Modern wood screws are available in a variety of options, all of which are designed to for maximum holding power with an array of wood types.
It’s a great time to be a woodworker, as the best in screw technology is available at your hardware store. The leap from zinc-plated slot head screws to today’s epoxy-coated torx screws is a big one.
New wood screws are all made from strong heat-treated steel and feature aggressive threads and sharp points that don’t require pilot holes, and the drive designs like square, posi-square, and torx can be driven with one hand using a drill/driver or impact driver.
Answer these questions based on your project to decide which screw to use:
- Will the screw be used indoors or outdoors?
- Based on the depth of material, what length of screw is required?
- How much holding power do you need? Heavier/larger screws provide more strength.
- How should the screw sit in the wood? Do you want it flush, countersunk, or shown on top of the wood?
- What type of driver bit do you have?
For more information on types of wood screws available, watch the video above.
Today’s Wood Screw Technology [Woodworker’s Journal (YouTube)]
Lifehacker’s Workshop column covers DIY tips, techniques and projects.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.