Drywall screws are used to attach plasterboard to light steel, wooden studs, or metal partitions. They’re typically lighter and have deeper threads than other types, enabling them to grip plasterboard securely and a sharp point so pre-drilling isn’t required. Types of screw heads for drywall screws include bugle, wafer, and countersunk. A bugle head sits flush with the plasterboard’s surface, a wafer head sits above the surface, and a countersunk head sits below the surface. Roofing screws are available in carbon steel and hardened steel. And, as they are most commonly used for outdoor applications, they have a coating that protects them from the elements and stops rusting. They’re available in gauge sizes ranging from 4 to 6.3mm and lengths ranging from 16 to 120mm.

If you are joining sheet metal to steel, choose self-drilling screws. But if you are joining sheet metal to wood, use timber roofing screws with a sharp point. When choosing masonry screws, consider the load it will bear, as different types are suitable for medium or heavy-duty loads. Roofing screws are designed for attaching sheet metal to steel or wood as well as for other general exterior construction tasks. But they can also be used on internal jobs. The flanged (or washered) type of heads have a built-in washer that’s designed to reduce vibrations and stop the screws from loosening. And there are self-drilling and timber varieties available.Consider the material you are screwing into. Self-tapping screws are suitable for fixing sheet metal to softwood or plastic, and self-drilling screws are best for sheet metal to steel.

Look for features such as shanks that reduce wood split, twin threads for a fast and accurate drive, and tips that don’t require pre-drilling. Masonry screws are available in zinc, carbon steel, hardened steel, and high tensile steel. They have an anti-corrosive coating and are tarnish-resistant, making them suitable for outdoor use. They’re available in gauge sizes ranging from 3 to 10mm and lengths ranging from 16 to 200mm. Grub screws: work using a pinning action that pushes two surfaces against each other, negating the need for a nut. They are often used in applications requiring a small, unobtrusive screw. Coach screws: these are driven into materials using a spanner through a square or hexagonal head. They provide robust and heavy-duty fixing. Self-tapping and drilling screws are available in steel, carbon steel, and stainless steel. Gauge sizes range from 3.5 to 6.3mm, and lengths range from 12 to 120mm.

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A huge selection is available for a wide range of applications. They can be classified by the type of material they’re made from, such as brass, stainless steel, carbon steel, etc., their size (diameter and length) and the different screw head types, drive types and thread types. Before buying screws, consider the type of project you need them for. Although some are designed for multipurpose use, others are more specialised and are designed for specific applications. Using the right type for the job will ensure they can take the load and stay securely in place.

When choosing the thread, consider the density of the wood. It’s best to use fine threads for hardwoods and coarse threads for softwoods.Consider what material the plasterboard will be attached to, as different screws are suitable for different materials. For example, there are drywall to heavy steel screws, drywall to light steel screws, and drywall to wood screws. When choosing the thread, consider the density of the timber. It’s best to use fine threads for hard timber and coarse threads for soft timber. Those listed above are the most popular types, but there are other more specialist and less popular screw types available, such as: