Screws play an active role in our daily lives, from assembling furniture to home appliances, automobiles, and buildings. However, despite their importance, choosing the wrong screw can lead to wobbly furniture, malfunctioning machinery, and in the worst case, serious accidents.

This article comprehensively explains everything about screws, from how to choose them, common troubles and their countermeasures, to how to differentiate screw usage in DIY, furniture, and construction. By reading this article, readers will be able to avoid screw selection mistakes and lead a safe and comfortable life.

Screws are used in various products around us, and their types and applications are diverse. To choose the appropriate screw, it is important to first understand the basic structure and characteristics of screws.

A screw is mainly composed of three parts: the head, the shank, and the thread. The head is the part that is turned with a tool such as a screwdriver, the shank is the body part for fixing the material, and the thread is a spiral groove cut into the shank, which creates resistance when screwed into the material, playing the role of firmly fixing it.

Screw sizes are indicated by their diameter (thickness of the shank), length, and pitch (coarseness of the thread). The diameter is expressed in millimeters (mm), and the length refers to the length of the shank excluding the head. Pitch represents the interval between threads, and there are two types: coarse pitch and fine pitch.

The material of screws varies depending on the usage environment and application.

Having this basic knowledge will enable you to make appropriate judgments when selecting screws.

Screws come in various types depending on their application and the materials they are used with. Choosing the appropriate screw is extremely important for secure fastening and preventing troubles.

Wood screws are used to join wood. They have a pointed tip and advance by forming threads in the wood as they are screwed in. They are commonly used in DIY and furniture assembly.

Tapping screws are screws that form their own threads when screwed into metal or plastic. They are characterized by their efficiency as they eliminate the need to drill pilot holes.

Drill screws are screws with a drill bit at the tip, allowing them to drill a hole while fastening into metal sheets. They are convenient for fastening thick metal sheets.

Bolts are screws used in combination with nuts. They are mainly used for powerfully fastening metals together. They are indispensable for construction and machinery assembly.

In addition to the above, various special screws exist depending on the application. It is important to choose the optimal screw according to the material and purpose of use.

The shape of a screw head is differentiated based on the finish and application.

Screw thread shapes include coarse threads and fine threads.

Screws include full-threaded screws, which have threads along the entire shaft, and partially-threaded screws, which only have threads on part of the shaft.

The length of the screw is chosen according to the thickness of the material to be fastened. Generally, for wood, it is good to choose a screw 2 to 3 times the thickness of the material.

The thickness of the screw is chosen according to the required strength. Thicker screws must be used when supporting heavy objects or in places where strong forces are applied.

By referring to these points and choosing the appropriate screw according to the application and purpose, you can achieve safe and secure fastening.

Screw strength is a very important factor in creating safe products. By choosing screws of appropriate strength, the durability and safety of the product can be enhanced.

The material of the screw greatly affects its strength. Generally, carbon steel and alloy steel have high strength, while stainless steel has excellent corrosion resistance but may have lower strength compared to carbon steel.

Screw strength classes are defined by JIS standards and others, and are engraved on the screw head. By looking at this classification, you can understand the tensile strength and yield point of the screw. For example, numbers such as “4.8”, “8.8”, and “10.9” represent the strength of the screw.

When using screws, it is important to choose screws of appropriate strength according to the application.

By choosing screws of appropriate strength, you can ensure product safety and use them with peace of mind for a long time.

Various troubles can occur when using screws. To prevent these troubles and work safely, it is important to firmly understand the causes and countermeasures.

If screws loosen, it can cause parts to detach or become wobbly. This trouble is likely to occur in places with high vibration or where repetitive forces are applied.

If excessive force is applied to a screw, it may break. This is particularly likely to happen when using thin screws or screws with low strength.

If a screw is overtightened or screwed in at an angle, the screw hole may strip. When this happens, the screw can no longer be firmly fixed.

Iron screws may rust if used in humid places or outdoors. Rust can cause the screw to seize and become impossible to remove, or reduce its strength.

If the screw is chosen or tightened inappropriately, the material may not be firmly fixed. This occurs when the screw length or thickness is insufficient, or when the tightening torque is lacking.

To prevent troubles, it is crucial to first choose the appropriate screw for the application and usage environment.

When tightening screws, it is important to use the appropriate tools and follow the correct method.

Regular maintenance is necessary to use screws for a long time.

By taking these countermeasures, you can reduce screw-related troubles and perform work safely and comfortably.

Screw selection plays a crucial role in various situations, including DIY, furniture assembly, and construction. By choosing the appropriate screw according to the application and purpose, you can ensure the beauty of the finish, strength, and safety.

Wood types include softwoods (cedar, cypress, etc.) and hardwoods (oak, beech, etc.), each with different hardness and properties. It is advisable to choose thinner screws for softwoods and thicker screws for hardwoods. Also, depending on the wood type, the holding power of the screw may differ, so it is important to choose screws of appropriate length.

In DIY, screws are used for various purposes such as shelf creation, wall mounting, and flooring fixation. Choose screws with the necessary strength and durability according to each application. For example, for shelves supporting heavy objects, using thick and long screws provides peace of mind.

In furniture assembly, the shape and material of the screw head affect the beauty of the finish. Using flat head screws results in a flush finish where the screw head does not protrude from the surface. It is also possible to choose screws with an emphasis on appearance, such as brass screws or decorative screws.

As furniture is subject to loads during use, strength is also an important factor. Especially for furniture that supports human weight, such as chairs and tables, it is necessary to choose strong screws. Check the screw’s strength class and choose screws appropriate for the application.

In construction, different types of screws are used for structural materials (columns, beams, etc.) and finishing materials (wall materials, flooring materials, etc.). For structural materials, bolts or high-strength screws with strength defined by building codes must be used. On the other hand, for finishing materials, screws that consider appearance and ease of construction are chosen.

Since buildings affect human lives, the safety of screws is extremely important. By choosing appropriate screws and executing construction correctly, the durability and safety of the building can be ensured. Comply with building codes and related laws and regulations, and use screws from reliable manufacturers.

Screws are small parts that support our lives, but their selection alone can significantly change safety and comfort. This article has explained everything about screws, from their basics to how to choose them, troubleshooting, and specific points in DIY, furniture, and construction.

Choosing the appropriate screw is not merely about fixing things but is crucial for enhancing safety and durability. Refer to this article to choose the optimal screws for your application and purpose, and realize a comfortable DIY life and a safe home.