40 Different Types of Screws and Their Uses

Many of us love a good screw, but you probably don’t know that there are 40 different types of screws. Each type was specifically designed to be used with different materials and finishes. Choosing the wrong screw type for your project could be a complete disaster. In other words, you’re getting screwed twice.

Learn the different screw types to find out which screw is suitable for your project. Check out all the nuts and bolts in this month’s article.

To help you wrap your head around these different screws in more detail, I have compiled 40 types of screws with their basic uses and features identified.

Types of screws

These are different types of screws:

#1. Wood Screws.

Wood screws are used in basic wood construction and woodwork projects to attach wood to wood. The coarse threads, smooth shank, and tapered head make wood screws great for woodwork.

Unless the screw itself is self-tapping (or it can be driven into the wood directly), then the screw must have a pilot hole, or previously drilled hole before you insert it into the wood. Wood screws are threaded differently depending on the kind of wood.

In general, wood screws that are fewer than 6 threads per inch are appropriate for fastening soft woods such as pine, while fine threads screws are assisted with connecting hardwoods like oak.

Wood screws can have many different kinds of heads but normally have either a round head or a flat head. A round head will sit slightly above the wood on the finished product, while the flat head will be closer to being flush with the finished piece.

Wood screws come in either interior or exterior styles with finishes appropriate to each.

#2. Deck Screws.

Deck screws are basically just like wood screws, but with a few more specifics. Designed for decking, deck screws are used to attach decking to a deck frame or composite decking. 

This screw is self-tapping in that it is made to screw directly into the material. 

It is corrosion-resistant to be more durable, especially for outdoor use. Deck screw heads are designed to flush or countersink, which means it can either sit just a little below the wood or sit flush with the wood.

#3. Drywall Screws.

Drywall screws have coarse threads and are designed to attach drywall to wood studs or beams.

DIYers use this kind of screw when finishing basements or adding new rooms to existing spaces. Most drywall screws have flat heads which countersink slightly below the drywall surface to be covered with joint compound and paint.

Drywall screws come in various lengths. Fine-thread drywall screws can also be the other choice if connecting to metal studs.

#4. Masonry Screws.

Masonry screws are for use on masonry materials: brick, mortar joints, concrete, they are typically used outdoors to fasten things to brick or concrete such as rain gutters, or you can fasteners wooden floor plates to your concrete foundation using masonry screws.

You will have to drill a pilot hole with a hammer drill and a masonry bit before you can put the screw in. The best feature about masonry screws is the two different thread patterns on one screw.

The first thread pattern is small and close to the shaft and the second is a larger diameter and extends out from the shaft of the screw. You can choose between a flat head to countersink the screw or a hex washer head that will sit on top of the material.

#5. Sheet Metal Screws.

Sheet metal screws are screws used to attach sheets of metal together. That’s pretty much all they are good for, but you can use them for wood or to fasten other things as well. Sheet metal screws are some of the most versatile and reliable screws out there, and it is not uncommon to use them on various projects.

This kind of screw type does not usually have a smooth shaft, and they often have thread all the way to the head to allow them to drive through the sheet metal. Sheet Metal screws are usually made from steel, and designed to self-tap through metal (meaning they have sharp points).

Heavy-duty sheet metal screws are common screws, built to drive through an easy to medium density material and have sharp points for easy point driven application, and are also readily available in a range of sizes with measurements for heads are also flat heads, and hex heads (although hex heads are less common).

#6. Machine Screws.

Machine screws, unlike the screws, and bolts, are fasteners that don’t require drilling into the material but rather, use holes that have already been drilled and tapped (or threaded holes.)

Tapped holes incorporate threads that match the machine screw. A tapped hole is threaded to accommodate a machine screw.

When a machine screw, such as a screw type former, is inserted into a tapped hole and secured within a nut, the tension or applied stress commonly associated with fasteners makes the machine screw stretch, providing tension and a permanent connection.

