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Articles By Syndicated Columnist
Dan Thomas
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Improvement Inside And Out
Choosing
The Proper Screws
Screws are stronger then nails and, can hold a lot more weight,
and if something has to be taken apart you can remove screws easier then you can
remove nails. For the majority of woodworking projects it is best to use screws.
Screws can be grouped into four distinct categories, sheet metal, wood, lag, and
machine.Woods screws are usually made of steel, although brass, nickel, bronze, and
copper screws are used if corrosion is possible. Similar to nails, screws come
with different coatings to prevent rust. Screws are manufactured with four
basic heads and with different kinds of slots. Flathead screws are usually
countersunk into the material being fastened so that the head of the screw is
flush (or lower) with the surface. Oval-head screws are partially countersunk,
with about the screw head above the surface. Round-headed screws are not
countersunk: the entire screw head lies above the surface on a flat base to
keep the screwdriver from damaging the surface as the screw is tightened.
The majorities of screws have a slotted heads and are driven with a slotted
screwdriver. Phillips-head screws are screwed in with a Phillips screwdriver.
Screws are measured both by the diameter at the shank of the screw and its
length, and then given a gauge number ranging from zero to twenty-four. The length of the screw is measured in
inches. The length of the screw should extend into the base of the material.
To prevent screws from splitting the material, pilot holes must be made with a
drill before the screws are driven in.
For the majority of home-repair use, wood screws will be sufficient.
Machine screws lag screws, and sheet-metal screws as well come in a variety of
different types. If you are attempting to change one of these types of screws,
take an old screw with you to the hardware store.
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