The screws you choose for your project can speed up and simplify the job, as well as provide the lasting hold and appearance you expect. You'll find different types, lengths and head shapes in the hardware aisle at your local home improvement store.
Steel, stainless steel and aluminum screw options are available with varying coatings, material thicknesses and drive types. These choices can make a big difference in the strength, corrosion resistance and cost of your projects.
Zinc Plated
Screws are functional fasteners that hold together two pieces of wood, metal, or other materials. They’re essential for projects like framing wall studs, attaching molding, and building bookcases.
There are several different types of screws available in the hardware aisle, and each has its own features. A key characteristic is whether the screw head ends in a countersunk or non-countersunk area.
The most common type of screw is the flat head screw. These fasteners are generally used in applications where a flush finish is desired.
These screws can be a bit tricky to choose, so it’s important to understand the differences between different head types and drive types. Also, consider how you’ll insert the screws.
Zinc Coated
If you’re working on projects like putting up metal roofing, siding or building decking, you’ll need a specific type of screw. Choosing the right one is an important step, since it will determine how well your project will hold up to the elements.
You’ll want to choose a screw that’s long enough to penetrate the material you’re fastening it to. You also want to ensure the fastener is corrosion-resistant so it won’t corrode from exposure to moisture.
When it comes to wood, many DIYers use self-drilling screws that eliminate the need for pre-drilling a pilot hole. This is because they feature sharp tips that mimic the action of a drill bit, reducing splitting and making installation faster.
Zinc Galvanized
Whether you’re building a new deck, siding panels or metal roofing, choosing the right fasteners is important. Stainless steel, in particular, is a great choice because of its strength and rust resistance.
Galvanized screws, on the other hand, are made from black steel that has been coated with a layer of zinc for extra protection against rusting. Zinc is a metal that corrodes at a much slower rate than other metals, and that’s what makes it an ideal option for a wide range of construction projects.
The best way to choose zinc galvanized screws is to ask yourself some key questions. Are you planning to do any type of exterior building work that involves exposure to moisture and corrosives?
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel fasteners are one of the most popular types of screws, used across an array of industries and applications. They are commonly made from 304 grade stainless steel, but some other alloys are also available.
The primary considerations when choosing a stainless steel screw are the type and style of head, thread type and drive recess. The head design can provide flexibility in tightening and capping requirements, while the driving recess provides strength and durability benefits.
A stainless steel screw can withstand rust and corrosion far better than a screw made from galvanized steel. In addition, the chemical make-up of stainless steel makes it incredibly strong and durable. Its tensile strength averages 100,000 to 150,000 PSI, which is more than 30 times the PSI of steel.