Screws are one of the world’s most commonly used fasteners. Consisting of a head and a threaded shank, they are used to join two or more parts. You can drive a screw through a set of parts, after which you can secure the end with a nut. While all screws are used in fastening applications such as this, however, they are available in different types, such as wood and machine screws.
What Are Wood Screws?
Wood screws are threaded fasteners used to join wooden parts. They aren’t actually made of wood. Rather, wood screws are designed for use with wooden objects and workpieces.
You can find wood screws in different materials. Some of them are made of aluminum or brass, whereas others are made of stainless steel or high-carbon steel. Wood screws are also available in different sizes, with some of them being longer or wider than others. Regardless, all wood screws are designed for use with wooden objects and workpieces.
What Are Machine Screws?
Machine screws are threaded fasteners used to join metal parts. Also known as MS screws, they are commonly used in metalworking and machinery. Machine screws offer a high level of strength and precision, making them ideal for applications such as these.
According to the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) specifications, machine screws are available in diameters of up to 0.75 inches. You can also find them in different lengths and styles. They are known as “machine screws” because they are commonly used with machinery.
Differences Between Wood Screws and Machine Screws
There are several key differences between wood screws and machine screws. One of the main differences between them is that wood screws are designed for use with wooden objects and workpieces, whereas machine screws are designed for use with metal objects and workpieces.
Wood screws and machine screws have different threading. Both types of screws have a shank that’s covered either partially or completely in external threads. Wood screws, however, typically have coarse threads, whereas machine screws have finer threads. Coarse threads allow wood screws to dig into wooden objects and workpieces. The finer threads of metal screws, on the other hand, allows for superior precision when fastening metal parts.
Another key difference between machine screws and wood screws is that the former typically requires a predrilled hole, whereas the latter does not. Before installing a machine screw, you’ll need to drill or cut a hole. Wood screws typically don’t require a predrilled hole. Instead, you can drive them directly into wooden objects and workpieces.
