Structural wood screws (also called “construction” screws) are gradually replacing the traditional lag screws for carpentry over the last few years.

The reason of their rise in the world of fasteners is related to the convenience they offer in any heavy duty structural application.

Their shape, very thin, sharp and much longer than traditional wood screws, makes them time-saving and easy to work with.

They are especially designed to perforate wooden surfaces without any pilot hole drilling reducing the time it takes to install each screw and increasing, therefore, the efficiency of the projects.

Besides, despite their wimpy-looking appearance, structural screws are hardened, heat-treated and manufactured by high-quality steel. As a result, they are stronger than lag screws and make longer-lasting connections over time.

Additional coatings, such as zinc plating, can be applied to provide the screws with an extra strength and rust resistance.

Generally, structural screws are featured by a Torx head (six contact points) that spread the driving torque preventing the “cam-out”, a process that occurs when the screwdriver slips out of the head of the screw when we try to torque it.

Moreover, unlike Philips or hex heads, the Torx head allows driver bits to hold the screw in place forming a temporary connection. That is to say, is possible to aim and drive the screws with just one hand. This simplifies the tasks of woodworkers, saving time and a lot of effort at the same time.