The number of fastener options for construction projects is overwhelming. In the past, all it took to hold your construction together was a hammer and nails. Nails will still make a part of your building nowadays and hold most of your framing, trim work and, shingles. Almost everything else in construction is now held together using screws. Screws are generally made from metal more so stainless steel and comprise a head and point at either end attached by a threaded shaft inserted into your construction materials.

There are different types of stainless steel screws at a Sydney hardware store. These are sized by their gauge or diameter and length. Screw diameters are denoted in mm or inches while the gauges are indicated in gauge numbers. They range from 5/64 inch {#1} to 5/16 inch {#20}. The length can indicate the screw’s total length or the length from its tip to the head’s underside. The following are the must-have screw types for all type of constructions.

Wood Screw

This is meant for woodwork finishing. A wood screw generally has coarse to medium threads with a smooth shank portion under its head. This allows the screw to glide through the top layer of your wood while the threaded part slips into the underneath mating material. Wood screws generally come with flat heads, but there exist various decorative head styles for highly visible areas.

Drywall Screws

These are meant for fastening drywall to a steel or wooden framing. The screws have a bulge-shaped head which will sink slightly underneath the drywall’s surface without compromising the surface paper. Drywall screws are versatile and inexpensive. They are however brittle and weak and hence not suited for outdoor applications or where the strength of the drywall’s attachment is essential.

Deck Screws

These are used to fasten wood decking boards. They closely resemble wood screws but unlike the latter have a skinny shank, coarse threads, and a bulging head. These properties allow the screws to countersink into a decking made of softwood. The screws should be galvanized or stainless steel or coated with a protective material owing to the high risk of corrosion on decks.

Sheet Metal Screw

This is intended to secure all kinds of thin construction metals. Sheet metal screws come in different thread types and head shapes to suit various metals. Short hex-head screws, for instance, are used for the fastening of metal gutters to fascia boards while pan or oval heads are meant for finishing works on metal. Self-drilling sheet metal screws comprise a drill-bit tip for fastening metal to wood though the connection is not very strong.

Lag Screw

This is a heavy duty screw used for fastening wood. It is used in fences, playground equipment, garden structures and decks. Lag screws are often used with washers under their heads for additional strength and a clean installation.

Picking the right screw type from the above ensures your materials are held securely. It also guarantees that your screw will be durable and have its intended look. Since screws hold most of your construction materials, their choice is just as important as that of your construction material and will impact the success of your project.