Confused by screws - wanting to get kitted out

[d000hg]

I want to get set up with a proper collection of screws (and to a lesser extent, other fittings like bolts and so on) as I'm tired of bodging with the best 4 screws I can find lying around. But when I come to do so, I'm drowning in so many different types and options and sizes and lengths. And because it's SO much more expensive to buy a small number, I'm put off buying a big pack only to realise they're a size that isn't much use. Had that before where I got some chunky screws only to realise they split the wood, or the ones I bought were too long and poked through the back, etc!

I wondered if anyone might suggest a 'shopping list' of sorts to get set up... most useful sizes, what type to get (single/double-thread/etc). I don't do a huge amount, a mix of inside and outside DIY tasks, so maybe I want 1000-2000 in total, what would you get?

I've seen you can buy sets but looking on Screwfix I was faced with about 5 seemingly identical sets and I have no idea the differences between those either.

Never thought something as simple as screws could get so tricky!

 

[blup]

I buy screws when I need them - Spax generally - in packets of 200. If you buy assortments there will be many you never use, and you can guarantee the one you do need won't be there when you do need it. That way you build up your own stock.

Manufacturers, deliberately or otherwise, package up screw packs with many fixings that are hardly used by the diyer, at least in my experience.

Blup

 

[^woody^]

Get an assortment in a metal case (aka Trade case). That gives you a start and then you will soon find what ones you are using. Look for a case with about 10 different screws and they will be the ones most useful for general DIY.

I have more or less standardised on Screwfix's Turbo Gold screws, as they go in well to all materials, most without needing a pilot hole and with no wood splitting. But the Quicksilver screws are OK and a bit cheaper.

Whatever you do, don't get caught up in the brand hype. A screw is a screw.

 

[JayJay1978]

Screw me!
As a plumber who does lots of bathrooms and studwork, flooring etc I use mainly Screwfix silver screws. good quality and not too expensive. Turbogolds are better but pricey.

 

[scbk]

This pack from toolstation would be a good start https://www.toolstation.com/single-thread-pozi-screw-trade-pack/p50259 (think the price has gone up a few quid since when they last had them)

The screws aren't anything special, but they do the job fine.
Keep buying more sizes as you need them

Always worth making a pilot hole if your near the edge of the wood, or if it's an expensive piece.
It does vary by species (and moisture), I use a lot of larch, it's more prone to splitting when dry

 

[d000hg]

Can I ask, what is the difference in threads? Single versus double, etc? Some seem to have much steeper threads too.

 

[stealthwolf]

As a DIYer, I’ve found turbogold trade pack useful:
https://www.screwfix.com/p/turbogold-pz-double-self-countersunk-woodscrews-trade-grab-pack-1000-pcs/20938

For things like bolts, nuts, washers, buy them as you find you need them and keep a stash. If you needed them once, you’ll probably need them again.

 

[d000hg]

Thinking about it, all my screwdriver bits are old and cheap. Is there a big difference between brands or shall I just buy a set?

PZ seems the way forward, how many sizes do I need? Out of interest do screws specify which head sizesis needed or is it just a case of picking the one that fits?

 

[mattylad]

I'll list them for you:
1) Big screws.
2)Little screws.
3)Medium size screws.
4)Long screws.
5)Short screws.
6)Mixed screws.

Get those and they should cover your needs

If your going to buy the screws then the head size is part of what you choose, most these days are PoziDrive so PZ2 (mainly) although the bigger they get you may have PZ3 or down to PZ1 for little screws.
Personally I prefer a straight slotted screw for big screws (4" plus) as I can get a better grip on a big screwdriver while it gets a good thrutching.

Don't forget to get a nice box with lots of compartments to keep them separate and ensure that it still does so when the box on its side (carried).
Also don't go too cheap on your screws, cheap ones are just that - cheap ****e.

 

[SammyInnit]

Get an assortment in a metal case (aka Trade case). That gives you a start and then you will soon find what ones you are using. Look for a case with about 10 different screws and they will be the ones most useful for general DIY.

I have more or less standardised on Screwfix's Turbo Gold screws, as they go in well to all materials, most without needing a pilot hole and with no wood splitting. But the Quicksilver screws are OK and a bit cheaper.

Whatever you do, don't get caught up in the brand hype. A screw is a screw.

Nail on the head.

How's that for ironic.

 

[blup]

Thinking about it, all my screwdriver bits are old and cheap. Is there a big difference between brands or shall I just buy a set?


PZ seems the way forward, how many sizes do I need? Out of interest do screws specify which head sizesis needed or is it just a case of picking the one that fits?

There is, and it is worth buying good quality bits. Bosch Dewalt etc all do quality bits.

Generally below 4mm diameter is PZ1 though Spax 3.5 has a PZ 2 head which resists being chewed up better than a PZ 1.

You will need a range of sizes and ideally lengths.

I have recently got this from Bosch and the bits have stood up well so far:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bosch-2607...sprefix=Bosch+bit+,aps,184&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1

Blup

 

[EddieM]

If you live in a coastal area get some stainless ones too. (I think I mention stainless too often on this forum )

 

[d000hg]

Reading around I definitely need new bits because I'm about to add an impact driver to my setup instead of just a drill, and this puts a lot of stress on bits apparently.

Thanks for the advice.

 

[lostinthelight]

I dont buy cross head screws anymore unless absolutely necessary.
Ive found these Torx head from toolstation very good , I buy the sizes I use most rather than mixed lots.

https://www.toolstation.com/forgefast-screw-pack/p87100

 

[SammyInnit]

Reading around I definitely need new bits because I'm about to add an impact driver to my setup instead of just a drill, and this puts a lot of stress on bits apparently.

Thanks for the advice.

Don't believe the hype around impact bits. Unless your driving 4" 4-6mm into treated timber all day long you'll benefit very little from buying impact bits over bulk standards.

Don't buy Milwaukee impact bits either. I've had harder butter.