Screws are used to fit materials such as chipboard, MDF and natural woods together although there is a type of screw called a self-tapping screw that can be used for joining thin metal sheet. screws can be used to join materials together permanently although as they can be unused with relative ease they are also good as a way of fixing materials temporarily.

RAISED HEAD SCREW: Used to fit door handle plates and decorative features that must look good.

DOME HEAD SCREW: Can be used for fitting fixtures such as mirrors. The 'cap', which is the dome shape is usually chromed or made from brass and this can be a good feature. It also makes the head of the screw safe as the doom has no sharp edges to catch and cut hands/fingers.

CHIPBOARD SCREWS: The thread on this type of screw extends all the way along the length. It is best used with chipboard

SELF-TAPPING SCREWS: these are normally used to cut a thread in metal. A hole is drilled in the metal, a fraction smaller than the width of the screw. The self-tapping screw is then turned into the hole cutting a thread.

JOINING MATERIALS USING SCREWS

1. Mark the position of the screw on the top of the wood.
2. Drill a clearance hole through the top piece - the same diameter as the shank.
3. countersink the hole if using a countersunk screw.
4. Put the two pieces of material together and drill a smaller diameter hole in the second piece of material
5. Place the screw in the top first hole and tighten carefully with a screwdriver.

CLICK HERE FOR RESISTANT MATERIALS INDEX PAGE