crews are essential fasteners used in various applications, such as woodworking, construction, and manufacturing. The anatomy of a screw includes the following parts:

  1. Head: The head is the top part of the screw that is used to turn and tighten it. The shape of the head determines the type of driver required to turn it, such as a Phillips, slotted, or hexagonal driver.

  2. Shank: The shank is the threaded portion of the screw that goes into the material being fastened. The shank may be partially or fully threaded, depending on the application.

  3. Thread: The thread is the spiral ridge that runs along the shank and is used to grip the material being fastened. The thread pitch determines how far the screw will advance into the material with each turn.

  4. Point: The point is the sharp end of the screw that is used to pierce and start the hole in the material being fastened. The point may be sharp, blunt, or self-tapping, depending on the application.

  5. Thread Depth: The thread depth is the distance between the crest and the root of the thread. It determines how tightly the screw will grip the material being fastened.

  6. Major Diameter: The major diameter is the largest diameter of the screw thread. It determines the size of the hole required for the screw to be threaded into the material.

  7. Minor Diameter: The minor diameter is the smallest diameter of the screw thread. It determines the size of the root of the thread and the thickness of the screw shank.

    There are many different types of screw head designs, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. Here is a beginner’s guide to screw head types:

    1. Cheese Head Slotted Drive: Cheese head screws have a cylindrical head with a flat top and straight sides. They are commonly used in electronics, automotive, and machinery applications.

    2. Pan Head Cross Recess Combi Drive: Pan head screws have a flat top and a cylindrical shape beneath it that gives them a more rounded appearance. They can be driven with either a Phillips or a flat-bladed screwdriver, making them versatile and easy to use.

    3. Pan Head Cross Recess H Drive: Similar to the Pan Head Cross Recess Combi Drive, but with a special H-shaped recess that allows for high torque and prevents stripping of the head.

    4. Pan Head Cross Recess Z Drive: Similar to the Pan Head Cross Recess Combi Drive, but with a special Z-shaped recess that allows for high torque and prevents stripping of the head.

    5. Pan Head 6 Lobe Drive: Pan head screws with a star-shaped six-lobe recess that provides greater resistance to stripping and allows for high torque.

    6. Pan Head Slotted Drive: Pan head screws with a single straight slot on the head, making them easy to use with a flat-bladed screwdriver.

    7. Countersunk Head Slotted: Countersunk screws have a conical shape beneath the head that allows them to be sunk flush with the material being fastened. They have a single straight slot on the head and are commonly used in woodworking and furniture assembly.

    8. Countersunk Head Cross Recess H Drive: Similar to the Countersunk Head Slotted, but with a special H-shaped recess that allows for high torque and prevents stripping of the head.

    9. Countersunk Head Cross Recess Z Drive: Similar to the Countersunk Head Slotted, but with a special Z-shaped recess that allows for high torque and prevents stripping of the head.

    10. Countersunk Head 6 Lobe Drive: Similar to the Countersunk Head Slotted, but with a star-shaped six-lobe recess that provides greater resistance to stripping and allows for high torque.

    11. Raised Countersunk Head Slotted: Raised countersunk screws have a conical shape beneath the head that allows them to be sunk flush with the material being fastened. They have a single straight slot on the head and a raised head that offers a decorative appearance.

    12. Raised Countersunk Head Cross Recess H Drive: Similar to the Raised Countersunk Head Slotted, but with a special H-shaped recess that allows for high torque and prevents stripping of the head.

    13. Raised Countersunk Head Cross Recess Z Drive: Similar to the Raised Countersunk Head Slotted, but with a special Z-shaped recess that allows for high torque and prevents stripping of the head.

    14. Raised Countersunk Head 6 Lobe Drive: Similar to the Raised Countersunk Head Slotted, but with a star-shaped six-lobe recess that provides greater resistance to stripping and allows for high torque.

    15. Truss Head Slotted: Truss head screws have a low profile and a wide head, making them suitable for attaching thin materials to a thicker base. They have a single straight slot on the head and are commonly used in metalworking, construction, and automotive applications.

    16. Truss Head Cross Recess Combi Drive: Similar to the Truss Head Slotted, but with a Phillips or flat-bladed screwdriver recess.

    17. Truss Head Cross Recess H Drive: Similar to the Truss Head Slotted, but with a special H-shaped recess that allows for high torque and prevents stripping of the head.

    18. Round Head Slotted: Round head screws have a semi-spherical head that protrudes above the surface of the material being fastened. They have a single straight slot on the head and are commonly used in woodworking, furniture assembly, and cabinetry.

    19. Round Head Cross Recess Combi Drive: Similar to the Round Head Slotted, but with a Phillips or flat-bladed screwdriver recess.

    20. Round Head Cross Recess H Drive: Similar to the Round Head Slotted, but with a special H-shaped recess that allows for high torque and prevents stripping of the head.