Wood Screws vs. Sheet Metal Screws
Self-Tapping Sheet Metal Screw, Wood Screw or Lag Screw?
When you’re choosing your screws for a project, it’s important to know what you need for the job. That decision isn’t always straightforward, though — you might be surprised which options work with your applications. From stainless self-tapping sheet metal screws to wood screws to lag screws, you have a lot of options. You want to make sure you pick the best tool for the material you’re working with on each specific job. To help you choose, you’ll want to consider how you’ll be using the screws in the project and what they’ll need to do.
At All Points Fasteners, we’re here to help you find the best solutions for your work, so we want to help you source the perfect fastener. Read on for some tips on the differences between screws and how to choose the one that works best with your materials.
Self-Tapping Sheet Metal Screws
Self-tapping sheet metal screws feature a sharp point and cutting threads. These screws form mating threads, creating a secure connection with the material. These screws are some of the most common fasteners on the market, and they come in all types of screw heads, including Phillips and slotted heads.
Wood Screws
Wood screws are specifically designed for non-structural, wood-to-wood fastening. This screw type features threads designed for gripping into wood grains. They have coarse threads to accommodate wooden textures. What sets wood screws apart is the smooth shank near the head. This space ensures that the screw can pull two wood pieces tightly together.
Lag Screws
Lag screws work best with heavy-duty materials or components that must withstand large loads. They have coarse threads and a tapered point. This screw type also features a square or hex head, so they require a wrench or ratchet to install.
What’s the Difference Between the Screw Types?
Even pros are confused at times on which fastener they are using on a job. They often wonder, what’s the difference between a wood screw vs. a metal screw and which do I need. When you are putting screws into wood, then they have to be wood screws right? Well, possibly…….One good clue to spot the difference between a wood screw vs. sheet metal screw is to check underneath the head of the screws.
If the screw is fully threaded with a sharp point, you most likely have a sheet metal screw.
If the screw only is about 2/3 threaded with a smooth shank underneath the head, you are looking at a wood screw. Typically in the past, wood screws were not case-hardened like sheet metal screws and, unlike sheet metal screws, were plain steel and not plated.
But these days, there are many more options available. Some companies carry case-hardened wood screws and many are now zinc plated which gives them more protection from corrosion. The purpose of the smooth shank underneath the head was so that the two pieces of wood being fastened would draw together once the threads pass through the first piece of wood.
Wood screws offer several benefits like their ability to act as clamps. These screws create torque between pieces of wood to pull them together. With glue, this clamp can be permanent. These screws are generally inexpensive, and there are many styles of wood screws available to suit wood hardness levels and length requirements. Compared to nails, wood screws can withstand more stress.
Then there is the lag screw which is also used in wood. Frequently a customer will ask for a lag screw when, in fact, he is wanting a #14×3 self-tapping Hex Washer Head Sheet Metal Type A screw that is often used in wood. A true lag screw will not have an attached washer (lip) and will only be about ⅔ threaded with a long smooth shank under the head. Lag screws are self-tapping and can withstand significant stress.
The biggest benefit of self-tapping screws is how easy they are to use. Without the need to create threads in your material or use a nut as you would with a machine screw, you can apply self-tapping screws in seconds. Since these screws form their own mating threads, they also create a durable hold with the material you apply them to.
How to Decide Whether You Need Self-Tapping Sheet Metal Screws, Wood Screws or Lag Screws
When you’re making the decision, how do you decide which option works best for your project?
A quick way to figure out which one you want is to ask:
1. Does it have a smooth shank underneath the head? and …
2. Does it have an attached washer on the hex head.
As you can tell from the pictures above, lag screws and sheet metal screws look quite different. If you pay attention to these two key features, you can probably figure out which option goes with which type of screw pretty quickly.
While these subtle differences can help you identify each type of screw, they can also help you determine the best applications based on their features.
