Screws are a type of fastener that is used to hold two pieces of material together. There are many different types of screws, and it’s important to know which one suits your needs best. In this blog post, we will discuss 10 types of screws: what they look like, how they work, and what you should use them for!

Types of Screws

Here are the different types of screws.

1. Slotted Screws

This is the most common type of screw that you will find in your home or office. They are held together with a simple metal fastener, and they have ridges along their shaft for better grip.

2. Phillips Screws

These screws have a cross shape on the tip of their head that allows you to use an easy-to-turn screwdriver. They can hold together two pieces of material tightly without damaging them.

However, they aren’t recommended if you’re attaching wood with another type of fastener because it might split the wooden piece apart due to too much pressure being applied.

3. Torx Screws

These types of screws also have a cross shape on the tip, but they are designed to work with special screwdrivers that feature six points rather than four ones like Phillips-style screwdrivers do.

Their design makes them good for outdoor projects since it’s harder to strip their head or break off a piece by using too much pressure during installation. A hex tool is usually needed in order to install Torx fasteners correctly and remove them as well.

4. Hex Screws

This type of screw has a flat head, and it’s also called Allen key screws because they are designed to be used with hexagonal tools instead of slotted or Phillips-style ones.

They have six sides that give you plenty of torque without stripping the fastener out easily due to too much pressure applied during installation. The tool needed for installing this type is an Allen wrench included in nearly every set that features hex screws.

5. Machine Screws

These types of screws have a head that is completely flat, and they use a specific type of screwdriver called a hex key to install them. They are designed for more heavy-duty applications, such as those found in factories or on outdoor projects, since the heads provide extra strength than slotted or Phillips-style fasteners.

It can break easily if too much pressure is applied during installation. It’s advisable not to reuse this type after it has been removed from one project because its shaft might already be worn out due to being used previously in another application where different torque was required at each step throughout the process.

6. Hex Head Self-Drilling Screws

This type is much like machine screws, but its design allows it to drill through wood or metal when being fastened with minimal damage caused by friction.

This means you don’t need pre-drilled holes to use this type of screw, which makes installation easier overall because drilling often damages surfaces where materials are attached together, especially in cases where precision is required.

It also helps avoid splitting pieces apart during assembly unless excessive pressure was applied while tightening down the fastener itself.

7. JIS/Japanese Slotted Head Self-Tapping Screws

These types of screws have a slotted head which allows them to be installed into areas that don’t already contain pre-drilled holes or other fasteners and then tapped in using a hammer before tightening down.

This means no drilling is required when installing this type of screw, which makes it an easier option overall than machine screws because there’s less time spent attaching the piece together due to waiting for the drilling process to be completed.

The head of these types is also attractive because it allows you to install and remove fasteners without using a screwdriver. This makes them ideal for assembling furniture that may need regular disassembly to rearrange or move into another room if desired.

8. Slotted Head Self-Drilling/Tapping Screws

This type of screw is similar to the JIS style since it drills through wood and metal, but its head also has a slot within the design that allows for installation without pre-drilled holes or other fasteners like nails or bolts.

This makes them ideal for those working on small projects such as cabinets because you don’t have to wait around while drilling takes place before finishing up your work.

Slotted screws should be used sparingly though due to their tendency to break easily if too much pressure was applied during installation. They’re great when dealing with soft materials such as plywood, particleboard, and plastics where the damage doesn’t occur so easily however they aren’t recommended for use on drywall unless already have a pre-drilled hole.

9. Drywall Screws

Drywall screws are great for when you need to attach two pieces of drywall together in order to prevent them from shifting during installation.

They’re used because they allow the fastener itself to be recessed into the surface, which means no damage occurs while tightening down and allows both pieces of drywall to sitting flush with each other without leaving a visible gap between them if installed correctly.

These types of screws should only be used on light-duty projects such as hanging decorations or small items that don’t require high amounts of support since their heads do tend to snap off easily when too much pressure is applied so using this type at all times isn’t recommended unless knowing what its limitations are beforehand due to having little grip strength.

