KATHY’S HOME & GARDEN TIPS – SCREW IT!
The other day my husband asked me to get him a two inch screw. When I handed it to him he said that's a machine screw I need a wood screw. I realized many people like me don't know the difference between the many types of screws and their uses.
Wood Screw
Wood screws have a tapered shaft and a point that allows it to penetrate undrilled wood.
Machine Screw
Machine screws have a uniform cylindrical shaft that fits into a nut or tapped hole. The threads are closer together than a wood screw.
Cap Screw
Cap screws have a convex head, usually hexagonal, designed to be used with a wrench. Can be used with many materials.
Self Tapping Screw
Self tapping screws have a cylindrical shaft with a sharp thread that cuts its own hole. They are often used in sheet metal or plastic.
Dry Wall Screws
Dry wall screws are a type of self tapping screw that firmly holds drywall onto wood framing. It has a sharp cylindrical shaft that makes it useful for many wood projects.
Set Screw
A set screw has no head. It is designed to be inserted flush or below the surface of the material.
KATHLEEN WEAVER ZECH & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO
