Screws
Screws are threaded fasteners that form or follow a thread to hold materials together, and the right head, drive and thread make the difference between a quick, secure fix and a stripped hole. This range runs from Olympic Fixings Square-Lok countersunk woodscrews and concrete screws to Deligo high-tensile hex set screws, Pozi self-tappers, twinthread, brass countersunk and hexagon head drillers.
Most lines come in boxes of 100 or 200 for trade use. Account customers get trade pricing, and weekday orders placed before 5pm reach NI and ROI the next working day.
How to choose the right screws
With dozens of sizes and finishes on offer, it helps to narrow the choice by base material first, then by head and drive type, and finally by size and finish.
Screw types by application
- Woodscrews and twinthread – for timber, batten and chipboard; twinthread drives faster with less splitting.
- Chipboard screws – fully threaded for particle board, flooring and general first fix.
- Self-tapping screws – form a thread in thin sheet metal or plastic, usually into a pilot hole.
- Self-drilling drillers – drill point tips for fixing to steel without a pilot hole.
- Concrete screws – fix straight into drilled concrete or masonry without a plug.
- Machine and set screws – metric threads for nuts, channel nuts and tapped holes, including the M3.5 accessory screws used on back boxes.
Head and drive
Countersunk heads sit flush in a countersunk hole, pan heads sit proud with a flat bearing surface, and hex heads take a socket for high torque. Pozidriv is the most common drive in the UK and Ireland; Square-Lok and other square drives reduce cam-out when driving with an impact driver. Make sure your bits match.
Size and finish
Imperial woodscrews are described by gauge and length (for example 8 x 1.5"), while metric screws use diameter and length in millimetres. BZP suits indoor use, brass is preferred on visible or electrical fittings, and galvanised or stainless suit damp or outdoor locations.
Related ranges
For masonry fixings that need plugs, see wall plugs. Heavier loads may call for anchors and shield bolts, and the right screwdrivers make driving easier.
Meteor Electrical keeps over 5,000 products in its Cookstown warehouse, with free delivery above £30 or €35 ex VAT.
FAQ's
- What screws are used to fix sockets to back boxes?
- What is the difference between Pozi and Phillips screws?
- Do I need a pilot hole for woodscrews?
- What length of concrete screw should I use?
- Why use brass screws?
- Are self-drilling screws suitable for steel trunking?