The Rules 1] When it comes to screws, simpler is better. Where possible, use a screw with an exposed head, as opposed to a recessed head that requires an extra drilling step.2] When in doubt, use a longer screw. The extra length can help make up for a less than perfect pilot hole and boost grip.3] Invest in a set of properly sized screwdriving bits. The right bit is more likely to drive the screw and less likely to strip its head.>Self-DrillingMedia Platforms Design TeamHow to Use it Holds thick sheet steel assemblies or sheet steel to tubing. Drive it with a cordless drill driver and a socket bit. The screw’s tip bores the hole. Select a fastener with a tip that’s longer than the combined thickness of materials.What it Does %" style=“background-color:#cccccc; padding:2px; text-align:center;"»SheetmetalMedia Platforms Design TeamHow to Use it Fastens light-gauge sheet steel assemblies or small plastic parts. Choose a hexhead screw and drive with a socket bit for maximum installation speed. Size the screw to be slightly longer than the combined thickness of the pieces.What it Does %” style=“background-color:#cccccc; padding:2px; text-align:center;"»Traditional WoodMedia Platforms Design TeamHow to Use it Joins wood parts in furniture and fastens hinges to wood. Bore a pilot hole with a tapered or multidiameter bit. In most cases, you want a screw long enough to bury two-thirds of its length in the base lumber.What it Does %” style=“background-color:#cccccc; padding:2px; text-align:center;"»Modern WoodMedia Platforms Design TeamHow to Use it Fastens wood to wood and wood to composite materials. Make a simple, single-diameter pilot hole. The screw’s tip, known as a Type 17, cuts aggressively. For hardwoods, use a Dri-lube screw ().What it Does %” style=“background-color:#cccccc; padding:2px; text-align:center;">woodcraft.com>LagMedia Platforms Design TeamHow to Use it Joins hardware to construction lumber or lumber to lumber. Choose a lagscrew that will go into the base lumber seven to 10 times as deep as the shank is wide. Local building codes may detail spacing and other specs.What it Does %” style=“background-color:#cccccc; padding:2px; text-align:center;"»Drywall-to-WoodMedia Platforms Design TeamHow to Use it Attaches drywall to wood studs. In the store, look for the thread type printed on the box. Buy “coarse thread” screws long enough to go through the drywall, at least 58 in. into the stud.What it Does %” style=“background-color:#cccccc; padding:2px; text-align:center;"»Drywall-to-MetalMedia Platforms Design TeamHow to Use it Attaches drywall to metal studs. Buy “fine thread” or “metal stud” screws long enough to penetrate the drywall and dig 3/8 in. into the stud.What it Does %” style=“background-color:#cccccc; padding:2px; text-align:center;"»ConcreteMedia Platforms Design TeamHow to Use it Fastens wood or metal to concrete, brick or mortar joints. Bore the pilot hole 1/4 in. deeper than the length of the embedded fastener. Blow dust and chips out of the hole with compressed air before inserting the screw.What it Does %” style=“background-color:#cccccc; padding:2px; text-align:center;">Roy BerendsohnSenior Home EditorRoy Berendsohn has worked for more than 25 years at Popular Mechanics, where he has written on carpentry, masonry, painting, plumbing, electrical, woodworking, blacksmithing, welding, lawn care, chainsaw use, and outdoor power equipment. When he’s not working on his own house, he volunteers with Sovereign Grace Church doing home repair for families in rural, suburban and urban locations throughout central and southern New Jersey.
