Choose the right screws for what you need

Screws constitute a fundamental part of any DIY or construction project. Here INDEX – A Perfect Fixing looks at the wide variety of types available and how users ensure they choose the right screw.

Depending on their size, thread, head or tip, different types of screws are effective for different purposes. For instance, a fundamental part of a screw is its head and drive, which together determine the strength and torque of a screw. There are a variety of different types of head and drive types available within the market, including:

Phillips screws: This type of screw is one of the most used and has slots in the head in the shape of a cross. The heads are designed to avoid the screwdriver slipping, thus facilitating use. The Phillips screw doesn’t usually require a lot of torque when installing and is very useful, for example, for work with wood.

TORX® screws: TORX® screws have grooves in the shape of a star with six points and are very resistant. The tamper resistant TORX® screw, especially designed to be extra secure, falls within this classification. It is characterised by its protruding pin in the middle of the six-point star that requires a special tool to turn.

Slotted-head screws: Slotted-head screws have a slot in a vertical line and are perfect for joining together two pieces of wood. It is one of the most commonly used types of screw and is recommended for medium torque jobs.

Socket screws: These screws have a cylindrical head with a hexagonal hole in the middle. To work with them, you need an Allen key, a tool capable of exerting greater torque than a conventional screwdriver.

Pozidriv screws: Pozidriv screws are similar to Phillips screws but have greater torque as they have eight points of contact in the slots, which guarantees good fixing to the surface. They are ideal for work with materials that require a strong hold.