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Calculate the exact number of screws needed for your project. Get pilot hole sizes, weight estimates, and cost calculations instantly.
For area-based calculations using standard spacing patterns (12-16 inches).
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Designed for fastening wood pieces together. Features a tapered shaft and sharp point for easier insertion. Best for general woodworking projects.
Heavy-duty screws coated for outdoor use. Corrosion-resistant and designed to prevent splitting in pressure-treated lumber. Ideal for decking projects.
Fine-threaded screws for fastening drywall to studs. No pilot hole required. Available in fine and coarse thread options for specific applications.
Cut their own thread path without pilot holes. Perfect for metal and composite materials. Available in various styles for different fastening needs.
Pilot holes prevent wood splitting and allow screws to be inserted more easily. The drill bit should be 50-75% the diameter of the screw core.
Use a pilot hole 50-75% of the screw's diameter for hardwood, less for softwood. For dense materials, use the larger percentage.
| Screw Size | Gauge Diameter | Wood Screw Pilot | Typical Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | 0.138" | 1/16" - 3/32" | Light assembly, thin materials |
| #8 | 0.164" | 3/32" - 7/64" | General purpose, most common |
| #10 | 0.190" | 7/64" - 1/8" | Heavy fastening, thick lumber |
| #12 | 0.216" | 1/8" - 9/64" | Large assembly, structural work |
| Application | Spacing (inches) | Recommended Screw |
|---|---|---|
| Decking (boards) | 12-16 | #8 or #10 Deck |
| Framing | 12-16 | #10 Wood |
| Drywall | 12-16 | #6 Drywall |
| Metal studs | 12-16 | #8 Self-tapping |
| Subfloor | 8-12 | #8 Wood |
| Sheathing | 8 | #8 Wood |
Deck screws are corrosion-resistant (usually coated or stainless steel) and designed for outdoor use in pressure-treated lumber. Wood screws are general-purpose fasteners for interior woodworking. Deck screws cost more but last longer outdoors.
No, drywall screws are designed to be driven directly into drywall without pilot holes. However, if you're fastening drywall to metal studs or other materials, check the manufacturer's recommendations.
Use appropriately sized pilot holes (50-75% of screw diameter), avoid driving screws too close to edges (at least 1.5 times the screw length), choose pre-drilled lumber when possible, and consider using self-drilling screws for hardwoods.
Use a power drill with a screw bit, ensure pilot holes are pre-drilled if needed, maintain consistent screw depth, and organize screws by type. A cordless drill/driver is faster than manual screwdriving.
Different materials require different screw types. Wood screws work best in wood, self-tapping in metal, and drywall screws specifically in drywall. Using the wrong type can result in poor fastening and material damage.
Add 10-20% extra to your calculated screw count to account for mistakes, breakage, and strips. Complex projects with irregular fastening patterns may need 25-30% extra.
Keep screws in cool, dry conditions in sealed containers or bins organized by size and type. Label clearly. Avoid moisture to prevent rust, especially for coated fasteners.
Try using a rubber band under the drill bit for traction, use a slightly larger screw to re-grip, or use screw extractors designed for this purpose. If all else fails, drill out the screw completely.
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