As a business owner, there are times when you may need to get your hands dirty and fix things around the premises. Although big jobs may be better suited to professionals, getting things done yourself is a great way to save on costs and ensure your business can continue running smoothly without any delays. You don’t even need to have an in-depth knowledge of DIY and handiwork to be able to fix things from time to time.
One of the most important things to know when getting into DIY is what different types of screws are for. Screws are probably one of the most widely used fasteners in the world, capable of holding two materials together with a lot of force. They’re found in all different kinds of businesses, but different screws are best suited to some tasks than others.
Self Tapping Screw
Self tapping screws look a lot like regular screws, but they have a unique design feature. Rather than needing to be screwed into an existing, threaded hole, these screws can thread their own holes. They can be used in a variety of different materials, including plastic, wood and metal. This makes them very versatile and suitable for many types of businesses.
There are two main types of self tapping screws, and they have their own advantages depending on what you use them for. Thread tapping screws will need to be inserted into a premade hole, once they’re screwed in, they create their own thread and lock into place. They have a flat base, and are often used when fastening plastics or metals together.
On the other hand, thread cutting screws are capable of forming a hole in a surface, without the need for the pilot hole to be drilled. These screws have a sharp point on the end, so handling with care is advised. You can screw them directly into a soft surface such as wood, and once applied they’ll hold the materials together strongly.
Tamper-Proof Fasteners
For some businesses, it may be important to use highly specialised screws. Tamper-proof screws and fasteners can only be removed with a special tool. These fasteners are designed for certain environments where tampering may be an issue due to the serious risks it might entail. For example, in businesses dealing with dangerous machinery, it’s best to use tamper-proof screws.
Considering Screw Size
While the type of screw is important to consider, so too is the size. Before you purchase screws for your business, you need to look at what sizes are available and the type of size that would be suitable. Longer screws can offer a higher level of strength, though they won’t be suitable for smaller and more delicate items where weight is an issue.
Generally speaking, the length of the screw should be at least three times as thick as the material it’s being threaded into. There will be exceptions to this rule, but it’s a good way to get an idea of what length you should be choosing.
In addition to the length, you can find screws of different thicknesses. Bear in mind that your screw will need to support a certain load, and factor this in when choosing the screw type. If the required load is 100 lbs, the screw will need to support significantly more than 100 lbs for safety purposes.
Types of Screw Threads
The type of threading used on the screw and its position will have an impact on its use and effectiveness in different situations. When looking at screws, you can find ones which are better suited to certain materials based on their thread. For example, drywall screws are designed with a coarse thread and countersunk head to allow them to sit just below the surface of the drywall.