There are hundreds of different types of screws, each having its use. A non-professional person may need to use only a couple of screws to get a basic job done. Still, for professionals who deal with screws daily for different applications, it is important to have a stack of all the different types of screws at hand. Therefore, it is essential not to fall short when a certain kind of screw 4-40 Screw is needed.
Screws vary in size, shape, head shape, material, different threads, and many others. You can choose from all of these variations depending upon your needs. Though this might not seem important to know about, screws are the supporting pillars of many things that can range from DIY projects to furniture to buildings. The object’s material to work on also needs to stop to be considered to choose the right screws for the right job.
There are hundreds of types of screws, but we will mention only a few important ones so that you can get a basic idea of how to match the screws with the applications.
Woodscrews
From the name, you can tell the application of these screws. They are designed for soft to hardwood, as well as chipboard and MDF. The materials used in making them are either steel or brass. These screws are considered self-tapping screws, which means that they can create their threads with their tapered bodies and sharp tips. But sometimes, directly installing these screws can crack the wood for which drilling a hole before the screw installation is required. Wood Screws are majorly countersunk and come in different head shapes.
Drywall Screws
Drywall screws are also designed for specific applications, such as attaching things like plasterboard to the wood or metal frames. In contrast to woodscrews, drywall screws are entirely threaded. Drywall screws are not very durable and can even break if they are drilled into hardened wood. This is because they are made from hardened, brittle steel.
Self-Tapping Screws
Self-tapping screws will be screws that kill the need to pre-drill because of threads like a 4-40 thread that works with the boring opening while the screw is being embedded. These screws can be drywall, wood, or sheet metal screws.
In any case, the issue with these screws is that hauling them out results in stripping the screw. Additionally, over-tightening of these screws can result in breaking the screws.
Machine Screws
Machine screws look similar to bolts, but one difference is that machine screws consist of a socket in their head, which helps screwdrivers drive in them. Such screws have threads for their entire length which means they are uniformly threaded. This is the opposite of woodscrews that have tapered threads on their heads and cut their threads.
Sheet Metal Screws
Sheet metal screws are used in situations when you need to put together several different types of materials. The materials could be plastic, steel, metal, rubber, plywood, etc. these screws are available in different sizes like 4-40 screws. Your choice would mainly depend on the type of materials you need to join together.
The most common sheet metal screws are A, B, and AB. There is another type known as type 25, which is rare and has specific uses. Their different head shapes are flat, oval, and hex washer. Sharp threads like 4-40 threads ensure a tight bond and efficiency, and sheet metal screws ensure just that!
Thread-Forming Screws
Thread-forming screws are used for materials like plastic or metal. Moreover, thread-forming screws have either sharp or non-sharp ends that are used in forming threads. For these screws, you need to drill a hole before driving them in a material. RS Components have a variety of different thread-forming and other screws.
MDF Screws
MDF or medium-density fiberboard screws are among the most commonly used screws for domestic applications like the building of bookshelves, bookcases, molding, etc. These screws are among the toughest screws available there. They are even stronger than hardwood and can be very difficult to pierce. MDF screws are highly efficient because they reduce the risk of splitting and eliminate the need for pre-drilling like 4-40 screws. They are available in all the same sizes as wood screws and have star-drive heads.
Decking Screws
If you need to install exterior decking to a joist system, deck screws are the best choice. These screws are commonly countersunk in nature. They are somewhat similar to wood screws because they are corrosion resistant and feature coarse thread and a top shank that is smooth. RS Components have some of the best quality decking screws.