Machine Screws Vs Sheet Metal Screws

Wood sheet metal and drywall screws differences uses and head types wood screws.

Machine screws vs sheet metal screws.

If you re attempting to attach sheet metal you should choose metal screws. Also commonly called sheet metal screws you can find screws of this type on our self tapping category page. Usually sheet metal screws are tiny with a sharp point intended for piercing and driving into sheet metal. Sheet metal screws on the other hand always have a tighter sharper thread that cover their entire length.

Type ab self tapping screws have finer thread spacing than type a screws and are often preferred especially when going into thin or brittle material. A sheet metal screw listed as 4 32 x 1 has a diameter size of 4 32 threads per inch and a length of 1. The metal rivets feature number of pitches than the wooden ones which indicates that they feature a coarser pitch. Wood screws over an inch long have a threadless shank that s about one quarter to one third the total length of the screw.

There are two basic types of sheet metal screws self tapping screws and self drilling screws. However the opposite is not the case. Self tapping screws have a sharp tip that is designed to cut through metal but the metal must be pre drilled before these screws can. A machine screw with a matching nut.

They are easier to drive into metal and will offer a greater level of strength and security. However it is also often called a sheet metal screw because they are primarily used in sheet metal. Wood screws are unlikely to form a tight enough. Sheet metal screws have deeper closer sharper threads that always extend over the entire length of the screw.

Most bolts can be used as screws if used with threaded components. A self tapping screw can be referred to as simply a tapping screw. In short wood screws are designed to be driven into wood materials while metal screws are designed to be driven into metal materials hence the names. Pitch refers to the number of threads per inch.

In a bind if you re short of the right available screws you can use a sheet metal screw on wood. These have a coarser pitch few threads per inch than sheet metal or machine screws and often have an unthreaded shank. They usually have pan heads and will probably work as a wood screw if you need a substitute. To sum up it is very difficult to differentiate between bolt and screw.

These screws are not really interchangeable. Self tapping screws wooden screws sheet metal screws machine screws security head screw unidirection screws etc. Think of heating ducts for instance.