Choosing the Right Screw Type and Screw Size
It can be quite tricky to choose screws of the right type for your project. This is especially true when buying different screw types online. Choosing the right screw type is often complicated due to the huge variety available to you. Additionally, there are many screw sizes out there compounding this problem!
With this in mind, we’ve found several methods you can use to find the right screw type and screw size for your needs. You can use this as a general guide to finding the right screw for the project you’re working on.
Selecting Your Screw Types
Luckily, selecting the right screw types is a simple matter. A quick internet search is the way to go. Type out your material or object, such as “chipboard” or other material and then “screw”. The search in this case should come up with chipboard or wood screws. Be sure to check the relevant info of your search, this will help you get the right screw type for your project.
Often, your results may come up with general or multi-purpose screw types. This screw type presents the problem of being quite varied, so may still not be the exact right type. At this point, you’ll need to be a little more specific about what you need the screw for.
Selecting Your Screw Features
Aside from screw types and screw sizes, they can have many different features, as well. The head, tip, and thread of screws vary widely, making each more suited to particular tasks. So, before buying, try to understand the variations between them.
In summary, you can describe a screw’s basic features as follows:
- Thread: The thread of a screw determines how quickly you can drive the screw into a surface, and how it will hold.
- Head: The head of a screw comes in different shapes an configurations. Be sure to match them to the type of screwdriver you have available.
- Tip: There are three main screw tip types that you should be aware of before you buy anything. These are tapping points, thread-cutting points, and thread-forming points.
Selecting Your Screw Sizes
There aren’t usually rules that govern which screw sizes you should use. This relies more on common sense. The screw size you choose shouldn’t be too long, as it may go right through the material you’re fixing. It also shouldn’t be too thick, as it could split the material as well.
If you’re using a screw for pulling force, it’s generally better to go with longer screw sizes. If the screwed material will experience lateral force, then we recommend thicker screws. Another issue is that screw size is often defined in both metric and imperial sizes. So, be sure to work these out into your preferred measurement before you get screws!
Figured Out the Basics? Now Go Get Screws!
Following these guidelines, you should be able to find screws of the right type for your project. Screw Distributors stocks a large range of screws and fasteners. If there’s a type you need, we most likely have it!
