Whether you’re a professional tradesperson or an avid DIYer, one thing we all need when completing our projects is screws. Having the correct screws for the job or project you’re working on might sound like a no-brainer, but actually picking out the correct screws can be slightly more finicky than you’d think, especially, if you don’t know exactly what you’re after.
Not to worry though, that’s where we come in. At RC Screws, we’re experts in all things fasteners and fixings. As an independent, family-run business, we’ve been providing advice and tools to tradespeople and DIY enthusiasts for years. So, if you need advice on what screws you need for your next project, you’re in the right place!
Your first considerations
When it comes to choosing screws for your project, it’s not just a case of picking up whatever seems like it would do the job. Each different type of screw fulfils a different function, so there are a few things to consider, including:
- Choosing the wrong screw could potentially damage the outcome of your project and materials, as well as harm your tools. If you’re unlucky, it could even ruin it completely.
- Screws come in all sizes, each serving a different function. A screw that’s too short won’t correctly secure materials, while one that’s too long could puncture pipework or electrical wiring in walls and floors.
- Thick screws can harm delicate surfaces, while thin screws may break under heavy loads or lack the strength to penetrate dense materials.
- Each screw type has features tailored for specific materials and circumstances, including the type of drive, head, material, diameter, thread, and even colour.
Types of screws
If you’re unfamiliar with just how many types of screws there are out there (and there are a lot), you’re probably wondering why there are so many different types and styles to choose from, especially if you’ve had the unfortunate experience of choosing the wrong kind. It all comes down to a bunch of factors, like materials you’re working with, load requirements, torque and environmental factors, among others. That said, let’s take a look at some of the most popular types of screws, and what they’re used for.
Carcass screws
Carcass screws offer a solid and durable hold due to their extremely coarse thread and sharp points, making them ideal for assembling large wooden structures such as cabinets and furniture fram
Coach screws
Coach screws are ideal for securing heavy timber and metal components together, such as fence posts or beams. They have a large, hexagonal head for easy driving with a wrench or socket.
Collated screws
Collated screws and nails are used with collated guns to quickly install drywall, decking, framing, and other large-scale projects. They make repetitive screw-driving tasks much faster and more efficient.
Decking and timber screws
Decking and timber screws, as the name suggests, are engineered explicitly for fastening decking boards and timber structures, and feature corrosion-resistant coatings to withstand outdoor exposure and the weather.
Drywall screws
Drywall screws are designed to attach drywall panels to wood or metal framing. They have fine threads and bugle heads to secure drywall without tearing the paper surface.
Woodscrews
Woodscrews are versatile screws commonly used in a variety of woodworking applications. They come in different lengths, diameters, and head types to accommodate various woodworking projects.
Metal framing screws
Metal framing screws are specifically designed for fastening metal studs and framing in construction projects like. They’re equipped with fine threads and sharp points to facilitate easy penetration into metal surfaces like drywall tracks.
Stainless steel screws
Stainless steel screws offer superior corrosion resistance and versatile fastening. They’re suitable for use with a variety of materials, including softwoods, hardwood, chipboard, MDF, and plastic. They’re ideal for use in corrosive environments, ensuring long-lasting and stable results in your projects.
Now that you know which screws are best for which jobs, you can pick out what you need with confidence. At RC Screws, our mission is to provide you with the best brands in the market, so we supply fixtures from industry experts Timco, whose commitment to quality and technical innovation make them an excellent choice when undertaking projects in outdoor or damp environments, as their premium coatings and high-quality materials mean they are less susceptible to rust and deterioration.
We have a vast assortment of screws in various colours, shapes, and sizes for projects of all kinds. So, whatever you’re looking for, we’ve got you covered. If you’re unsure about what screws you need for your project, don’t hesitate to reach out to our friendly team for any advice on just give us a call on 01254 917744 – we’re always happy to help!