With the current economic conditions and the ever-increasing risks of construction supplies materials, is it any wonder why more and more homeowners are taking up DIY projects? With a little bit of determination and know-how, one can nearly save hundreds of dollars on some repair or building jobs.
On top of this, the project can be approached at your convenience, on your own timetable. Although all the checks are in the column for DIY approaches these days, you aren’t going to be doing yourself any favors if you aren’t using the right materials, tools, and equipment for the task ahead. This is especially true when it comes to screws and fasteners.
A Daunting Task Ahead
Any inexperienced homeowner is going to be overwhelmed when they step into the screw and fasteners aisle of their local hardware store. While most materials are clearly laid out and there are associates on hand to help out, it won’t make choosing the right screws and fasteners any easier. Some individuals even find themselves too embarrassed to ask for help.
To make matters even more difficult, choosing a patio screw for a deck or patio project doesn’t always guarantee desired results. There are various brands to consider as well as lengths, heads, and longevity.
It’s simply a daunting task that requires more than a perfunctory approach, as the right fasteners will make all the difference in the world in terms of safety, damage, and long-lasting results.
Machine Screws
While shopping online might be much more convenient and seemingly less embarrassing, your options will certainly not be any less limited. As a matter of fact, when you shop from a reputed, diverse provider like Scrooz Fasteners, you’ll probably be faced with much more of a selection than what you’d face in your local hardware store. One option homeowners have available to them is the machine screw. Although one of the most common and widely used screws, it can be utilized for various tasks.
The machine screw is much different than your typical, traditional screw, as it doesn’t have a sharp head and can’t be drilled in. It’s more of a screw, nut, and washer combo that requires a specifically-sized hole to be tapped. You’ll see these widely in electronic devices, cars, electrical steel cabinets, and a multitude of industrial applications.
Self-Tapping Screws
Self-tapping screws create their own tap whole, eliminating the need to pre-drill with an appropriate bit, and don’t require final attachment with a washer or nut. These screws are commonly used for metal and thick steel, but can also serve multiple purposes with wood applications. The designs for the varying applications will obviously be different. That said, all do feature a similarly designed head. Rather than a sharp-tipped point, the screw features more of a flattened finish design.
Drywall Screws
Just as the name suggests, drywall screws are the perfect attaching source for drywall. If you are already familiar with chipboard screws then you won’t have a problem identifying drywall screws, as they feature a very similar design. Drywall screws also require the same installation tools required to install chipboard screws.
The unique thing about drywall screws is that have what is referred to as a self-imbedding head. It allows the installer to sink the head of the screw safely below the surface of the drywall, so it can offer a clean, smooth cosmetic look and feel once mudded and painted.
Cover photo by Barn Images on Unsplash
