Screws are the fasteners that are used to hold two or more materials together through the use of the threads that are located on the shaft of the screw. They usually have a head that is inserted into a material using a screwdriver or drill. Screws can be of different types, sizes, and materials which include steel, stainless steel, or plastic and they are used in many different ways. Their threads offer good holding strength and do not come loose easily.
Different types of Screws
Screws come in various forms and sizes and they are classified depending on the type of work they are going to perform. Here are some common ones:
- Wood Screws: Used in joining wood pieces together with the use of nails and screws. They have rough threads which hold the wood tightly.
- Sheet Metal Screws: Screw used in joining metals sheets. They possess fine filaments that dig into the metallic surfaces.
- Machine Screws: It is used together with nuts or tapped holes, mainly in assembling metal parts. They come in a standard form and are produced in different sizes and lengths and different diameters.
- Self-Tapping Screws: It has a sharp tip that forms its own threads into the material so there is no need for pre-drilling.
- Lag Screws: Large diameter screws with coarse thread, used to join wood to wood or wood to metal.
- Hex Screws: Hexagonal head that is supposed to be operated using a wrench or socket and is frequently employed in machines and structures.
- Drywall Screws: Primarily intended for fastening drywalls to wooden or metallic framework, comes with a bugle-shaped head that does not cut through the paper of the drywall.
- Deck Screws: Corrosion protected and made for use in areas where they are exposed to the elements such as in decks and other structures.
- Set Screws: Applied to fasten an item in or to another item, which may not have a head, and usually requires an Allen key for tightening.
Different Screws Materials
There are these types of screws to meet the material types and needs to offer the best and most secure fastening for the projects.
- Steel:These screws are normally used for general applications because of their strength and relatively cheap price. The steel screws are classified according to the type of steel used such as carbon steel, alloy steel and tool steel each with its appropriate use.
- Stainless Steel: The stainless steel screws are very resistant to corrosion and are very strong, they are suitable for use in areas that are exposed to moisture and chemicals such as in the outdoors and in industries.
- Aluminum: Aluminum screws are light in weight and can also withstand corrosion and are used where weight is a matter of concern such as in Aircraft and automobiles.
- Brass: Brass screws are very resistant to rusting and are also very eye pleasing to the eye. They are mostly applied in ornamental and electrical applications where conductivity of electricity is desirable.
- Bronze: Bronze screws provide adequate protection against corrosion and are widely used in marine applications, where they are exposed to saltwater and other unfavourable conditions.
- Titanium: These titanium screws have high strength to weight ratio and are resistant to corrosion and thus can be used in aerospace and medical industries.
These materials have different advantages and are selected according to certain characteristics such as strength, weight and resistance to the environment.
Features of Screws
Screws have several key features that make them versatile and reliable fasteners:
- Threaded Shaft: The first and most important characteristic of screws is the helical thread on the shank which results in the screws biting into the material and thereby offering a good holding power.
- Variety of Heads: Screws have various types of head like flat, pan, round, hex etc., so they can be driven by different tools like screw drivers, wrench etc. , and are used in various purposes.
- Self-Tapping Capability: Some screws have the ability of cutting their own thread in materials such as wood, metal or plastic thus do not require pre-drilling.
- Durability and Strength: Screws are strong enough to take a lot of load and stress and therefore they are used for temporary fixings as well as permanent fixings.
- Variety of Sizes and Lengths: Screws are of different sizes and lengths to suit different materials and thicknesses to provide a firm hold for a variety of applications.
- Corrosion Resistance: Screws can provide great protection against corrosion based on the material and the type of coating applied to it, thus can be used in areas that are prone to moisture, chemicals or extreme weather conditions.
These features make screws an important fastener in many fields of application.
Applications of Screws
Screws are used in a wide range of applications due to their versatility and strength:
- Construction: Screws are used in construction in framing, roofing and holding of dry wall, and offer strong holding force for parts of construction.
- Automotive: Screws are widely employed in the automotive industry to join various components of the vehicle such as engines, interiors and body parts because of their superior holding power.
- Electronics: In electronics, screws are used to hold components in places in electronics devices such as computers, smart phones, and home appliances in a way that ensures that delicate parts are well protected from any form of damage.
- Metal Fabrication: Screws are employed in joining metals sheets and parts in fabrication operations for instance in the construction of machines and equipment.
- Home Improvement: For general home improvement projects, screws are perfect for fixing shelves, putting up hardware and for repairs because of its ease of use and the firm grip it provides.
- Marine Applications: Marine screws are those screws that are used in assembling boats and other watercrafts, construction of docks and other marine structures and these screws are made of corrosion resistant materials like stainless steel or bronze.
- Aerospace and Aviation: Screws are used in aerospace to fasten parts in aircrafts and space shuttles and therefore they need to be strong, lightweight and resistant to high temperatures.
These applications show that screws are a very useful fastener that can be used in almost any industry and in any environment.
