Types of Screws and Their Uses
The screw families side by side, with what each one is for.
| Screw type | Head | Typical material | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wood screw | Flat / pan | Steel, stainless, brass | Woodworking, cabinetry |
| Drywall screw | Bugle | Phosphate steel | Hanging drywall on studs |
| Deck screw | Bugle / flat | Coated steel, stainless | Decks, outdoor wood |
| Machine screw | Pan / flat / round | Steel, stainless, brass | Tapped holes, electronics |
| Self-tapping screw | Pan / hex | Case-hardened steel | Sheet metal, plastic |
| Self-drilling (TEK) screw | Hex washer / pan | Case-hardened steel | Steel framing, metal roofing |
| Concrete screw (Tapcon) | Hex / flat | Case-hardened steel | Concrete, brick, block |
| Lag screw | Hex | Steel, galvanized | Heavy wood framing, ledgers |
| Set screw | Headless | Alloy steel | Securing pulleys and collars |
| Socket cap screw | Socket / button | Alloy steel, stainless | Machinery, robotics |
Names vary by region; check the profile page for sizes and grades.
Printable PDF
Download the printer-friendly Types of Screws and Their Uses as a free PDF — perfect for the shop wall or toolbox.
Free download. (Email capture can be wired to a form provider later — see README.)