Screws are the most common and versatile fasteners, without a doubt. And when it comes to woodworking, they are everywhere, from cabinets to furniture to jigs. So, how hard can finding the proper screws be, right?
Well, a smidge harder than it might appear. With the advancement of technology and various implications of screws, deciding on the right wood screws can get a bit baffling. But worry not, for we have listed the best wood screws for you.
In our review, you will find products of various types and materials for the highest versatility.
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Table of Contents
5 Best Wood Screws Review
The outcome of a whole project can vary depending on the size, material, and mechanism of your screws. Below are the products that we feel will do an excellent job.
1. Kreg Coarse Self Tapping Screw
At first, we have a product from one of the veterans of the woodworking industry, Kreg. These are some of the highest-rated screws that you can find, which also last a long time. Part of it is thanks to the materials.
For one, the primary material is hardened steel, which is ideal for something like screws. But it is not enough to ensure longevity. That is why it has a zinc coating to protect against corrosion over time.
In terms of length, this product measures 1-¼ inches, which is one of the ideal sizes to have in hand. That is because you can use these screws in most projects, and they are surprisingly versatile.
Moreover, the threads do not go up to the head; they stop partway up the shank. This feature ensures that there is a smooth portion right below the head, which allows for a better finish overall.
Another great side about it is the head style. It uses a design which is known as the Maxi-Loc head. Thanks to this, there is no way to cam-out and ruin the experience while screwing in with a driver.
Moreover, the hole screws stop overdriving in pocket bottoms. And since they are self-tapping, you do not need to go through any pre-drilling. Plus, you can quickly join 3/4” stock with them.
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Cons
2. Bolt Dropper Wood Screw
We all realize how annoying it gets when a driver cams out from the screw. The Philips head screws came into existence as a solution to that. These allowed woodworkers to drive them in without an issue.
Although there are other somewhat better head designs available now, this one remains one of the most common and versatile methods. This package contains 100 pieces of number 8 3/8” screws.
These are comparatively smaller, so if your project does not require the larger screws like number tens or eights, these are for you. The material is high-quality stainless steel, so corrosion is not an issue.
And you can use these screws both indoors and outdoors, thanks to that. In terms of the bottom design, these have threads almost up to the head, which allows for effortless driving.
These coarse threads mean that you do not have to create a pre-drilled hole, which some other screws require. And it also means that these will have a firm hold on softer boards too.
Lastly, the price is something that we also should talk about. This package of a hundred screws comes at a very affordable price, making them an even better deal.
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3. Power Pro Wood Screws
At this point, we have a unique (and surprisingly effective) tub of screws for you. Yes, you heard that right. You can get these in a five-pound tub, which might sound a bit unusual.
First, these have a flat head with a star drive design. And when it comes to using drivers with screws, a star is one of the best options you can opt for. You can be sure that there will be no camming out with it. We found it extremely useful while working with soft close type drawer slides.
Moreover, it has a type 17 point – efficient and quick to pull the screw in the wood. In conjunction with the head, this design makes sure that you require no pre-drilling and have an easy time driving them in.
These also have a bronze coating, which is impressive. This layer ensures that these products are suitable for exterior usage and that they will not corrode. The shank is another thing we like about these.
After the usual thread, it has a twisted design on the shank. This part ensures that the wood does not split or crack. Thanks to all these great sides, these can drive up to 20 percent faster than conventional products.
Moreover, these screws have countersinking blades. These blades are there to provide a secure and robust lock into the board or wood. You also get a driver bit included.
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4. Reliable Hardware Company Wood Screws
No, we are not complimenting them; it is the name of the brand itself. Although these products do seem quite reliable, so that’s fine. These are a pack of 0.5-inch screws to fulfill your requirements for shorter ones.
These are black colored, so if your project requires that color, these are one of the handfuls of products that have that. You get around 50 screws in the package, and the pricing is decent for what you get.
Moreover, they use a truss-style head, which means there is little chance of over-screwing them on your surface. For the material, these products use steel, and then there is the black coating over that.
These screws use a combination of black oxide and wax to create the layer. This coating provides resistance against rust so that you can be worry-free about longevity.
However, a few of them might have scuffs in the layer a bit sooner than expected. While it is not a big issue, it can make them look somewhat worse, and we would have liked to see a better job at it.
In terms of the drive system, these also use Phillips style heads. These are some of the most reliable, commonly used methods, so it works well in those terms. Moreover, the slots are well cut and do not have any anomalies.
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5. WoodPro Wood Construction Screws
As our final product, we have got some premium quality screws that will last you ages. And as the name suggests, these multipurpose products can effortlessly even handle hefty workloads.
The first part about what makes them so good is the coating these come with. These coatings are known as Golden Electro-Popliteal coating. PPG Industries performs this method, and there is a reason we like it.
