DIY DAN WELCOMES YOU TO WEEKEND PROJECTS

THE FREE DIY HOME IMPROVEMENT GUIDE WITH ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS
ON A WIDE RANGE OF DO IT YOURSELF PROJECTS.

What Screws To Use Part 1

TIME SCALE 1 Hour

SKILL LEVEL

Even the construction-clueless layman is aware that each type of screw handles a specific function. Alas, it doesn't stop him from his tendency to pick the exact wrong screw in a given job in order to save time. At any rate, with just a modicum of effort to inform himself which screw is best used at which task, he should be able to make his everyday home and building jobs all the more easier and effective.

Indeed, when it comes to the construction industry, the old adage of always using the right equipment, tools, products, and whatnot rings very true effort-wise as well as budget-wise. As a makeshift guide, the larger the given number to a screw, the bigger the screw is; to wit, a number 12 screw is bigger than a number 6 screw, and so on and so forth. Also take note that when an orderly and precise task is called for, countersinking screws is the way to go.

More to the point, it's frequently more efficient to insert screws when you have drilled a pilot hole. More information on how to drill the correct size of pilot holes is available within the NuStock site, as well as every type of screw, fixings, and tools required for your project. Purchase everything you need on-site with little to no hassle.

To reiterate, aside from size, there as so many kinds and variations of screws out there for all types of material and conditions that you'd be hard pressed not to find an appropriate screw in a given instance. The list below should give even the most inexperienced of novices a rough yet informed idea on what screw goes best with which surface or task.

Traditional Finished Wood

The simple single thread screw should be enough for traditional finished wood. For inside installations, use zinc or brass slotted roundhead screws, while outside installations also require the very same types of slotted screws.

Hardwood

When it comes to hardwood, only the twin thread screw can be used on it with any effectiveness; its ease of startup and driving makes it ideal on any given hardwood surface without fear of compromised threading. The zinc-plated twin thread is best for internal installations, while the brass or black Jappaned screw is best for external installations.

Softwood


The single thread screw is best for the easily damaged softwood; it assures you of strength in position and high pull-out retention without completely splintering the material. For internal installations, use zinc-plated countersunk screws, and for external installations, use brass of black Jappaned screw, just like with hardwoods.

Chipboard


The ever-fragile chipboards, like with softwoods, use single thread screws for high pull-out retention but not necessarily for strength in position, since this is fragile chipboard. Use countersunk screws for internal installations, and don't attempt to do external installations on chipboards unless they're covered.

MDF


The single thread with twin-thread start screw is best for MDF, because the twin thread gives you an easy startup while the single thread offers you high pull-out retention without wearing out the original threads on the drilled hole. For internal installations, use MDF countersunk screws, and don't install MDF outside unless they're covered.

TOOLS FOR THIS JOB

General Purpose Woodscrews - 1 1/2" x 6


FIND PRODUCTS

General Purpose Woodscrews - 2" x 12


FIND PRODUCTS

General Purpose Woodscrews - 4" x 12


FIND PRODUCTS