How to Choose Wood Screws

Understanding what type of screw to use on your projects can help even inexperienced carpenters finish woodworking projects that are sturdy and beautiful.

article image
Adobe Stock/bizoo_n

Learn how to choose wood screws based on types of wood screws heads, length, and the projects they’re used for.

Furniture isn’t what it used to be — and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Traditionally, intricate, hand-wrought dovetails and other mechanical connections were necessary to supplement weak glues and simple nails. But today, there’s an easier way. It all revolves around choosing the right types of wood screws (metal screws used to join wood, not screws made of wood) and the hardware that works with them.

Metal wood screws are superior to nails because they have threads instead of smooth shanks like most nails. The threads let them grip the surrounding wood with much more power than nails, offering greater strength. Combine screws and glue, and you’ll have an amazingly strong wood joint. Wood screw threads are so effective, they draw the two halves of a joint together tightly, eliminating the need for glue clamps in a way nails can’t match.

You don’t need to be an experienced artisan to make great basic furniture with modern wood screws. Wood screws have become so strong, effective, inexpensive, and widely available they allow ordinary folks to build serviceable, attractive, and simple furniture. It’s a quiet revolution. Plus, because you can remove screws easily and reinstall them, they offer the leeway necessary to take several runs at woodworking success before you get it right. The key is understanding the hardware that’s available and how to use it.

  • Updated on Jun 14, 2022
  • Originally Published on Jun 23, 2010
Tagged with: brass screws, Canada, deck screws, DIY projects, fasteners, Robert Maxwell, screw plugs, tools, wood screws, woodworking
Comments (0) Join others in the discussion!
    Online Store Logo
    Need Help? Call 1-800-234-3368