FASTENERS 101™

Screw FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Screws

Screws FAQs

Quick answers to common questions about screws.

What are screws?

Screws are threaded fasteners that hold themselves in materials once installed and do not require a nut or washer.

Why are there so many kinds of screws?

Each type is engineered for specific materials or applications, with variations in head, drive, and point styles for practicality or aesthetics, creating endless possibilities.

What are set screws?

Set screws are screws with no head designed to sit flush with an installation surface.

Are screws and bolts the same?

No, screws have a sharp point and hold themselves in material, while bolts need a tapped hole or nut. Terms are often swapped interchangeably.

What are Allen key screws called?

Allen key screws are commonly called socket cap screws or socket head screws.

Are screws or nails better?

Neither is universally better, it depends on the task, screws for strength, nails for speed.

Where can I buy screws?

You can buy screws right on our website.

How do I use lag screws?

A lag screw is installed by drilling a pilot hole into wood and then driving it in with a socket or wrench.

How do I use anchor screws?

Anchor screws are used with an expanding anchor, place the anchor in the hole and drive the screw into it.

Are screws recyclable?

Screws can be reused if the drives recess and threading are undamaged. Stainless steel screws can often be reused as they are corrosion resistant and can withstand the test of time.

Are screws considered hardware?

Screws are fasteners, often called hardware, fasteners are used with or in hardware.

Are screws magnetic?

It depends on the material, some screws are magnetic, some are not.

How are screws measured?

Screws are measured by diameter, thread pitch, and length.

Why do screws split wood?

Screws exert pressure for holding power, pre-drill a hole to prevent splitting.

Why are screws zinc plated?

Zinc plating provides a protective coating and sacrificial barrier to prevent rust on steel.

Why are Torx screws better?

Torx drives have 6 contact points, offering superior resistance to stripping.

What are lag screws?

Lag screws are thicker screws that provide excellent retention in wood.

Why do screws come loose?

Pressure buildup, vibration, or material expansion and contraction can cause screws to loosen over time.

Why do screws have different heads?

Different heads (e.g. flat, oval, pan, hex) serve aesthetic or functional purposes, like sitting flush or externally.

Will screws hold in MDF?

Yes, screws will hold in MDF. It’s best to use wood screws in MDF.

Will screws hold in drywall?

Yes, but typically with plastic anchors or drywall-specific screws.

Will screws hold in fiberglass?

Yes, if sized correctly to prevent binding or breaking.

Will screws split wood?

Yes, if a pilot hole isn’t drilled beforehand.

Will screws rust?

Yes, depending on the material and environmental conditions.

Will screws hold in OSB?

Yes, screws will hold in OSB.

Will Tapcon screws rust?

Yes, if their coating is damaged, rusting occurs more quickly.

Can screws be used with joist hangers?

Not recommended, joist nails are preferred, though screws may be used.

Can screws go through metal?

Yes, sheet metal screws and self-drilling screws can penetrate metal.

Can screws be hammered?

No, screws need rotation for threads to grip, hammering damages them.

Which screws do not rust?

No screw is immune, choose materials like stainless steel based on the environment. 316 stainless is the most resistant to rust.

What are the plastic things that come with screws?

They are plastic screw anchors that expand when a screw is driven into them.

Which screws should I use for drywall?

Use bugle head drywall screws for retention without damaging the surface.

Which screws should I use for brick?

Tapcon screws are ideal for brick and other masonry.

What are the ridges on a screw called?

The ridges are called threading.

Which screws should I use for decking?

Deck screws, a variation of wood screws, are ideal for decking.

Which screws should I use for wood?

Wood screws and lag screws provide excellent retention in wood.

How to use sheet metal screws?

Sheet metal screws have cutting threads, drive them into thin metals or wood until the head is flush.

What bit should I use for deck screws?

Use a bit matching the drive style and size of the deck screw, size varies by screw diameter.

What is a cap screw?

A cap screw is a screw driven by an Allen wrench.

What are the strongest screws?

High-strength screws like Grade 8 or stainless steel are among the strongest, ideal for heavy loads.

How do I prevent screws from stripping?

Use the correct driver size, apply steady pressure, and avoid over-tightening.

Can screws be used outdoors?

Yes, if made from corrosion-resistant materials like stainless steel or coated steel.

What is the best screw for metal?

Self-drilling or sheet metal screws with a sharp point are best for metal.

How do I remove a stripped screw?

Use a rubber band for grip, a screw extractor, or carefully drill it out.