Screw Manufacturers: 6 Common Types Of Screws

Screws are characterized by helical threads surrounding a long axis and are among the most common fasteners worldwide. They are typically used when two or more solid objects need to be joined, providing a simple and effective solution for connecting multiple solid objects. Although all screws feature helical threads around an axis, they are not necessarily the same. Below are six common types of screws.

#1) Wood Screws
Perhaps the most common type of screw is the wood screw. Wood screws are not made of actual wood; instead, they are used to join two or more solid wooden objects. Wood screws have a sharp point that allows them to drill into wood, making them highly useful for woodworking applications.

#2) Machine Screws
As the name suggests, machine screws are used in machinery applications. There are many different types of machine screws, one of which is the stove bolt. Machine screws are used to fasten heavy-duty metal objects together. According to Wikipedia, machine screws can have diameters of up to 0.75 inches, making them larger than most other screws.

#3) Lag Screws
Although not as common as wood screws or machine screws, lag screws are another type worth mentioning. Also known as lag bolts or coach screws, they are essentially oversized wood screws coated with zinc. The zinc coating on lag screws helps prevent rust and corrosion. To apply the zinc, companies typically use electroplating or hot-dip galvanizing.

#4) Sheet Metal Screws
As the name implies, sheet metal screws are designed to be driven into sheet metal. While they can still be used with other materials, such as wood, they are primarily intended for sheet metal. The threads of sheet metal screws extend all the way to the shank at the top, allowing them to easily drill into sheet metal.

#5) Twinfast Screws
Twinfast screws feature a unique design with two threads instead of just one. With twice the number of threads compared to traditional screws, they can penetrate objects more quickly. Most drywall screws are Twinfast screws. That said, Twinfast screws can also be used for applications other than drywall installation and hanging.

#6) Security Screws
Finally, security screws are designed to prevent removal or tampering. Unlike other screws, security screws do not have a operable head that can be reversed to remove the screw. Instead, they often require specialized tools, such as a wrench or square drive, for removal. This design makes them an excellent choice for security applications.