A brief introduction to the different types of screw heads.
Types of machine screws heads.
While there are a lot of choices available there are only a few different types of screws a woodworker will ever need.
A machine screw is generally a smaller fastener less than 1 4 inch 6 35 mm in diameter threaded the entire length of its shank that usually has a recessed drive type slotted phillips etc.
Machine screws come with different types of heads.
Set screws machine screws with no head for screwing all the way into threaded holes.
A sheet metal screw is similar to a wood screw but has a pan head.
At a minimum it is a set of shaped cavities and protrusions on the screw head that allows torque to be applied to it.
There are two types of hex screws.
Slotted head screws are what most people refer to as flathead screws because they have one narrow opening for a flat screwdriver.
Although this type of screw is one of the most common and inexpensive types it s also the most prone to stripping.
Mating screws mating screws have a shoulder that matches the diameter of the sex bolts they are used with.
An allen screw has a hexagonal indent in the head requiring an allen wrench and the other type has no indent in the hexagonal head and must be applied or removed with a socket wrench.
Know what kind you need for your project before going to the hardware store or home center.
A cross head features two full length slots that cross which allows a flat head screwdriver to be used and makes the screw usable even if one slot has been worn away.
A screw is a shaft which has a groove on its surface.
In fact slotted screws are supposed to strip by design to prevent you from overtightening them.
Although many people refer to any screw head that has cross shaped grooves as a phillips head there are other types of screws that have similar slots.
It is designed to hold objects in a certain alignment.
Usually it also involves a mating tool such as a screwdriver that is used to turn it the following heads are categorized based on frequency with some of the less common drives being classified as tamper resistant.
Hanger bolts hanger bolts have wood thread on one end and machine thread on the other end.
A screw drive is a system used to turn a screw.
These are strongest and robust of all types of screws heads and are recognized for their durability and quality therefore made of high grade carbon and stainless steel.
These are generally found on the screws with a hex drive on the top of their head.
The most common types of machine screw head shapes are pan head flat head round head oval head truss head and hex head.
The screws have cylindrical heads and long vertical sides.
Machine screws come in coarse thread which means they have 24 threads per inch and in fine thread which means they have 32 threads per inch.
And there s a basic look at the various types of screws.