Machine screws are utilized in applications requiring precision and strength, especially in the assembly of machinery, electronic products, appliances, and vehicles.

#7. Self-Tapping Screws.

Self-tapping screws are similar to self-drilling screws, and a user has to drive the screw into the material to cut or tap internal threads (tip screws into the material to cut material; the screw may require a pilot).

However, self-tapping screws are not always low risk and splitting some soft materials, therefore they may still require a pilot hole.

Self-drilling screws are a type of self-tapping screw, with a drill tip so they do not require a pilot hole for installation. Self-drilling screws have a wide variety of applications, and can still easily overlap with other screw types, depending on the thread design.

You can find a variety of self-tapping screws also – sheet metal self-tapping screws, you can even buy self-drilling MDF screws for your DIY construction projects of MDF.

#8. Double-Ended Screws.

Double-ended screws are immediately identifiable because they have no head. Double ended screws act like a fastener that you insert into 2 pre-drilled holes to connect 2 pieces of wood together.

They are very common in furniture making and are commonly included in pre-fab furniture packages for you to quickly assemble your new desk, table, or bookshelf.

Double-ended screws have a lag thread on both ends and taper to a point in the middle. You must either use a driving tool or a pair of locking pliers in order to insert the screws into the pre-drilled holes.

Be aware that double-ended screws are not removable once installed. Removing them will damage the pre-drilled holes for assembling or rebuilding the furniture or object.

#9. Security Screws.

Security screws are still, in essence a screw with a unique head, which makes the screw more difficult to remove without the correct device to do so.

These fasteners are an acceptable option for areas with public and/or property where vandalism, theft, and tampering are emotions but can also be utilized as a means to secure private property.

That being said, the security aspect of these screws is minimal and with the right screwdriver or screw driver bit, you can basically remove any of the screws; so, the additional security is based on a thief’s desire to overcome obstacles which can be neutralized if they are willing to pay or floor, or find the right device to help them in the end.

#10 Hammer-Drive Screws.

A hammer-drive screw is driven based on a hammering technique, mallet, or a hammer drive tool that strikes the head of the screw similar to that of a nail.

Hammer drive screws have thick, rounded heads and tough shafts that have multiple start threads with large helical angles that typically allow the screw to be secured to its location once it is driven into the substrate.

Hammer drive screws can be driven quickly with a hammer in order to attach property like a sign or nameplate to a wall.

The only downfall for hammer drive screws is that they typically are meant to be permanent so if you need to change your sign or need to replace the nameplate bracket at some point in the future, this may not be your best option.

#11 Mirror Screws.

These screws help secure mirrors to the wall and include tapered rubber grommets so the metal screws won’t press against the mirror.

This is a special type of screw that has a slotted, countersunk head, and is threaded inside so you can thread the cover cap into the hole, giving you a nice, finished fastener to support the mirror.

Mirror screws can be used anywhere in the home, including the bathroom. Because of the stainless steel and zinc coating they are moisture and humidity resistant, which is necessary in the bathroom or kitchen.

#12. Pocket Hole Screws.

Pocket screws are uniquely designed for use in making wooden furniture. The special heads and shanks of pocket screws are useful in driving two pieces of wood together.

This is achieved with a self-drilling tip, self-tapping threads, and wide washer heads that help to prevent you from overdriving the screws through softer wood.

Pocket screw heads are strong and durable, usually with a square recess to increase the grip on the screwdriver in the drive recess. These qualities make pocket screws especially suited for pocket hole joinery.

#13. Thread Cutting Machine Screws.

Thread cutting machine screws have sharp edges so it is important that the depth of the hole be a little longer than the screw.

This will prevent the material from being trapped in a device. The function of thread cutting type screws is to reduce the intern device stresses, which makes them preferable for extremely stiff materials.

In comparison to thread-forming screws, whose edge has no cutting, the threads form a tight bit with the material and makes it difficult in low compressive force materials.

What are they used for: most often used with wood and metal.

#14. Self-Drilling Screws.

Self-drilling screws come in different drill tip lengths. The highest number is equal to a longer drill tip. You can also select different point sizes based on their diameter.

The thickness of the material will impact the length of the length of tip you require. Self-drilling screws have different uses and types. These screws, are most commonly used to fasten, or join sheet metal or steel to other metals.

What are they used for: for quick drilling into metal or wood.

#15. Concrete Screws.

Concrete screws (also referred to as masonry screws) are designed to fasten materials to concrete. brick, and block.

Concrete screws have a high-low thread which enables efficient installation with strong holding power.

They typically have a hex, bugle or flat head, and will require a pre-drilled hole for adequate installation.

#16. Euro Screws.

Euro screws have been specially designed to work with European-style cabinet hinges and drawer slides.

Euro screws have a flat head, with partial thread; their unique 5mm diameter shank allows it to achieve an adjustable magnetic force and will accommodate the use of European hinges and drawer slides on cabinet side panels.

#17. Lag Screws.

Lag screws, also called lag bolts, are heavy duty fasteners used to attach heavy lumber or other materials that require a strong connection.

Lag screws have a hexagonal head and coarse threads which provides the lag screws with its grip and holding power. Lag screws typically are installed with a pre-drilled pilot hole and require a wrench or socket for installation.

#18. Set Screws.

A set screw is used to hold one object within another object, for example: to hold a gear to a shaft. A set screw has no head and can be fully embedded into a pre-drilled hole. A set screws is rather easy to distinguish, as it typically has a hexagonal socket that receives an Allen wrench.

There are also numerous thread types and point styles. These points are cup, cone, and flat point that provide a myriad of grip and holding preferences.

#19. Grub screws.

A grub screw is similar to a set screw, but is also called blind screws or headless screws; as they both provide external points of contact and utilized to hold one object within another object.

Grub screws are often used in limited-space applications or where a protruding head would be undesirable. A grub screw has a flat or slightly rounded point and is tightened with an Allen wrench. 

#20. Tamper-Resistant Screws.

Tamper-resistant screws are made to dissuade access to unauthorized areas or equipment. They have unique heads such as pin-in-torx, and pin-in-hex, which must have special tools to install or take off.

Tamper-resistant screws are used in security, electronics, and other applications susceptible to theft or vandalism.

#21. Metal Roofing Screws.

Metal roofing screws are custom-built to fasten a metal panel to the structure of a building. They have a super sharp self-piercing point, which negates the need for pre-drilling and protects the sheet metal from damage when fastening it. 

Metal roofing screws are designed to be closely connected, are strong, and are weather-resistant in use while in metal roofing applications.  

#22. Hex Bolts.

Hex cap screws are large-sized bolts designed with a hexagonal head! These screws are used to attach wood or metal to wood.

Hex screws contain small steel threads, so they are appropriate for interior home improvement projects, or for stainless-steel projects outdoors. Hex screws also come with a flat washer under the screw head so that they can be accurate in their applications.

What they’re used for: fastening wood to wood or metal to wood. 

#23. Carriage Bolts.

Carriage bolts are specifically used for woodworking projects to fasten metal to wood. These bolts have a dome shaped head to prevent loosening. Additionally, because of the large head shape to these carriage bolts that keep it from getting pulled through a wooden construction.  

Although they are designed for woodworking applications, carriage bolts can also work in metal applications due to the machine screw threading that it comes.   

That said carriage bolts are not intended to work with drill adaptors so installing carriage bolts in metal can be exceedingly difficult if not impossible.  

What they’re used for: fastening metal to metal or metal to wood. 

 #24. Lag Bolts.

Lag screws are mostly a hex-style head screw designed for high impact applications with decks and wood-retaining sidewalls being the most frequently used places you’ll find these screws.

