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Purchase wood screws when you need coarse screws that will form their own holes

Wood screws usually have coarse, tapered and deep threads, which help them to grab wood. Deck screws are a special variety of wood screws, designed to withstand corrosion and to countersink.

I recommend: Gulf Coast Nut & Bolt Supply carries a large selection of industrial screws, including wood screws. Compare the company's products to learn more about the range of screws available. Split Stop High Performance Screws are designed to improve holding and control. Contact the company to request sample products.

Utilize the finer threads of machine screws to connect with tapered holes

Machine screws are threaded finer than wood screws, as they do not need to create their own holes. These screws are used for pre-threaded holes, or when a nut is used to secure the connection.

I recommend: Bolt Depot has a large inventory of machine screws. The supplier of screws stocks screws made from a variety of materials, with different heads available. Fastener SuperStore carries several machine screws, including screws with different finishes.

Design a custom screw with the help of a manufacturing company

Sometimes pre-fabricated screws are not quite what you need. Several companies specialize in designing custom screws and fasteners. You can choose from different metals, finishes and designs to create your product.

I recommend: The Federal Group can help you design a custom screw for your application. Choose from available materials, finishes and heads before contacting the company. Wenlyn manufactures custom screws and fasteners. The company works with a number of materials, and can design screws with a variety of heads.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When selecting a finish for an industrial screw, consider the application for which you'll use the screws. Black oxide is used to create a non-stick finish on screws, while galvanized screws are rustproof. Doing a little research before you purchase can help reduce future maintenance costs.

Guide to Screws

The importance of using deck screws when constructing outdoor spaces

By Betsy D. Vanderslice, Freelance

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find a distributor of screws who will give bulk discounts

When your career is building the decks of people's dreams, you want to buy your industrial screws at the best price possible. Many screw vendors pass along savings when you purchase more screws.

I recommend: Aaron's General Store.com offers a wide variety of deck screws and gives discount rates if you order by the carton. Buy wholesale from Barnhill Bolt. They have been in business for 46 years.

Buy industrial screws custom made for the job

Perhaps you have a client who wants to use a certain type of wood with an unusual thickness or an odd color. Keep your customer happy by using custom screws to get the job done. They help you achieve the perfect outcome by allowing you get exactly what you need.

I recommend: Complete the custom/specialty form at Associated Fastening Products, Inc. for a free quote. Chicago Nut & Bolt specializes in specialty, non-standard screws. Contact them directly for more information.

Find the best industrial screw thread for durability in decks

Choose a screw thread with a shallower degree measurement. The threads spread out the force making it easier to put in but still difficult to pull out. That is important because screws may work their way out with the weight of foot traffic and other demands placed on decks.

I recommend: After you have determined the best thread size for the job, request a free quote from Hodell-Natco Industries or Fastener Solutions, Inc.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  The newest decks made of composite material require specially designed screws because the material has a tendency to mushroom around the countersinking head of standard deck screws. Make sure you buy the correct custom screw to avoid that problem.
• •  Use the right finish for outdoors. Galvanized, ceramic-coated and stainless steel screws are a few which will not stain most types of wood.

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Find out more about screws basics

There are many different types of screws and it is important to find the right one for the job you are working on. The materials you are attempting to connect play a factor in which type of screw threading you will need. Whether you are using wood, plastic or even light sheet metal, it is important to know the best tools to get the job done right.

I recommend: Read about the different types of products available from a screw distributor at WiseGeek. Learn to pick the right screw for the job at DoItYourself.

Work with wood screws

Most screws are used to connect two pieces of wood together. This makes the wood screw of utmost importance to contractors, builders and hardware store owners. There are several sizes and styles of this screw, so it is essential to know what length, gauge, head style and drive you need for each project.

I recommend: Find out more by visiting Sizes or Woodcraft Supply.

Learn more about an industrial screw

Industrial fasteners are heavy duty items often used by contractors, construction workers and other building professionals. These are products such as machine screws, deck screws, drywall screws and several others. Rely on them when you have major components that must be well connected. Suppliers of industrial screws will have these and industrial bolts and anchors in stock to help you get any job done correctly and securely.

I recommend: Read about standards for industrial fasteners at Industrial Screw & Supply. Take a look at the many different types of industrial screws and other fasteners at Fastener Express to see what is available.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Deal with screw vendors that provide a wide selection of the threaded tools so you can get everything you need at the same place.
• •  Find a distributor of screws that provides wholesale B2B prices on bulk orders to save money.

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The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Screw thread

Screw thread pertains to the number of helical grooves found on a screw. There are different types of screw threads and each type is used for a specific application. The three main types of screw threads are coarse, fine and extra-fine threads.

I recommend: Efunda.com offers in-depth information on the types of screw threads.

Acoustical eye lag screws

An acoustical eye lag screw is a type of wood screw that has a fine thread and a flat end with a hole drilled inside. Used mainly to hang items from ceilings, acoustical eye lag screws are also used in wiring applications.

I recommend: Scrooscoop Fastener Company provides pictures and information on different types of acoustical eye lag screws.

Concrete screws

A concrete screw is a type of masonry anchor used to attach objects to concrete or brick structures. Concrete screws are made to withstand heavy loads and can be taken out and reinserted.

I recommend: Ace Hardware offers extensive information about the applications of concrete screws and how to use concrete screws effectively.

Slotted or flathead screws

The most common and oldest type of screw, the slotted or 'flathead' screw has one lineal groove on the head of the screw where a screw driver is placed in order to turn the slotted screw.

I recommend: BoltDepot.com offers diagrams and information on slotted screws.

Phillips head screws

A phillips head screw offers two lineal grooves on the screw head that are perpendicular to one another to ensure a perfect fit with a phillips head screw driver.

I recommend: WiseGeek.com offers more information about phillips head screws.

Hex cap screws

A hex cap screw is a type of screw that has no indentation or grooves on the head and requires a wrench for applications, rather than a screwdriver. Hex cap screws resemble bolts but generally have more strength tolerance due to the thickness of the shaft.

I recommend: Look at B&G Manufacturing for more information on hex cap screws.