No matter what material you’re working with, you need to use the right screw for the job. That means knowing which point design, as well as thread and head type, works for different materials and applications.
While we have a VERY handy shortcut for all your woodworking needs (more on that below), here’s a quick cheat-sheet on the basics of screw selection…
Different types of screws for wood
Broadly speaking, you’ll want the screw to reach at least half way through the thickness of the bottom material.
You’ll also need to consider the gauge of the screw, which is how we describe its diameter – because screws that are too thick can damage the wood by splitting, while screws that are too thin won’t fasten the pieces together securely.
The variations in thread dictate the speed at which a screw can be driven into the wood, and how well it will hold. The purpose of the head is of course to transfer the force from the driver (you, or your tool) into the screw, but it also delivers another variable in relation to how flush the screw sits to the wood.
If the force exerted on the join can be considered a ‘pulling’ force, then you’ll want to choose a longer screw, with more thread. But if the force is going to be lateral, for example as in wall framing, you’d be advised to choose a thicker screw.
All these various features contribute to the overall outcome and effectiveness. Don’t worry, it’s not rocket science, but it is the difference between a job well done, and a big disappointment!
Helping you find the right screw
That’s why we’ve developed a handy product selector that’s so simple, even the most novice wood-worker can feel confident that they’re using the best kit for their particular project. Spare yourself the trip-ups, unnecessary expense and all that time ‘Googling’ when preparing for a job. It really is as easy as 1,2,3…
Hop onto our website and:
- Select the Project: Whether you’re planning on doing some decking, flooring, landscaping, structures or roofs, we have application-specific screws for all project types. Our products’ optimum performance is guaranteed to last the lifetime of the project – you can’t say fairer than that!
- Select the Timber: You might be working with heavyweight or multipurpose timber, either way we’ve got you covered with the strongest fasteners on the market.
- Select the Screw: Once you’ve selected the project and timber that you’re working with… we’ll do the rest. We’ll show you all compatible screws for your project, so you just need to pick the right size and you’re good to go!
Whichever product you choose, you can be assured you’ve made a quality selection. That’s because Carpenters Mate is the original self-drilling wood screw, designed to reduce installation time and perform phenomenally. Through our industry renowned reputation, top-rated products and user-friendly online tools, Carpenters Mate screws are revolutionising the way carpenters fit timbers across the UK.