Types of Screws & Their Uses

Common Screw Head Types

Flat Head (Countersunk): Designed to sit flush with the surface. Used for face plates, hinges, and any application where a smooth surface is needed.

Pan/Round/Button Head: The head sits entirely above the surface. Used for sheet metal, attaching hardware, or where you don't want to weaken the top material with a large countersink.

Common Drive Types

Phillips: The most common. Designed to "cam out" (slip) when too much torque is applied to prevent overtightening. Use the correct size bit (PH1, PH2, PH3).

Robertson (Square): Popular in Canada and for woodworking. Excellent grip, very low cam-out.

Torx (Star): Superior grip and torque transfer. Virtually no cam-out. Ideal for heavy-duty applications like decking or construction screws.

Flathead (Slotted): The original. Prone to cam-out and slipping. Best for simple applications or aesthetic restoration.

Common Screw Types by Material

Wood Screws: Have coarse, sharp threads that cut into wood. They often have a non-threaded shank near the head to allow for a clearance hole.

Sheet Metal Screws: Have fine, fully-threaded shafts. Used for joining metal, plastic, or wood. They tap their own threads.

Machine Screws: Used with a nut or a pre-tapped hole (like in a car engine). They have uniform, fine threads and are not self-tapping.

Deck Screws: A type of wood screw with a corrosion-resistant coating (e.g., ceramic, stainless steel) and a Torx drive for high-torque outdoor use.

Drywall Screws: Have a bugle head that self-countersinks and a sharp point. They are hardened but brittle.

Quick Reference: Screw Selection Guide