flange, cylindrical, flat, socket, and wafer.
Top things to consider:
- When choosing the thread, consider the density of the timber. It’s best to use fine threads for hard timber and coarse threads for soft timber.
- Look for features such as a low friction coating for easy application.
View our range of timber screws.
Drywall screws explained
Drywall screws are used to attach plasterboard to light steel, wooden studs, or metal partitions. They’re typically lighter and have deeper threads than other types, enabling them to grip plasterboard securely and a sharp point so pre-drilling isn’t required. Types of screw heads for drywall screws include bugle, wafer, and countersunk. A bugle head sits flush with the plasterboard’s surface, a wafer head sits above the surface, and a countersunk head sits below the surface.
Materials and sizes they’re available in:
Made from steel or carbon steel, and either bright zinc-plated or with a black-phosphate coating. They're available in gauge sizes ranging from 3.5 to 4.8mm and lengths ranging from 13 to 100mm.
Top things to consider:
- Consider what material the plasterboard will be attached to, as different screws are suitable for different materials. For example, there are drywall to heavy steel screws, drywall to light steel screws, and drywall to wood screws.
View our range of drywall screws.
Roofing screws explained
Roofing screws are designed for attaching sheet metal to steel or wood as well as for other general exterior construction tasks. But they can also be used on internal jobs. The flanged (or washered) type of heads have a built-in washer that’s designed to reduce vibrations and stop the screws from loosening. And there are self-drilling and timber varieties available.
Materials and sizes they’re available in:
Roofing screws are available in carbon steel and hardened steel. And, as they are most commonly used for outdoor applications, they have a coating that protects them from the elements and stops rusting. They’re available in gauge sizes ranging from 4 to 6.3mm and lengths ranging from 16 to 120mm.
Top things to consider:
- Consider the thickness of the metal sheet you are attaching, as each type is suitable for a specific thickness.
- If you are joining sheet metal to steel, choose self-drilling screws. But if you are joining sheet metal to wood, use timber roofing screws with a sharp point.
View our range of roofing screws.
Self-tapping and drilling screws explained
Self-tapping screws are screws that create their own thread as they are driven into a material, ensuring a strong, tight fit. They are best used in soft materials such as softwoods and plastic. A pilot hole that’s slightly smaller in diameter needs to be pre-drilled before fitting.
Self-drilling screws, on the other hand, don’t require a pilot hole, as they pre-drill and fasten in one motion, making it easier and quicker to complete projects. They are suitable for attaching sheet metal to steel.
Self-drilling and self-tapping screw head types include button, countersunk, flange, pan, pancake, socket, and wafer.
Materials and sizes they’re available in:
Self-tapping and drilling screws are available in steel, carbon steel, and stainless steel. Gauge sizes range from 3.5 to 6.3mm, and lengths range from 12 to 120mm.
Top things to consider:
- Consider the material you are screwing into. Self-tapping screws are suitable for fixing sheet metal to softwood or plastic, and self-drilling screws are best for sheet metal to steel.
- Consider the thickness of the metal sheet you are attaching, as each screw is suitable for a specific thickness.
View our range of self-tapping and drilling screws.
Masonry screws explained
Masonry screws (also called concrete screws) are self-tapping screws that are perfect for fixing materials directly into stone, masonry, and concrete without needing wall plugs. They have deep, wide threads, ensuring a secure fit once installed. Often used to fix timber, uPVC frames, pipes, and cable housing into masonry. The type of screw heads available for masonry screws include countersunk, double self-countersunk, flange, flat, pan, raised, and wafer.
Materials and sizes they’re available in:
Masonry screws are available in zinc, carbon steel, hardened steel, and high tensile steel. They have an anti-corrosive coating and are tarnish-resistant, making them suitable for outdoor use. They’re available in gauge sizes ranging from 3 to 10mm and lengths ranging from 16 to 200mm.
Top things to consider:
- When choosing masonry screws, consider the load it will bear, as different types are suitable for medium or heavy-duty loads.
View our range of masonry screws.
Electrical screws explained
Electrical screws are designed for attaching electrical sockets, switches, and cable trunking to walls and metal. Their thread provides an ultra-strong fix because they are inserted right up to the head and will not work loose. Screw head types include raised and flat pan heads.
Materials and sizes they’re available in:
Commonly made from nickel-plated brass and stainless steel. Gauge sizes range from 3.5 to 5.5mm, and lengths range from 16 to 75mm.
Top things to consider:
- Look for self-drilling electrical screws for screwing into steel and flat pan heads to reduce the risk of overtightening.
View our range of electrical screws.
Security screws explained
Security screws (also called tamper-proof screws) have special types of screw heads, which make them impossible to remove without specialist tools. They are a low-cost way of deterring thieves and vandals. Different head types include button heads and countersunk.
Materials and sizes they’re available in:
Made from stainless steel. Gauge sizes range from 4.2 to 8mm, and lengths range from 25 to 38mm.
Top things to consider:
- For applications where they will never need to be removed, choose one-way screws. This is because they can only be turned in one direction (to install them). Attempting to turn them the opposite way will cause cam-out (damage to the head). If they need to be removed in the future, choose two-way screws.
View our range of security screws.
Hinge screws explained
Hinge screws are specifically designed to fit hinges. They have shanks that ensure a balanced and straight insertion which helps prevent them from snapping or working loose. They are available in various colours to match different shades of hinges. Types of screw heads for hinge screws include countersunk and pan.
Materials they’re typically made from, and sizes they’re available in:
Hinge screws are available in carbon steel or steel. Gauge sizes range from 3.5 to 5.5mm, and lengths range from 10.5 to 50mm.
Top things to consider:
- They can be chosen for their aesthetics as much as their practicality. Colours can be matched to the ironmongery you are fitting, as can their head shape.
- They have varying width threads depending on the material you’re screwing into, so always check yours are compatible.
- For outdoor applications (i.e., fitting gate latches and hinges), ensure you choose those that are suitable for outdoor use.
View our range of hinge screws.
Flooring screws explained
Suitable for fixing a wide range of flooring, including softwood, hardwood, and fibreboard. They are specially designed to prevent floorboards from splitting. All flooring screws have countersunk heads.
Materials and sizes they’re available in:
Available in steel, carbon steel, hardened steel, and stainless steel. Gauge sizes range from 3.5 to 4.5mm, and lengths range from 25 to 75mm.
Top things to consider:
- Some flooring screws are designed to be used with specific types of flooring (i.e., tongue and groove, MDF, or solid wood), so always check you are buying those that are compatible with your floor type.
View our range of flooring screws.
Other types of screws and accessories
Those listed above are the most popular types, but there are other more specialist and less popular screw types available, such as:
- Grub screws: work using a pinning action that pushes two surfaces against each other, negating the need for a nut. They are often used in applications requiring a small, unobtrusive screw.
- Carcass screws: have a thick shank and coarse thread, used to join chipboard.
- Chipboard screws: used for joining chipboard. This has a thread that extends right up to its head.
- Coach bolts (cup square bolts): these have a domed head with a square neck underneath, which locks securely into wood when they’re tightened.
- Coach screws: these are driven into materials using a spanner through a square or hexagonal head. They provide robust and heavy-duty fixing.
- Framework/PVC screws: self-tapping screws suitable for use with plastic.
- Connecting screws: these are made up of two parts: a screw and a hollow threaded rod that accommodates it. They are used to join objects such as door handles and locks.
- Screw caps and cups: these plastic covers are used for protective and decorative purposes. They click over the top of screw heads to leave a neat and finished look
