Screws are extremely common in the items we use every day.

• There are many different types of screws for various applications.

• Knowing the different types of screws can help those who regularly do DIY or repair work faster.

Screws are hidden objects that hold the world together. Well, maybe not the world, but many common things you use in your daily life, like furniture, your hobby projects, and even the buildings where you work and live. Screws are involved in holding together the bench you sit on, the cupboard where you keep your food, and the lovely family photos you hang on the wall. The types of screws and their uses are part of a basic DIY knowledge base.

All screws serve the same purpose, but they are not the same. Different types of screws serve other purposes, and that’s one reason when you go to your local hardware store and have a bunch of extra screws to choose from. This choice is why it’s important to understand the main types of screws and their uses so that when you do, you know what screws to use in a specific application. If you’re a DIYer or in a situation where you regularly repair your house, you’ll learn some of these types of screws.

wood screws

These screws are for… wood. They are usually made of brass, steel, or bronze and are only used with wood. Their pointed tips and thick threads make them easy to distinguish from other types.

Drywall screws

Drywall panels are attached to the wall with drywall screws. There are two types, W-type screws are used to fasten boards to wood, and S-type screws are used to secure panels to metal.

Self-tapping screws

Self-tapping screws do not require pre-drilling. These can be used on wood, drywall, or sheet metal. Unfortunately, pulling out these screws means destroying the screws.

Sheet metal screws

Sheet metal screws can be used in many different scenarios where plywood, rubber, plastic, or metal must be joined together. They come in different shapes and sizes, depending on the material you use.

Masonry screws

These are also called “anchors” and can be easily distinguished from other screws because they do not have a sharp end. Here, pre-drilling is a must.

Chipboard screws

These screws are commonly used for crown ornaments and their replacements in the home and the construction of bookcases and bookshelves. Medium-density fiberboard refers to medium-density fiberboard.

Decorative plate screws

Deck screws are used to secure exterior decks and deck floors. They are designed to sink in, that is, when the head of the screw is at or below the level of the wood surface.

Road stud screws

These can also be called stud screws because they have threads on both ends. They don’t have ahead but have a direct midpoint between the two lines. They must be inserted into pre-drilled pilot holes.

Mirror screw

These are specially designed to attach the mirror to the wall without other fixtures. They have a countersunk head and a stylish cap.

Particleboard screws

This type of screw is also called a double snap screw and is usually only used for particleboard. They feature threads with twice the pitch of other screws for easy driving into particleboard.

We want to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments! Do you have any screws that should be on this list? Or have you ever run into a situation where you can’t find the right screws?