The following discussion will highlight the differences between wood screws and machine screws. It is easy to notice the distinctions between the two types of fasteners; this article will provide additional detail on the points of divergence.
Table of Contents
- What Are a Wood Screw and Machine Screw?
- Wood Screw Vs Machine Screw (10 Differences)
- Can You Use Machine Screws for Wooden Applications?
- Conclusion
What Are a Wood Screw and Machine Screw?
Wood screws are threaded fasteners that are used to join woodwork pieces. Wood screws are not made of wood but are available in many metals and alloys. They are known as “wood screws” because they are designed for use with woodwork. Wood screws have a wider-spaced, medium-depth screw. Some wood screws have a threadless shank at the top.
Machine screws are screws used to secure machine parts and other structures together. Machine screws are available in a wide variety of types, materials, configurations, drive sizes, and heads.
Wood Screw Vs Machine Screw (10 Differences)
1. Uses
Wood screws are commonly used in woodworking and construction to fasten two pieces of wood together, such as in a butt joint or miter joint. Wood screws can also be used to fasten wood to metal, such as in a metal bracket or hinge.
Machine screws secure parts in all types of machines, including electronics, engines, and industrial manufacturing equipment.
2. Thread Type
Wood screws have coarser threads than machine screws. The threads on wood screws are spaced further apart, which makes them less likely to strip the wood as they are being driven. The threads on machine screws are closer together, which makes them more suitable for precision applications where a tight fit is necessary.
3. Shank Type
Wood screws have a smooth shank that tapers to a point. The taper of the shank helps the screw to grip the wood as it is being driven. Machine screws have a threaded shank that is the same diameter as the rest of the screw. Machine screws are available in various shank types, including round, flat and square.
4. Material
Wood screws are made of steel, stainless steel, brass, hardened steel, and sometimes mixed with alloy.
Machine screws are made from a variety of materials, but steel, brass, and aluminum are the most common.
5. Head Type
Wood screws are available in various head styles, including flat, round, oval, and pan. Machine screws are also available in various head styles, including flat, round, oval, pan, button, hex head, and truss.
6. Threaded
Most machine screws are fully threaded and are usually used with a nut or tapped hole. Some Wood screws are partially threaded and do not require any nuts for adjustment.
7. Vibration Resistance
There are many reasons why wood screws are not vibration resistant. One reason is that the threads on wood screws are not as deep as those on other types of screws, such as machine screws.
Generally speaking; however, most machine screws are designed to withstand rattling and vibrations without coming undone.
8. Drive Type
Wood screws are available in a variety of drive types, including Phillips, slotted, square, and Torx. Machine screws are also available in a variety of drive types, including Phillips, slotted, square, Torx, and hex.
9. Cost
Due to the variety of these screws, it is impossible to give an exact price. Generally speaking, machine screws cost more than wood screws.
10. Stronger Screw
Machine screws are generally stronger than wood screws, although this will depend on the specific materials and sizes of the screws.
Can You Use Machine Screws for Wooden Applications?
It is impossible to screw a machine screw into wood, as the threads will not bite into the wood, and the screw will just spin without providing any holding power. Machine screws are designed for metal or hard plastic, not wood. If you need to secure something to wood, use a wood screw instead.
Conclusion
There are two main types of screws- wood screws and machine screws. Each type has advantages and disadvantages, so choosing the right type of screw for your project is essential. I researched this topic thanks to my friend who owns a hardware store. If you have any different opinions, please share them with me in the comments section below.
Read More – Cap Screw Vs. Machine Screw