10. Wood Screws

Wood screws are designed for use on wood materials and have a cylindrical shaft that’s slotted near the top to allow them to drill into surfaces easily. They’re used by many individuals who work with lumbers because they provide enough strength while drilling through both soft and hardwoods, so splitting doesn’t occur during installation.

These fasteners should be installed carefully, though, since too much pressure can cause damage or breakage when using them in drywall or other materials that aren’t as strong as traditional lumber products such as trees found growing naturally outdoors.

If you need something stronger than this type, check out metal self-drilling/tapping screws instead, even if that means having more friction while installing due to their design.

11. Toggle Bolts

These types of screws have wings that allow the main shaft to pivot back and forth once inserted during installation, which allows them to hold more weight than other types due to having high grip strength.

They’re often used on drywall, plaster, and even ceilings since they provide a lot of holding power without requiring pre-drilling holes into the surface before installation occurs.

Toggle bolts are also great for individuals who don’t want visible fasteners that could damage or ruin an otherwise nice-looking wall or ceiling by having screws sticking out from all angles during usage.

12. Bugle Head

These screws have a wide head shaped like a cone, which is great for covering up large holes and areas where the fastener will be exposed during installation.

They’re used by many people who work with tile since they provide a nice clean finish due to their design while also being strong enough to prevent cracking or breaking when gripping onto materials firmly.

The only downside is if you install them in hardwood surfaces then it might cause splitting so watch out before doing so unless your project calls for this type beforehand rather than something else instead such as metal self-drilling/tapping screws even if that means finding one with an auger tip design instead just to be safe.

13. Sheet Metal Screws

Sheet metal screws are great for use on sheet metals such as aluminum, brass, and copper because they have a sharp point plus a self-drilling tip, which means you don’t need any drilling equipment beforehand, so there’s no risk of causing damage from doing so.

However, if used in hardwood surfaces, it can cause splitting since these fasteners grip onto the material very tightly compared to other screw types available.

They’re considered an excellent choice for both commercial and domestic applications because once tightened into place then neither rain nor snow will be able to penetrate through them whereas traditional nails would simply rust over time making this type perfect when exposed to humidity as well as coastal areas where saltwater is present during usage.

14. Socket Screws

Socket screws are designed to be used with a socket wrench that’s connected directly onto the head of each screw. They’re considered an excellent choice for people who work with steel products since they provide high torque which is needed when tightening it into place.

The downside is if you use them in wood surfaces then there can be some splitting, especially during installation so make sure this type is only being utilized on hardwood materials or other equally strong types instead such as metal self-drilling/tapping screws even if that means having more friction while installing due to their design just to ensure safety beforehand.

15. Set Screws

Set screws are similar to socket screws in the sense that they have a hexagonal drive on them so you can use either an Allen or Torx key when tightening it into place.

However, their design is slightly different where once tightened down then there’s no way of backing off which makes this type great for preventing tampering with whatever project you’re working on.

If used correctly then set screws should never require being removed since using the appropriate size screwdriver beforehand will ensure it doesn’t come loose over time whereas other types tend to back out without any form of warning beforehand making this type perfect if security is required during installation.

16. Headless Screws

These types of screws have a flat head and can be installed without any need for having to drill through the material beforehand.

This means they’re great for sheet metals, plastics along thick wood since there’s no risk of them splitting or cracking when it comes into contact with drilling equipment which is needed during installation if using other types instead such as bugle-head type screws even if that means finding ones with an auger tip design just to ensure safety beforehand.

17. Sex Bolts

Sex bolts are another type of screw that is designed to be installed into a pre-tapped hole.

However, they’re different from other types since once tightened down then it cannot back off so this makes them great for preventing tampering with your project even further than before where socket screws would slip out over time despite being extremely tight when first installed whereas sex bolts will provide eternal security and peace of mind no matter what happens during the building process.

The only downside is that you do need access to either one or two holes that have been drilled beforehand and having an appropriately sized tap wrench to install these into place without causing any damage whatsoever.

