Screws are a staple for countless projects and are commonly used in both home improvement and construction. Whether you are using them for a project at home, or for a contracting job, it is important to choose the right type of screws for your task. There are a number of considerations, such as the head type, diameter and length. However, a key factor when choosing a screw is the threading, or size. The different thread types and sizes serve unique purposes. Wood screws, for instance, use coarser threads than other fasteners to better grip wood materials and minimize stripping. Different materials also require varying threading, with some requiring finer threads, while others benefit from more aggressive threads.
Moreover, the head shape of the screw will impact how it is driven into the material and where it sits on the surface. For example, a flat countersunk head will rest above the surface, while a hex head or oval countersunk head will sink into the material and remain flush with the head.
Lastly, the screw’s value set is important to consider. The values will appear on the package, in either imperial or metric measurements. Imperial values will typically list the gauge (diameter) first and then include the length, like #10 x 2 inches. Metric values may also have a two-value system, with the first value indicating the diameter and the second indicating the thread spacing (or threads per inch). In either case, these numbers are what will help you determine the correct screw for your task. 5/16 inch to mm