Arguably, the most common form of DIY fitting that people come across is the humble screw. Whether you are putting together a piece of furniture, hanging a picture or fixing decking, screws are probably the items that every DIY fan has used repeatedly. As such, it is easy to assume that due to their widespread availability, one screw is pretty much the same as the next. In DIY terms, however, this is indubitably not the case.

The truth is that there are many screws available, all with different design features and all designed to perform a different job adequately. Matching the correct type of screw to the job you have at hand is as vital as using the correct tools in helping you complete the job quickly, safely and to a high standard.

Listed below are some of the different types of screw commonly available together with a list of their individual design features. Use this guide when buying screws online to ensure that you get the right screw for the job.

Wood Screws

As the name suggests, if you are working with wood, wood screws are the ideal choice. They tend to come in two forms; the first is a countersunk head option, which is important to use if you do not want the head of the screw to protrude from the wood. The second option is the round head screw, which has a larger head that remains jutting out of the wood and is generally used for decorative purposes.

Masonry Screws

Masonry screws tend to be manufactured from stainless or carbon steel and can be used to fasten many types of material to concrete on masonry. As such, some of these screws are very specific to the task they are designed for. Concrete screws, for example, are often sold with a corrosive-resistant coating and can appear blue in colour. In most cases, masonry screws have either a Phillips or hex washer head. As important as using the right screw when working with masonry is, having the right tools; a good-quality hammer drill is very important as is drilling the right size of hole, while having the correct type of rawlplug to hand to ensure the screw locates securely without being too tight or too loose.

Specialist Screws

A lot of modern DIY around the home has progressed with advancements in technology and as such, the type of screws in a typical tool kit have changed along with the tools people keep. Nowadays, you are as likely to find very small electrical screwdrivers, cable ties and specialist computer tools in a tool box as you are hammers, screwdrivers and spirit levels. As such, if you are completing a repair job on a specialist item of furniture, you may need specialist screws to complete the task. From electrical screws and furniture screws to adjustable screws and carcass screws, there is a wide range of specialist screws available to enable a DIY fan to complete any task around the home.

Brass Screws

When finish is important and the look of the screw matters, many people opt for brass countersunk screws. Available in a range of sizes, these screws can be used for a whole host of decorative purposes, such as fitting carpet grips, to ensure that your home has the look you desire.

Decking Screws

Installing decking is increasingly popular and as such, a whole range of screws have been developed with this specific task in mind; whether your decking is pre-drilled or not, there is a wide range of decking screws available that will leave the finished product looking as eye-catching and as robust as you would expect.