This unique coating allows for the products to have a thinner coat and still ensure surprisingly durable performance. Moreover, these screws use a star drive suitable head design, which is compatible with Torx.
That means you can use these products without a single worry about cam outs. This package is also a five-pound one, and you will get around 550 screws in them. Plus, we felt that the price is reasonable given their quality.
You probably know that the point of a screw is crucial, as it ensures that it can get through the wood much more comfortable throughout the process. These products have a sharp type-17 point, which does a great job.
Lastly, these are number 9 screws (2-1/2”), which do not have threads all the way up to the head to ensure a clean result near the top. Moreover, the package includes a 25mm T-25 star bit as a bonus.
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What to Look for Before Buying?
Depending on the kind of woodworking project you are working on, your choice of screws will differ. However, whether it's the wood screws or hinges for soft close cabinets, there are some things you should look out for when out shopping.
Head Types
There are various head types, but the most common ones are flat heads, oval heads, and round heads.
- Flat Head Screws
As the name suggests, these screws have a flat top. But the bottom portion is conically shaped. This design allows the screw to sit flush on the wood, providing a smooth and clean surface.
- Round Head Screws
These have a domed head that does not sit flush with the surface. Instead, the head sits above it. Moreover, their bottom portion is flat.
- Oval Head Screws
These screws have the same kind of conically shaped underside. The only difference is that their heads slightly protrude above the wood. Now, be mindful of the fact that a dowel joint produced by the best dowel jig will always be stronger than any screw type. And sometimes, it's better to opt for cutting board glues rather than wood screws.
Usage with Drivers
If you are not new to woodworking, then you would know how annoying it was when you were trying to drive the single slot traditional screws. More often than not, they would slip off the driver.
Modern days screws do pretty well in those terms. Most of them do not slip off the driver or snap off either. Not just that, the older products also needed pilot holes to guide them through.
Thankfully, the newer ones have aggressive threads, and you can drive them through any wood without requiring a pilot hole.
The Point
The job of these points is to help pull the screw into the wood faster. As the end is usually relatively thin, it allows all the force to be applied on a tiny portion of the wood, meaning it can efficiently create an entry point for you.
An extremely sharp point means that you can easily penetrate even the toughest of materials. However, there are also square-pointed screws out there, which also work well with specific drivers.
The Threads
Once the point of your screw has done its job, the rest of it relies on the thread. The newer designs have made things more comfortable in this sector too, and they are much more versatile.
For instance, spiral threads are located just above the tip of the screw and help pull it inside the wood quickly. You can also find reverse threads. These have a section of the reversed design to help with dimpling and mushrooming.
Those would refer to the ugly raised portions around the screw’s head. Something like a serrated thread means that the screw will require less torque when driving, which improves the whole experience.
The Coatings
Most quality screws will have some sort of coating or plating, which enhances the product’s performance. Without a layer, typical steel rusts exceptionally quickly as it comes in contact with moisture.
Zinc coating is quite common, which does a somewhat decent job at resisting corrosion. That is why it receives a transparent layer above that, usually with something like yellow zinc.
You can also find screws that have gone through a galvanizing process, such as electroplating. This protection is highly effective against rust and is widely popular. Modern screws often use multiple combinations of coating too.
Not just resistance from corrosion, these coatings give the products a better look as well. Moreover, they help in reducing the friction so that they are easier to screw in, whether you use drives or not.
Before closing this section, we would like to inform you that some objects, like the door security bars, don't require screws most of the time. So, if you can avoid the usage of drilling and screws, go with that.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which driver supported screw is the best?
There is an array of options in those terms, with no definitive winner. You can use star heads, Phillips heads, or anything with a deep groove and do not cam-out when driving them.
2. Which thread is best for softwood?
Generally, screws with coarse threads are better suited for softer woods and materials. They have more gaps between each thread and provide a firm grip. You can even use serrated ones too.
3. How much weight can my screws hold?
The answer to that is relative. A few things can decide this factor – how thick it is, what material it uses, and how the tempering is, and high tensile strength in general. The higher these are, the more weight it holds.
4. Are screws better than nails?
When it comes to woodworking projects, we would recommend that you use screws. These are easier to take out, they ensure a better hold, and screwing them in is much effortless than nails. Plus, some of them work with the best 15 gauge finish nailer as well.
5. Do I need a pilot hole?
People drill pilot holes into the wood before putting the screws in to ensure a better grip to the sides. Although, most modern screws (including the ones above) do not require a pilot hole to work correctly.
Final Words
Using the correct screws that also ensure quality and longevity is essential for any woodworking project. The products mentioned above are the best wood screws that you can find at a reasonable price. Remember to wear protective gear and if you need any help regarding that, click here.
