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https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl DIY Forum >> Carpentry Questions >> Types of Screw Head https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1204102193 Message started by chris18 on Feb 27^th, 2008, 8:49am

Title: Types of Screw Head
Post by chris18 on Feb 27^th, 2008, 8:49am

This may seem a silly question but here goes.

I'm about to start laying some decking and need to get some new screwdriver bits (titanium) for my power tool.

Past experience has shown that unless the screwdriver bit and screw head match then it very easy to burr either quickly even with the torque set low.

I get confused over the different type of screwhead/driver bits available and how to identify which is which, especially pozi etc.

Looking at eBay the most popular seem to be S2(?).

Does anyone know of anywhere that lists/displays the different types or how I can make sure I'm using the right bit for the screw?

Thanks

Title: Re: Types of Screw Head
Post by thescruff on Feb 27^th, 2008, 9:03am

I like the torque screws, I think you can get them from most builders merchants now

The screw head has 6 points, the same as they use in the motor trade

Title: Re: Types of Screw Head
Post by big_all on Feb 27^th, 2008, 10:06am

in woodwork 90percent use pozi 2[pz 2]

imperial [usualy silver]no4 use pozi 1 no6 to no10 use pozi 2 no12s use pozi 3

metric [usualy gold or yellow] 3mm to 6mm all use pozi 2 [sometimes 3mm uses pozi1]

although you can normaly tell a pozi screw from the cross within a cross on the head somtimes on no4silver screws a philips no1can be a better fit

Title: Re: Types of Screw Head
Post by chris18 on Feb 27^th, 2008, 12:04pm

thescruff

Thanks for the info.

big_all wrote on Feb 27^th, 2008, 10:06am:

Thanks for the info that's really useful.

Are pozi2 also marked as ph2? My power drill came with two dual ended bits one flat and one marked ph2. The latter seems to fit snuggly into some gold value pack 6m decking screws I bought recently from B&Q.

The head of the screw has a cross where the bit fits and this is disected by a diagnol cross, if get my meaning. Is this what you were referring to when you say the cross within a cross

It used to be much simpler in the old days when it was just flat or philips, even easier when it was flat or nothing!!

Edit

Just looked at eBay and see that PH2 are in fact Philips not pozi so how are pozi heads marked? There are some 25 DeWALT 25mm Ph2 Screwdriver Bits. Model: DT7909 which is the right ones could be worth getting as they are only £7 including delivery and although it doesn't say titanium it does say they are tough.

As I said the ph2 head I have seems a snug fit but could the screw heads be something else?

Title: Re: Types of Screw Head
Post by WOLF on Feb 27^th, 2008, 12:39pm

PZ are pozi-drive screws and PH are Philloips based screws!

Title: Re: Types of Screw Head
Post by big_all on Feb 27^th, 2008, 7:39pm

Quote:

The head of the screw has a cross where the bit fits and this is disected by a diagnol cross, if get my meaning. Is this what you were referring to when you say the cross within a cross

yes both driver bit and screw have a cross within a cross
where as philips are a simple x

although philips may seem to fit when you load up the screw they push out and chew up the head[cam out]

a good fitting bit will hold a screw underneath
you certainly shouldnt get any rocking of the screw on the bit

Title: Re: Types of Screw Head
Post by Dolallytap on Feb 27^th, 2008, 8:19pm

Photo may help ?

www.practicaljoineryandcabinetryguides.co.uk/heads.gif

http://www.screwfix.com/cats/13/Screwdriver-Bits

Title: Re: Types of Screw Head
Post by RabbitRabbit on Feb 27^th, 2008, 8:31pm

What's wrong with a Passlode somewhat quicker ;)

Title: Re: Types of Screw Head
Post by chris18 on Feb 27^th, 2008, 8:36pm

big_all wrote on Feb 27^th, 2008, 7:39pm:

Quote:

The head of the screw has a cross where the bit fits and this is disected by a diagnol cross, if get my meaning. Is this what you were referring to when you say the cross within a cross

Good advice plainly told.

wrote on Feb 27^th, 2008, 8:19pm:

Photo may help ?

www.practicaljoineryandcabinetryguides.co.uk/heads.gif

http://www.screwfix.com/cats/13/Screwdriver-Bits

Now that's what I was looking for, something a grey haired old twit like me can refer, to but couldn't see how to access or download any of the guides. to see if there was anything else useful.

