Screw Sizes and Lengths
Screws come in a variety of lengths, diameters and threading patterns. Choosing the correct screw for the job is important not only to ensure that it will fit but also to keep from harming or tearing the material you’re working with. Often times, screws have specific uses such as drywall or wood. The best screw for the job will be selected according to the type of head, shaft and length required. The correct screw size and length will also be dependent on the lateral vs. sheer forces at work. In this article, we’ll explore the basic factors involved in screw sizing: driver type (flat, Phillips or hex), head-bore size, shank diameter and threads per inch.
Screw sizing is generally based on the metric system of measurement, but imperial (Unified Thread Standard) measurements are still commonly used as well. The first number on a screw’s callout is the major diameter and the second is the screw’s pitch. Screw pitch is the distance between adjacent threads at their highest points, and determining it can be tricky because of the minute spacing involved. Using a caliper is generally recommended, but a simple calculator may suffice as well.
The last piece of information on a screw’s callout is its thread count, which indicates how many threads there are in a one-inch section of the screw. This can help you determine the appropriate drill bit to use when drilling into materials such as wood or metal. Most standard screw sizes have two different types of thread, coarse and fine. Coarse screws tend to have more spaces between their threads, while finer screws are closer together.
Knowing the screw’s gauge, head-bore size and shank diameter will allow you to determine its hex or square drive, which in turn will help you decide what sort of driver type to use. For example, a screw with a hex head needs to be driven in by a hex driver.
A square drive screw, on the other hand, will only need to be turned with a square drive screwdriver. Lastly, the screw’s length is important to consider as it will determine how deep in the material you can drive it. Screws that are too long will protrude through the surface of the material and can cause a hazard. Screws that are too short will not anchor properly.
When selecting a screw for the job at hand, it’s helpful to select a screw that is approximately half as long as the material in which it will be installed. This will ensure that the screw penetrates to the opposite side of the material, and will prevent it from pulling out if the force exerted is too great. When in doubt, consult a screw sizing chart to get the correct gauge, head-bore size and length. For wood screws, a chart will also indicate the screw’s tensile strength, which is an indication of how strong it will be once fully embedded in the material. 5/16 inch to mm