What are self-tapping screws for wood used for
Self-tapping screws (self-tapping screws) do not require pre-drilling of the hole. They are used for various purposes in the woodworking industry and construction.
Here are some of the main reasons for their use:
- Connection of materials: Self-tapping screws are used to create strong connections between wooden elements. They allow you to fix boards, bars, plywood and other wooden parts from each other.
- Fastening hardware: When making furniture or other wood products, self-tapping screws are used to fasten various hardware such as handles, hinges, brackets and other metal parts.
- Construction work: Self-tapping screws are popular in construction for fastening wooden structures such as walls, floors, roofs and other elements. They provide quick and reliable fastening without the need to pre-drill holes.
- Repair work: When carrying out repair work in wooden structures, self-tapping screws allow replacing damaged or missing fasteners. This is especially useful when restoring old furniture or wooden coverings.
- Decorative projects: Self-tapping screws can be used to attach decorative elements such as moldings, cornices, frames and other wooden decorations. They provide a clean appearance with no visible screw heads.
In general, self-tapping screws are universal fasteners that allow you to quickly, conveniently and reliably connect wooden parts and are used in various construction and repair projects.
Types of wood screws
- Electroplated self-tapping screws: These self-tapping screws have a coating obtained by electroplating a metal, usually zinc or nickel. Galvanic coatings give self-tapping screws resistance to corrosion and ensure a long service life in dry rooms
- Phosphated self-tapping screws: have a phosphate coating, which gives them a dark color and improves the adhesion of plaster mixtures. Phosphated self-tapping screws have high strength and hold well, as well as provide additional protection against corrosion.
- Chrome-plated self-tapping screws: These self-tapping screws have a chrome coating that gives them a shiny metallic look.
- Powder-coated self-tapping screws: These self-tapping screws have a powder coating that is applied by electrostatic charging and heating.
Head type
Wood screws can have different types of heads, which affect the tools needed to install them. Here are some common types of screw heads:
- Round head: This is the most common type of self-tapping screw head. It has a rounded shape with a groove in the middle for twisting. Round heads are conveniently installed using a screwdriver or screwdriver with cross-shaped (Phillips) or flat grooves.
- Flat head: The head of self-tapping screws has a flat surface with a slot for unscrewing. It is usually used to connect wooden elements where visible projections are not required.
- Concealed and semi-concealed head.
- Cylindrical head with a hexagonal groove (hex): The head with a hexagonal groove provides a strong connection and allows the self-tapping screw to be unscrewed without slipping.
- Butt Head: This type of head has a flat surface without a slot or groove. It is used for fastening when there is no need for visible traces of the head of the self-tapping screw.
- Turnkey hexagonal head
Choose the type of self-tapping screw head depending on the specific needs of your project and the availability of the necessary tool to install it.
Features of carving
Types of self-tapping screws for wood can have different features of the thread, which affect their functionality and ability to fasten in a wooden surface.
- Coarse Thread: Coarse thread screws have wide and deep, spaced teeth that move through wood faster and provide a strong hold. This type of thread is used in situations where faster installation of the self-tapping thread is required or the wooden surface is less dense.
- Fine thread: Fine thread screws have smaller and more densely spaced teeth, which allows them to hold more firmly in the wood surface. This type of thread is usually used in hard wood materials or when creating joints with high strength.
- Sharpened thread: Self-tapping screws with a sharpened thread have sharp tooth tips, which helps them penetrate wood material more easily. This type of thread is convenient for installing self-tapping screws with less effort and reduces the possibility of splitting the wood.
- Low Angle Threads: Some self-tapping screws have low angle threads that allow them to pull more out of the wood when screwing. This type of thread is useful for use in soft wood or in situations where greater strength is required.
- Double thread. It is used in repair works.
The choice of self-tapping screws depends on the specific requirements of your project, the type of wood and the conditions of use.
Table of sizes
It should be noted that these are only the general sizes of the most popular self-tapping screws(н-д DIN 968; DIN 7504; DIN 7971), і можуть бути доступні інші розміри залежно від виробника.
Fastening a tree with self-tapping screws: useful tips
Fastening wood with self-tapping screws can be a convenient and effective way of connecting wooden parts. Here are some helpful tips for successfully using self-tapping screws when attaching wood:
- Choosing the right type of self-tapping screws: Depending on the specific task, select self-tapping screws with appropriate parameters such as diameter, length, head type and thread characteristics. The correct type of self-tapping screws provides a strong and reliable fastening.
- Pre-drilling the hole: Pre-drilling the hole is recommended to prevent the wood from splitting and to facilitate the unscrewing of the self-tapping screws. The diameter of the well should be slightly smaller than the diameter of the self-tapping screw.
- Choosing the right mounting location: Before unscrewing the screws, make sure you place them in the right places to achieve the desired connection. Consider the design and construction of the project, and ensure the necessary strength and stability of the connection.
- Do not over-tighten the self-tapping screws: When unscrewing the self-tapping screws, avoid over-tightening them. This can lead to damage to the wooden part or the self-tapping screw, as well as reduce the effectiveness of the fastening.
- Consider the wood material: Different types of wood have different densities and hardnesses. When fastening with self-tapping screws, consider these features, estimate the required length of self-tapping screws and the required screwing force.
- Apply gaps: Leave small gaps between the wooden parts to be attached. This will allow the wood to expand or contract depending on humidity and temperature, preventing damage to the joint.
- Avoid over-tightening the self-tapping screws: When installing the self-tapping screws, do not use excessive force to avoid twisting them. This can damage the thread and reduce the strength of the connection.
It is always important to follow the instructions of the manufacturer of self-tapping screws and take into account the specifics of the specific project.
Advantages of self-tapping screws for wood
Self-tapping screws for wood have several advantages that make them a popular option for fastening wooden parts. Here are some of the most important benefits:
- Easy to use: Self-tapping screws are easy to use because they have a thread and can be screwed in without the need for an additional tool such as a nut driver or a screwdriver.
- Effective fastening: The thread of the self-tapping screws allows them to penetrate deeply into the wood, creating a strong and reliable connection. This is especially useful when attaching thick or hard wooden parts.
- Minimal risk of splitting: Due to the sharp slotted edge of the self-tapping screws, they reduce the risk of splitting the wood during unscrewing. This is especially important when fastening thin or fragile wooden materials.
- Variety of types: Wood screws are available in different types and sizes. You can choose self-tapping screws with different types of heads (flat, half-round, countersunk, etc.) and features of the thread (quick-tight, deep thread, etc.), which allows you to choose the best option for your specific project.
- Durability: Many wood screws are made from high-quality materials such as stainless steel or electroplated alloys. This ensures their resistance to corrosion and increases their service life.
- Disassembly and reassembly: Self-tapping screws can usually be easily unscrewed, which allows you to disassemble and reassemble wooden structures without damaging the wood or screws.
FAQ
What are the best wood screws?
Choosing the "best" self-tapping screws may depend on your specific needs and project requirements.
What is the difference between a self-tapping screw and an ordinary wood screw?
Self-tapping screws for wood are distinguished from ordinary screws by a designed thread that helps them directly penetrate the wood without the need to pre-drill a hole, and a pointed edge that facilitates their insertion into the material.
Which wood screws are better - black or yellow?
The choice between black and yellow wood screws depends on aesthetic preferences, as both types of screws have the same strength and quality. Black (phosphated) self-tapping screws of DIN 968 and AN 207 standards are available in our assortment.