Lag bolts are very strong with durability and long-lasting applications as they are made of high-carbon steel for the core and galvanized zinc on the outside.

The zinc part prevents the screws from rusting or corroding by helping to disallow moisture or air from getting into the lag screws.

What they’m used for: connecting heavy lumber or heavy materials that are carrying a heavy load.

#25. Socket Screws.

Socket-head screws are a great choice when you want a fastener to be below the surface of your material. These screws are very strong and dependable for any situation where a joint is necessary.

They are also very resistant to corrosion. Beyond this, in terms of rates of degradation, they provide an attractive, quality finish.

Main features/benefits of socket countersunk screws:

• Different thread sizes
• Highly resistant to corrosion
• Stainless steel
• Head height is equal to the shank diameter

What they are used for: fastening machine parts.

#26. Set Screws.

Set screws are used to fasten one object to/against another. An example would be a gear or pulley latched onto a shaft using a set screw.

Set screws are used because they are completely threaded without the head sticking out in order to fasten one object to/against another. There are many different sizes and shapes of set screws.

Common variations of corresponding to set screws include:

• Flat set screws: these screws adjust to the surface of the application so that it wouldn’t damage the surface because it can align against the ground.
• Knurled cup screws: these screws have a means of locking to keep the screw from loosening when used in high-vibration conditions.
• Cup point screws: these are the most common type of set screw which permanently hold components on hard/soft surfaces.

What they are used for: the screw is securing an object into that of which it is located.

#27. Mating Screws.

Just a companion for sex screws. These screws have a smooth shaft portion and one threaded portion that is received by the internally threaded portion of the sex screw.

What they are used for: bolting applications where a head is desired on each side of the joint.

#28. Flat Screws.

Flat screw heads will sit completely flush with the surface leaving no head exposed as well as the need to countersink into the surface.

The benefit is no heads to protrude out of the surface to snag on other things, as well as you don’t even see the screw head if you would use a screw cover.

#29. Raised Screw.

Raised screw heads, or oval heads, have a similar angle to those of which flat screws have, but with more of a domed section head. You would countersink the raised screws up into the surface to accommodate the angle.

Not much does a raised screw in terms of assistance for driving power relating to the screw, more just to decorate.

#30. Bugle screws.

Bugle heads are used on screws for plasterboard and drywall.

They are like flat screw heads, but instead of having an angle below the surface of the head, there is a contour which helps to reduce damage on a surface.

Bugle screws are self-drilling so you don’t need to drill into the surface prior to use. Their shape allows the screw to spread loads over a larger surface than flat heads.

#31. Binding screws.

Binding screws, also called book screws or book binding screws, can have numerous applications, like for color charts, swatch books, catalogs, fabric swatch books, and albums.

If you use them with grommets or hangers, you can hang the pattern book away, conveniently, and neatly.

We supply both metal and plastic screws. The metal tubes separately and metal screws separately. You can choose a screw with an extension, a hammerhead screw, or our patented hammerhead screw with an extension.

Our plastic binding screws come in our standard combinations, as a set containing a tube and a screw. We can also supply the plastic binding screws with holes.

One advantage that binding screws have are, that they are not permanent, so you can update your catalog. You can also use them in conjunction with various accessories: extension pieces, binding screw sample strips, spacers, hanging loops, top caps, and washers.

#32. Domed Screw.

Dome Screws are used to fasten the top straps of a helmet instead of using a buckle. Low Profile, Stainless Steel, Heresy Blade’s screws will not gouge or cut an opposing player’s helmet.

Dome Head Screws have a large “truss” type head style with an undercut bottom and low height rounded dome top. They come in Phillips and Slotted drives and can have either machine threading or sheet metal threading.

#33. Flange Screw.

A flange is a small flat rim, collar or rib on a bolt. Flange Bolts can be extremely safe when used in various applications.

Most screws transfer pressure where the screw contacts the surface, without consuming the space of a washer. Flange screws do not require a separate washing machine, saving space and money.

