Types of Screw Heads

Flat screw heads completely sit with the surface which leaves no part of the head exposed therefore these screws need to be countersunk. The advantage of having a flat screw head is that they do not stick out of the surface which leads to catching other things on it. If the screw cover is used in this screw then the screw head is not visible.

Raised heads are also known as oval-shaped heads, and they have an angle which is similar to that of a flat screw but they have dome-shaped heads. A countersink is required for these screws for accommodating the angle. As compared to flat screws their head slightly come out of the surface. This shape does not help drive the performance of the screw.

These types of screw heads are commonly used for the screws which are made for drywall and plasterboard. The shape of these screws is similar to a flat screw head but under the surface of the head, it has an angle which helps in reducing the damage to the surface. Drilling of pilot holes is not required because they are self-drilling. Stress is distributed over a wider area as compared to flat screws because of their unique shape.

They are unique screws which are used for various projects. They have domed heads and can screw into each other. Short binding screws are used for holding large manuals as well as book-binding projects. They are also used for holding leather, swatches together.

Domed head screws are a very common type of screw. They are best suited for work in which the head of the screw is not hidden like flat-head screws. The dome shape head provides an appealing design to the surface and the flat part behind the dome helps in stopping the screw where it is to be stopped.

Flange screws are also known as frame screws. The head of the flange screws can be circular to hexed and are extended out from the circular flange situated directly below the head. The flange at the head provides stability to the screw for remaining in position and taking the position of the washer.

In comparison to the other screw head truss screw head are wider and they have a rounded surface. Truss head screws are used for sheet metal or for work where there is a requirement of large holes and the wider head of the screw prevents them from going into the hole.

Combination head screws are very common nowadays, they have variations and combinations of the above-given head types.

A countersink screw heads have an angular shape under the head but the screw in which the countersink is not required has a flat under the head.

Pin screws are one of the most common tamper-resistant screws, they have the same design as a cross shape in Philips screws having an additional layer which is provided for the prevention of easy removal. In design, there is an additional pin in each head and they need a special tool for removal and installation. For the removal and installation of a tamper-resistant Philips screw, Philips screwdriver cannot be used.

These screws provide a very high level of protection because they can be driven only in one way. They are very difficult to remove therefore they are best suited for permanent fixtures.

They are also called spanners; they provide security with maintaining the finished look. Their heads are flat in which there are two small holes are provided and they need special tools for their installation as well as removal.

They have a hexagonal shape at the head which extends beyond its surface. Some of them have built-in flanges while others have hexagon shapes over their full head. This screw can be removed and installed with the help of a wrench.

These types of screws always need an Allen wrench for their installation as well as their removal. They are generally used for furniture which needs assembly and cannot get damaged by an Allen wrench at the time of installation which results in a pleasing finish. Most of these screws come with an Allen wrench.

They are the most common screws of all. They have a cross shape which helps in self-centring the screw which avoids drilling in odd angles. A drill can also be used with this screw and due to their self-centred design, they remain at their place at the time of drill when the force is being applied but the head can be stripped if too much force is applied.

These screws are somewhat similar to Phillips screws but pozidriv screws have more grooves which results in the shape of pozidriv screws resembling a star. For their removal sometimes Phillips screwdriver can also be used. They provide more stability to the applied force as compared to the Phillips screws. The difference between a Phillips screw and a pozidriv can be identified by looking at them from the side. There are ribs between all four arms of the pozidriv which are marked by ‘pz’.

These head drives are also called Phillips square drives and they are a combination of square recess and Phillips. Quadrex head drive looks like Philips design but the middle of the cross shape is squared instead of pointed which prevents stripping when more force is being applied.

These are the screws which are generally referred to as the flat head screws due to the narrow opening provided for a flat screwdriver. These screws are most commonly used and are cheap among others. But the main disadvantage of using this screw is that they are very much likely to be stripped. Even the design of this screw is such that they strip for the prevention of over-tightening of the screw. They are best suited for projects which need a smaller number of screws which can be screwed manually instead of using a powered drill which can results in the screw to strip.

These screws are generally known as Robertson’s. They have a square centre point which prevents them from stripping out.

These screws encompass various different styles which form the shape of stars. There is a double square drive which has two Robertson’s squares which create an 8-point star in the middle.

There is a triple square drive which has three Robertson’s squares which form a 12-point star. Triple squares are generally used for resisting high force and no stripping of the screw commonly used in internal parts of the car such as drivetrain components.

In the middle of these screws, they have 6 point star shape and they are generally used for electronics items such as DVD players and computers. These screws are getting popular nowadays due to their ability to resist the slip-out tendency which are very important criteria while building electronics.

These screws have smaller grooves which enable the screwdriver to have more contact with the screw head which allows us to apply more force on it.

These screws are recently invented by the Phillips screw company. These screws provide more security compared to all other screws and can sustain more force. They require a special driver for their installation and removal and the deep grooves in it enable them for more torque from the drill.