From the diagrams the screws I have definitely have philips heads so I have bought the set from eBay.

Title: Re: Types of Screw Head
Post by chris18 on Feb 27^th, 2008, 8:42pm

wrote on Feb 27^th, 2008, 8:31pm:

What's wrong with a Passlode somewhat quicker ;)

If I'm not mistaken a Passlode is an air/gas nail gun? Good for the pro but even at eBay prices (£150) not cost effective for the odd job like the decking I'm going to build, but thanks for the thought anyway.

Title: Re: Types of Screw Head
Post by RabbitRabbit on Feb 27^th, 2008, 8:58pm

True Chris BUT for me time is either money or freedom.

So if its a professional job then time its money if its a diy job then its freedom.

How about hiring a nail gun for the weekend? Has additional advantages if swmbo gives you ear-ache about how long the job is taking between pints the Passlode sometimes pops off it 'odd' directions ;)

Title: Re: Types of Screw Head
Post by RabbitRabbit on Feb 27^th, 2008, 9:12pm

Seriously though ... I have spent weekends screwing down decking and I have used a Paslode, I promise you I will NEVER EVER screw a deck again still have the marks to prove it ... why not ..

http://www.hss.com/g/30118/Needle-Gun-Air.html

No I don't work for HSS, in act I don't like them that much but at that day price you will be down the pub by lunchtime using a nail gun, or you will be screwing until mid-night (no pun intended!)

Title: Re: Types of Screw Head
Post by Dolallytap on Feb 27^th, 2008, 10:46pm

wrote on Feb 27^th, 2008, 8:36pm:

Now that's what I was looking for, something a grey haired old twit like me can refer, to but couldn't see how to access or download any of the guides. to see if there was anything else useful.

Practical Joinery & Cabinetry Guides

Is a new website I am developing to give clear practical guides but will not be a forum. Should the visitor not find what he or she is looking for they will be given the chance of visiting one of the forums including this one on the forum page.

This forum and have been invited to submit guides etc and I would give full credit to the author / forum it will just be put in a standard format.

Three guides have been produced to date have a look and give me your comments plus any suggestions on guides etc you would like to see. I will not be publishing any guides on electrical or plumbing / gas fitting as both these trades in the wrong hands can kill.

www.practicaljoineryandcabinetryguides.co.uk

http://www.practicaljoineryandcabinetryguides.co.uk/Guide/How%20to%20Guide%20Floating%20Shelf.pdf

http://www.practicaljoineryandcabinetryguides.co.uk/Guide/How-2-Guide%20Solid%20timber%20floor%20skirting%20detail%20Layout.pdf

http://www.practicaljoineryandcabinetryguides.co.uk/Guide/Timber%20Partition%20Wall.pdf

Title: Re: Types of Screw Head
Post by CWatters on Feb 28^th, 2008, 8:15am

Worth checking out "Timberlock" screws for joining larger outdoor timbers. These have a hex head. Wickes have their own brand that are similar. I used them to fix some old hardwood railway sleepers together. It depends on the timber but in my case I was able to screw them 2 & 1/2 inches into a sleeper without a pilot hole. eg I was drilling a clearance hole through one sleeper only, one tap with a hammer to start them then a hex bit in my power drill to drive them in. They are black so you don't notice them once the sleepers are creosoted - otherwise you could countersink the heads or use dowel plugs. Some people say they are strong enough to pull a curved railway sleeper flat.

Title: Re: Types of Screw Head
Post by Twobarrows on Feb 28^th, 2008, 12:24pm

>I will not be publishing any guides on electrical or plumbing / gas >fitting as both these trades in the wrong hands can kill.
Unlike table saws, band saws, mitre saws, chisels.....

just kidding, honest :-)