There are flange heads of any head shape (except countersunk shapes) with an integral flange at the base of the head. The flange head lies flat against the surface of the material it appears to be screwing (screw).

Flange or paddles are commonly used in the furniture industry for attaching hard fiberboard panels to the back of cabinets and shelves. The flat, washer-like head of the screw saves space and gives a greater contact area on the fiberboard.

#34 Truss Screw.

Truss screws are threaded fasteners that have mushroom-shaped heads. They have a wider, slightly rounded head that resembles a mushroom.

With their mushroom heads, truss screws are thus not flush from the workpiece in which they reside. They will protrude from the workpieces. When a truss screw is driven home into a workpiece, the halo will protrude above the workpiece.

You will most commonly need truss heads when working with sheet metal, and any projects that allow for larger holes that require large heads, as the wide head prevents the truss screw from going through the hole.

#34 Phillips screw.

The design of the Phillips screw head allows for the screwdriver head to slip out if too much force is applied. The specific head design enables the Phillips head screw to withstand higher torque much better than other fasteners.

These screws provided the ability for tighter attachment and soon found their place on assembly lines, it wasn’t long before they evolved into many other applications.

A prime example of such benefits can be seen in the famous Model T, the first truly affordable Ford that opened the floodgates to the general American middle-class road. The Model T was thought to be one of the most influential cars during the 20th century.

#35 Thread-rolling screws.

The thread-rolling screw does not cut threads into the material, but rather creates threads by applying pressure against the walls of the materials. These screws are typically used with softer materials, such as wood, plastic, or nylon.

The double lead Thread-rolling screw minimizes torque and improves pullout power to prevent cracking or damage to material. The thread-rolling screws can also be found with widely-spaced threads that allow for easy installation into pre-drilled holes.

#36. Weld screws.

Weld screws are attached to an aluminum or metal surface by welding to create a shaft for the components to be fitted or secured. This may be accomplished by using a washer or nut.

The tabs of weld screws extend from the head so that welding can be accomplished without having to use a hole. A metal part is then attached to the welding stud, and the stud is attached to the base of the metal.

These screws belong to automotive, industrial, marine, construction, cookware, and aerospace industries.

#37. Raised or slotted cheese screws.

Slotted cheese head screws are made from stainless steel and designed with a raised, round head. The cheese head has almost half the height of the diameter of the head.

They are very common in industrial use, electrical, telecommunication, and automotive lighting applications because they are highly rust and corrosion resistant. They can also be used for underwater projects.

#38. Fillister head screws.

Fillister head screws are slotted head machine fasteners that have large oversized heads that can be used for attaching metal to metal or wood to metal.

Fillister head fasteners are also called cheese head screws because the fillister head screw is very similar to a pan head machine screw except that it has a larger side height. The fillister head is generally preferred for counterbored holes, and it has a very large diameter and height.

#39. Framing screws.

Framing screws are multi-purpose fasteners for use with sheet metal, wood, laminate, composite decking, and cement fiberboard.

Framing screws are engineered to “countersink” into any material, from hardwood flooring to brittle composite. This is achieved by the cutting teeth under the head of the screw, and six cutting pockets.

Framing screws are similar to circular saw blades where they cut the wood that prevents the sawdust from getting to the edge of the screw hole so that the hole can be sealed off protecting the integrity of the surface of the material.

#40. MDF Screws.

MDF screws (medium density fiberboard) are made specifically for use with mdf (medium density fiberboard) plywood.

MDF screws are easier to use than standard wood screws for MDF because MDF can be a lot harder to penetrate than solid wood. You can drill pilot holes for the MDF to use standard wood screws, but pilot holes are not needed for self-drilling MDF screws.

The thread and tip of the self-drilling MDF screws are special designed to act like a drill bit to drill into the MDF wood. Use these screws for interior trim, furniture, and any other construction project that uses MDF wood as the base material.

FAQs.