Woodworking is a great hobby to take, and some even take the time to hone their skills and make it a career. There are types of wood to choose from and different tools to use. Perhaps the most common tool that gets the least attention is the wood screw. It is a vital tool in any woodworker’s arsenal since it can hold several pieces together, securely and discreetly. They provide a strong, firm bond which is great if you want to hold several wood pieces together permanently.
But you should take note that there are different types of wood screws, and they all have different purposes. For example, type 17 timber screws have a unique point shape and are designed so that the wood won’t split during use. Before you go to the store to buy some, you should first know what you’re going to use it for.
Here’s a list of the main designs for wood screws for different woodworking projects:
Standard Type Wood Screw
For many of us, this screw design is what we are familiar with. Need to join two pieces of wood together? If you reach inside your father’s toolbox, this is what you’ll probably get. This screw type has a shank with a channel through the center, along with a smooth top; the head is flat, so when you’re done screwing, they’ll be flush discreetly hidden in the wood’s surface.
Since this type is the most common, the screws are quite affordable and have different sizes and lengths to choose from.
Pocket Screw Type
Defined by their wide head that’s attached to a flat shoulder, This screw design is known for their self-drilling capacity. This type of screw is used for wood that has pre-drilled with pocket holes. Common pocket screws come with a square drive, so replacing them is quite easy. Take note that even if a wood already has pockets, avoid the standard design of wood screw. They’re likely to split the piece you’re working on, which is a disaster.
Deck Screw Type
Now, if you are fond of doing working on outdoor sections of your home, this is probably the screw type you’re most familiar with. Deck screws, from the name itself, are primarily used in constructing wooden outdoor decks, and they’re made to withstand harsh outdoor conditions without easily rusting. They are typically fashioned from steel, or copper, making them incredibly tough and corrosion-resistant.
It’s easy to spot the deck screws, just look for one with longer shanks, deeper threading, and sharpened tips. These tips allow them to be easily driven into planks, and they can fasten even the thick deck boards together with ease.
Drywall Screws
The cheapest kind of wood screws, drywall screws are available in most shops and are required in almost all home construction projects. They’re not easy to miss, too, and are easily identified because of their thin shank with thin threading running throughout the screw.
From the name itself, these are used for fastening drywall, so they’re made thin and can be relatively fragile. If you’re not using them for drywall, it’s really hard to find another purpose for them since they tend to bend or break easily on other materials.