18. Hanger Bolts

Hanger bolts are designed to be used alongside a washer where the head of the screw will stick out from one side. These types of screws are excellent for installation into wood products since they come in different sizes depending on how deep you want them to go while providing additional flange space so if it starts splitting then there’s no need to panic beforehand, whereas other types tend to split rather than bend.

However, this can still occur but is due primarily to operator error since using too much torque during installation causes damage instead.

Therefore, consider having someone who has experience installing these types of fasteners during usage just in case something goes wrong, which happens more often than people realize when attempting DIY projects themselves, especially involving carpentry work before moving onto metal products.

19. Tapping Screws

A tapping screw is a screw with threads on the entire shaft which makes it perfect for wood surfaces since there’s no risk of splitting or cracking when using these instead compared to other types such as set screws where there can be some splitting even during installation if not used correctly beforehand so take precautions beforehand just in case.

However their design allows them to effectively tap into place through pre-drilled holes without any need of having to drill all the way through, this means they’re great for sheet metal materials too but only work on hardwood surfaces whereas set screws are better suited towards both equally strong materials meaning that if you want security then use either one depending upon what type your project depends upon most before moving onto the next step.

20. Tubular Screws

A tubular screw is another type of screw that effectively works like an auger, allowing it to be installed into the surface completely without pre-drilling first. This makes them excellent when using on wood surfaces since they’re extremely easy to install with little effort required before starting your project whereas other types such as set screws would require drilling first.

This alone can take up valuable time during installation, meaning you end up running late or potentially not getting started at all due primarily down to the fact some people are not confident in their own abilities therefore consider having someone else do it instead if this applies to yourself too lest you make a mistake and ruin everything afterward especially if you find out there’s a problem with the installation afterward.

21. Eye Bolts

An eye bolt is a type of screw that has an aperture in one end where you can attach either chains, ropes or cables to. This makes them perfect for lightweight materials such as wood and plastics since they’re easy to install with little effort required beforehand unlike most other types especially set screws that would require drilling first before installation whereas tubular ones only work on hardwood surfaces but don’t even need pre-drilling like regular self-tapping screws

This is extremely important when working with these types of fasteners not to make too many assumptions beforehand because once the project has started then there won’t be time for making mistakes afterward otherwise the whole thing will fail during testing if something goes wrong thus potentially wasting your money along with valuable time so always take precautions beforehand especially when working with any type of fastener.

22. Domed Screws

Domed screws are ones that have a flat underside to them with either no threads or not many visible ones.

These types of fasteners are excellent for sheet metal work since they effectively sit flush against the surface meaning there’s no risk of splitting it when using these instead whereas other types such as set screws can be difficult to install unless you get someone else who has done this type of job before just in case anything goes wrong during usage therefore always take precautions beforehand especially if you’re doing something yourself that requires experience or expertise because otherwise, everything will fail due primarily down to inexperience on your behalf.

Screws Head Style

Here are the different types of screws head styles you should be aware of:

1. Button Head

A button head has a smooth surface and is slightly rounded, so it looks like the head of pin. This style comes in handy when you want to install screws that are visible from above.

2. Flat Head

A flat head screw has an almost perfectly flat top with sharp edges around the perimeter. It can be installed flush against another material for a smooth installation; however, these types of screws cannot support much weight because they do not have any kind of “grip” on them (by design).

3. Pan Head

A pan head screw has a round dome-like shape at its very top which tapers down towards the remainder of the shaft before coming back up again near its base to form what would look like half of an egg sitting upside down on your workpiece.

This design provides the most grip of all screws head styles because it is not smooth and has a “special” area at the top for applying pressure on your workpiece to keep things in place.

4. Flange Head

A flange head screw looks like a pan head, but instead of having an egg shape at its very tip, this style has two distinct points that form sort of a rectangle with curved edges around them (similar to how you might draw half of an egg).