Other considerations for choosing your screw type depend on the material you’re using and the load strength you need. If you need screws for wood, for example, any of the above options will work, but wood screws are specifically designed to work well with wooden textures, and they may be the best option.
Using lag screws for wood is the better option when you’re working with heavy-duty construction projects. Since wood lag screws are designed to withstand heavy loads, they’re trustworthy for building doorways, railroads and other large wooden structures.
Self-tapping sheet metal screws are ideal for many materials, including wood and metal.
Work With All Points Fasteners to Get the Right Screws for Your Project
Do you need additional information to make sure you’re using the right tools and supplies for the job? At All Points Fasteners, we’re here to help contractors with HVAC, roofing and gutter applications across industries. Partner with us for trusted services to help you move forward. Whether you need specialized screws or other supplies for your work, we have you covered with a broad inventory of products. Have questions or concerns? Our helpful, knowledgeable team offers superior customer support to handle all your requirements.
Reach out to us for online chat support addressing product selection and use assistance or any other needs you may have. When you work with us, you can be confident you’ll get trusted resources to help you know exactly what you need for your project. We’re committed to providing live-person assistance and expertise to help you handle your next job. To get more information about our products, feel free to get in touch with us and request a product quote today.
Zip Screws and Tek Screws
Zip Screws and Tek Screws
Sometimes, the terminology connected to screws and fasteners can be confusing, especially when used interchangeably. Characteristics like self-drilling, self-tapping and self-piercing are essential functions of a screw and often dictate the intended application. At All Points Fasteners, we’re here to offer the best technical advice when it comes to fastening, all while making your product buying decisions quick and easy.
Self-Tapping Screws
Self-tapping screws tap their own threads into the material they’re entering. Self-tapping is NOT referring to self drilling screws (although, those are ALSO self-tapping) it is JUST referring to the threads themselves. The tapping action keeps both materials fastened together.
A ZIP screw is a brand name for a screw called a self-piercing, self-tapping or sheet metal screw. ZIP screws taper down to a needlepoint, allowing them to create holes as they enter a substrate. The shank of a ZIP screw has threads entirely from the head to the tip.
On a ZIP screw, both the threads and tips are sharp, allowing the fastener to cut through and penetrate metal surfaces with ease. It can puncture thin sheet metal without any screw prep work and mishaps due to resetting or shaking. You can use ZIP screws to secure metal objects or attach metal to plastic, wood, rubber or other materials.
With their fast-driving application, ZIP screws can fasten lighter gauges of sheet metal. When using a ZIP screw, you create a hole before any threads reach the material, making for a more secure connection.
All Points Fasteners carries ZIP screws in a wide range of dimensions and specifications.
Self-Drilling Screws
Self-drilling screws are often called Tek® screws, which is the name of the original brand. These fasteners have a drill bit-shaped tip and are standard when securing metal to metal.
TEK® type screws are self-drilling and self-tapping, meaning they have a point with a small carving piece and do not need pre-drilling. This characteristic speeds up the installation process and requires less tools. TEK® type screws are prevalent in HVAC ductwork, electrical applications, solar panels and metal roofing.
All Points Fasteners supplies a wide selection of TEK® type screws in various shank diameters and lengths. The diameter indicates a numeric size that runs from #6 to #14, with #6 being the thinnest and #14 being the thickest. The #8 TEK® type screws and #10 TEK® type screws are the most popular.
TEK® type screws come in many types of head styles. Listed below are two of the most popular, especially among HVAC and electrical contractors:
- Hex washer head: Features a built-in washer to distribute loads and weights over a large area. This head is perfect for roofing applications and other heavy-duty projects.
- Modified truss: Features an oversized dome head and a flange to create a larger area under the head for a greater bearing surface.
Choosing All Points Fasteners as Your Zip and Tek Screw Supplier
Whether you’re looking for ZIP screws, TEK® type screws or any other types of fasteners, be sure to contact All Points Fasteners for all your needs. We can provide the perfect tools for the job at affordable prices.