Using Wood Screws for Home Projects

Woods screws, and other fasteners, really make a big difference in the results of any home project. These simple supplies can be the difference between a finished project that will last for many years and one that could fall apart the first time you use it. Everyone has made compromises when doing project work. This is often due to the inconvenience of having to run to the store for a small and seemingly insignificant part that just does not appear to be worth the effort to make the trip. If you take pride in your project, you may want to reconsider if that is true. If it really did not make a difference you would not have the multitude of options from which to choose. Wood screws come in dozens of lengths and have specific attributes for specific uses.

One prime example of a specialty wood screw is for outdoor decking. Deck screws are specially coated to be rust resistant. This can help prevent unsightly rust marks from developing on your deck surface. The rust resistant coating also keeps the screw from being deteriorated by weather conditions. Because they are exposed to the outdoors, and in the case of the deck, are especially susceptible to the elements. This is because the screws are used on a flat surface that can pool water in the screw holes. A failure can result should the screw rust through. The resulting loose decking could also result in a safety hazard and homeowner liability. The enzymes and chemicals used in treated wood can be hard on the screw as well. The minor investment in using the proper screws pales in comparison to the possible consequences. Remember, the coating is merely rust resistant so you should treat your deck surface as needed to keep both the wood and screws in good shape.

Wood screws have come a long way in their performance and the technology they employ. This technology allows for better, as well as longer lasting results in your home projects. This translates into better looking projects with a professional quality. One recent development in of a wood screw is the use of different drive heads. The most popular are still the Phillips head screws. The cross shaped drive head provides secure contact between the driver and the screw. They also allow for a level of connection giving the user the ability to work on different planes while maintaining control of the screw. The square drive takes this connection between tool and screw and creates a contact point that not only provide better grip during the drive, but attaches so snugly that you can work upside down or sideways without losing contact with the drive head. The standard screw head has its uses, but for convenience the square drive and Phillips head give added control.

The design of a wood screw is based on the specific characteristics of how wood interacts with the screw. If you compare a metal screw to a wood screw you will see some differences. The wood screw is tapered making the connection more secure. A metal screw does not have this taper, and because of this, should not be used in wood applications. The screw will have a propensity to back out of the hole causing the joint to fail. Wood screws often do not have threads that extend all the way to the screw head. This feature helps keep the screw firmly in place. The best advice is if you have a wood project, use wood screws for the best result.