The purpose behind these types of screws is just as their name suggests: they provide support through their wide surface where flat material can be placed between each point for stability. It will also help by preventing anything from spinning or moving out of position when turned into your workpiece.

5. Torx Head

A Torx head screw has a distinct six-pointed star shape on its very top, which is designed for extra grip to prevent anything from backing out of place (this style also makes it easier for your tools to “bite” into the material you are working with). The star shape is even more pronounced when you look at the head of a Torx screw profile.

The points themselves are made up of six different surfaces that all meet together to form this star pattern, which makes it nearly impossible for anything else besides your tools (or fingers) to get any purchase on them.

However, they do require somewhat specialized equipment to install properly because only certain types will fit each opening within their design (usually something like an Allen wrench).

6. Socket Head

A socket head screw has the same distinct “star” shaped top as a Torx style screw does but instead uses hexagonal openings around its perimeter where other sockets can be placed onto it so that torque can be applied.

This type of fastener requires no special insertion tools to work, but it does require a socket wrench for installation.

7. Pin Drive

A pin drive screw has a groove that runs down the length of its shaft and is designed for holding pins into a place where they cannot be seen from above (for example: if your project required adding screws along the back edge of some decorative molding).

The groove creates little “prongs” between each point as well as extra space at either end which allows something like a nail or drill bit to slip right through so that holes can be pre-drilled before inserting these types of screws. They have sharp edges around their perimeter just like a flat head screw and can be installed just as easily.

8. Rivet Head

A rivet head style is very similar to a pin drive because it too has a groove that runs down the entire length of its shaft, but this type does not have any sharp edges around its perimeter so there’s no chance of them cutting into anything they are being fastened into.

They also require even more specialized equipment for installation than most other types do (a special riveting tool) which means these screws will probably never show up in your local hardware store or home improvement center.

9. Bolt Heads

A bolt has an entirely different kind of shape along with distinct features designed for joining multiple workpieces together, but they are sometimes mistaken for screws because of their “star-shaped” design.

Bolt heads have six flat sides around each opening where the nut is located and even though there’s no fastener hole in them like you see with screw styles, these types will still require an insertion tool to work properly just as if it were a pin drive that was being installed into this area (again: look here for more information).

Watch this video for more types of screw heads:

Tips When Choosing the Right Screws

When choosing screws, there are a few things you need to keep in mind:

Get The Right Size

Make sure you get the right screw size for your project. If it is too small, then there is a risk that when fastening it could strip out and not hold correctly in place.

On the other hand, if it’s much larger than what you need to fit or attach together, this might make things more difficult when trying to put everything together, especially with smaller pieces of wood where large head screws will take up quite a bit of room and won’t allow items in place well enough without making holes bigger or even splitting apart your materials.

Remember What You’re Fastening

It’s important that you remember what material(s) are going into use when choosing the best type of screw to go along with them since different screws are designed for different materials.

For example, if you’re using hardwood to build a table with screws that aren’t meant for wood, they might not hold into place or even strip out, which could cause your project to fail and be unusable after you’ve put in all the work.

Tight Fit is Better Than Too Loose

You want to make sure that whatever screw you use has a tight fit so it will sit in its right position without having any movement where there’s a risk of splitting apart your material along the seam when tightening down on them together.

If too loose, this can also result in slipping around causing problems when trying to attach everything evenly especially since many projects require several pieces attached together simultaneously, such as an outdoor deck, cabinets, or furniture.

Know Your Materials

Know the materials you’re working with and how different types of screws can affect them. For example, if you have softwood, it might not be recommended to use steel/stainless steel screws since these are harder which could cause problems when going through softer woods.

It’s also important to remember that some metals corrode more easily some are corrosion resistant, so using a metal screw-on an item where this is possible may result in rusting or other damage along your seam over time from exposure, especially if it will get wet often such as for outdoor projects like decks, furniture, etc.

There are several different types of screws you can use for your projects. Remember, the type of screw you need will depend on what’s being attached together, and it’s important to keep in mind that different types have various features, including the materials they’re made from, their drive styles, etc.