There’s nothing more annoying than getting halfway through the job only to find that you’re missing something you need to get it finished. And that’s all the more irritating when the missing component is particularly small, especially since it can have such a big effect on your day. Now, obviously there are countless sizes of individual fasteners and fixings, and the ones you need depend on a wide variety of factors – including not just what kind of job you’re working on, but also the types of materials you’re working with, and their own characteristics, and where you’ll be using them… the list goes on.
So with that in mind, it would be hard for us to recommend individual sizes of screws and fixings – but we can certainly give you a couple of useful pointers on the types of fixings and fasteners that it’s generally good to keep on hand! Here’s what we’d recommend…
1. Wood screws
As the name suggests, wood screws are specifically designed for joining two pieces of wood together. They are a staple in any DIYer’s toolkit due to their versatility and ease of use. The design of a wood screw typically includes a sharp point and deep, coarse threads that grip the wood securely, ensuring a strong bond between the wooden surfaces. That makes them ideal for things like furniture assembly, cabinetry, and general woodworking projects.
Wood screws come in a variety of lengths and gauges, so as we’ve touched on above, you’ll need to base part of your selection criteria on the thickness of the materials being joined. These types of screws are often made from materials like brass, stainless steel, or coated steel to provide resistance to corrosion and ensure longevity, even in less-than-ideal conditions. For a neat finish, you may want to consider using wood screws with a countersunk head, which allows the screw to sit flush with or below the wood surface. This not only improves the aesthetic, but also avoids the risk of snagging, which is especially important for furniture and trim work.
2. Drywall screws
Drywall screws are specifically designed for fastening drywall sheets to wooden or metal studs. They have a coarse thread and a flat tip, which makes it easier to countersink them just below the surface – a feature you’ll probably find particularly useful when finishing drywall, as it gives you a smooth surface that can be easily concealed with joint compound.
Compared to drywall nails, drywall screws offer a much stronger hold, making them the preferred choice for most builders and DIYers. The increased strength and durability of drywall screws help prevent the wallboards from shifting or loosening over time. What’s more, their design helps to avoid common problems such as popped nails or cracks in the finished surface.
Now, when choosing drywall screws, it’s important to select the right length based on the thickness of the drywall and the type of studs you’re working with. Choosing screws with a sharp point and coarse threads will generally ensure easier insertion and a more secure fit.
3. Self-tapping screws
Self-tapping screws are incredibly versatile options. They’re named for their ability to tap their own hole as they’re driven into the material. That saves you from pre-drilling, saving both time and effort during assembly. Self-tapping screws are particularly useful when working with thin metals, plastics, or composite materials, where your top priorities will probably be precision and ease of installation.
There are two main types of self-tapping screws: thread-forming and thread-cutting. Thread-forming screws are designed to deform the material to create a mating thread, while thread-cutting screws have a cutting edge that removes material to create the thread.
Both types provide a strong, secure hold and are used in various applications, from assembling metal panels to installing plastic fittings. For materials like metal or hard plastics, using a self-tapping screw can significantly reduce the risk of damaging the material during installation.
4. Decking screws
Decking screws are generally (but not exclusively) used for outdoor applications. Made from stainless steel or coated with anti-corrosion materials, these screws are designed to resist rust and withstand the elements, making them perfect for outdoor furniture, planters, window boxes, and of course, decking projects.
Decking screws are usually designed with a sharp, self-drilling tip and deep threads to provide a secure hold in wood. Some even have features like ribbed heads or self-countersinking ribs, which help them sit flush with the surface of the decking material. This not only gives a neat finish but also prevents the screws from protruding, reducing the risk of injury and improving the overall appearance of the deck.
Don’t forget that when working on decking projects, it’s important to choose screws specifically rated for outdoor use to ensure long-term performance and resistance to weather-related damage.
5. Masonry and concrete fixings
Masonry and concrete fixings are essential when you need to fasten materials to concrete, mortar joints, or brick. These fixings are particularly robust, as you’d expect from something designed to handle the high-density nature of masonry materials. However, they require a bit more preparation than other types of screws. Before inserting a masonry screw, a pilot hole must be created using a carbide-tipped drill bit and a hammer drill.
Masonry screws are typically available in two common head types: a flat head for countersinking, which allows the screw to sit flush with the material, and a hex washer head, which provides a larger bearing surface and sits on top of the material. Which one you’ll need will probably depend on the specific requirements of the project, such as whether a flush finish is needed or if maximum holding power is required. Plus, using wall plugs or anchors in conjunction with masonry screws can further enhance the holding power, especially for heavier items or in situations where the integrity of the masonry is a concern.
We have all fasteners and fixings and more for the very best prices – so whatever type of screw you’re looking for, you’ll be sure to find it right here at RC Screws! And of course, if you’d ever like to double-check with a member of our friendly team to make sure you’re choosing the correct screws for your project, just give us a call at 01254 917744 – and we’ll be happy to help!