How to Navigate Through Screw Types for Every Material

Selecting the appropriate screw is crucial to ensure a stable and long-lasting connection among threaded joint components. Several factors influence this choice: the material to be penetrated, its thickness and strength, the load the structure will bear, the solicitations to which i twill be sbjected, and finally, the technical features of the screw.

An initial criterion for selection concerns the materials to be assembled. For instance, screws for metal feature a narrow, shallow thread and can be made from iron or steel. On the other hand, wooden screws are always self-tapping and often self-drilling, creating independently the hole in the wood into which they will be screwed. There are specific screws for drywall, allowing for rapid fastening and phosphate-coated. Phosphate is crucial as it ensures high corrosion resistance and promotes a secure hold. Finally, screws for concrete and stone are made in galvanized steel, with a long collar and a threaded end. In the case of fresh concrete, the fastening procedure is particular: the screw is inserted into the material and left to solidify. At this point, the threading is firmly set, external to the concrete, and can be screwed into the other joint element.

Equally important is the material of the screws themselves. Tempered steel screws are the most common: the steel is subjected quenching, a heat treatment that increases its hardness. A tempered steel screw is particularly resistant to torsion and solicitations. Stainless steel screws, albeit less robust than tempered steel ones, have corrosion-resistant qualities that make them perfect for withstanding weathering. If present, surface treatments also determine the screws’ corrosion resistance. Among the most common are galvanization, nickel plating, and Geomet. There are also purely aesthetic treatments, such as nickel plating or bronzing.

Finally, an essential condition for successful tightening is that the screwing operation is easy and swift, regardless of the screw or the materials in the joint. This outcome is only achievable if the wrench and the screw head fit perfectly. Any difficulties in this operation could indicate the inappropiated screw choice or a wrong wrench. The proper execution of the tightening should be evident in the final appearance of the screw head, which must be in perfect aesthetic conditions and well adherent to the material to which it is screwed.

VIPA markets top-quality screws for all types of materials and applications, even the most specialized ones. Its screws are made of selected raw materials and a controlled production process checked at every stage, and certified in compliance with UNI EN ISO 9001:2015 standards. Whatever screw you need, look for it at the VIPA shop: you will find it there.