VIDEO & CENTER
Wood screws are a type of screw designed specifically for woodworking and construction applications. They are used to join two pieces of wood together or to attach wood to other materials. There are several types of wood screws, each with its own unique characteristics and uses:
- Flathead wood screw: This type of wood screw has a flat head and a sharp point, making it suitable for fastening wood pieces together. It is commonly used for general woodworking projects, such as building furniture and cabinets.
- Roundhead wood screw: As the name suggests, this wood screw has a round head and is often used when a more aesthetically pleasing finish is desired. It is commonly used in cabinetry, doorframes, and other finished wood products.
- Panhead wood screw: This wood screw has a flat head with a raised center section, making it suitable for fastening wood in situations where a small amount of protrusion is acceptable. It is commonly used in moldings, trim, and other decorative woodwork.
- countersunk-head wood screw: This type of wood screw has a countersunk head, which is designed to sit flush with the surface of the wood. It is commonly used when a clean, finished look is desired, such as in cabinetry and furniture construction.
- Self-tapping wood screw: This wood screw is designed to tap its own threads into the wood, making it suitable for fastening wood together without the need for pre-drilling. It is commonly used in construction projects, such as framing and decking.
- Thread-forming wood screw: This type of wood screw is similar to a self-tapping screw, but it forms its own threads in the wood without the need for pre-drilling. It is often used in hardwood applications and other materials that are difficult to drill.
- Wood screw with WASHINGTON thread: This special type of wood screw has a unique thread pattern that allows it to grip wood more securely than traditional wood screws. It is commonly used in situations where extra holding power is required, such as in decking and structural applications.
- screws with special functions: There are also wood screws with specialized functions, such as screws that expand inside the wood to create a secure hold, screws that prevent wood from splitting, and screws that can be removed and reinserted without damaging the wood. These
specialized screws are used in a variety of applications, including furniture construction, cabinetry, and woodworking.
When selecting a type of wood screw, it's important to consider the following factors:
- The type of wood being used: Different types of wood screws are designed to work best with certain types of wood. For example, softwoods such as pine and spruce generally require screws with sharp points and aggressive threads to ensure a secure hold. Hardwoods such as oak and maple require screws with more substantial threads and larger diameters to prevent splitting.
- The desired finish: If a finished appearance is important, you'll want to choose a wood screw with a round or panhead that will blend seamlessly with the wood surface.
- The application: The type of wood screw you choose should be appropriate for the specific application and the materials being joined. For example, self-tapping and thread-forming screws are better suited for metal-to-wood applications, while traditional wood screws are better suited for wood-to-wood applications.
- The required holding power: If you need a screw that provides extra holding power, such as in decking or structural applications, you'll want to choose a wood screw with a unique thread pattern or a specialized function that allows it to grip the wood more securely.
By considering these factors and choosing the right type of wood screw for your project, you can ensure a secure and durable joint between wood pieces or between wood and other materials.
