Screws are commonly in the construction industry to build frames, roofs, walls and other structural components. With many of these components being load bearing, though, certain types of screws are required. Construction companies can’t use cheap or weak screws. Rather, they must use strong screws to ensure that the components stay connected. Structural screws fall under this category. While construction companies may use others, structural screws have become synonymous with construction-related fastening applications.
An Introduction to Structural Screws
Structural screws are heavy-duty fasteners that offer a stronger and more secure connection than traditional screws. They are also known simply as construction screws because of their prevalence in the construction industry. Structural screws are available in different materials, with stainless steel being the most common. Some structural screws are further galvanized to provide a superior level of protection against corrosion and degradation. Regardless, all structural screws are heavy-duty fasteners.
How Structural Screws Differ From Other Screws
There are a few factors that distinguish structural screws from other types of screws, one of which is strength. Structural screws are considered stronger than most other types of screws. Some of them, in fact, are designed to withstand up to 400 pounds of force. With their ultra-strong properties, structural screws are more versatile. They can be used in more applications, particularly construction-related applications, than other types of screws.
Structural screws are often wider than traditional screws as well. In other words, they have a larger diameter than that of other types of screws. The large diameter allows them to create a stronger connection to the components with which they are used.
Some structural screws are longer than traditional screws. Construction-related fasting applications often require the use of long screws. You can find structural screws in different lengths, but they are often longer than traditional screws.
Another difference between structural screws and traditional screws is that the former may have a drill bit attached to the tip. You can find structural screws with a drill bit tip. They are designed with a small drill bit on the tip, which helps to remove material from the components with which they are used.
Most structural screws also have a hexagonal drive head. This six-sided shape helps to prevent stripping. With a hexagonal drive head, structural screws have more gripping power. They’ll grip when installed and removed to prevent stripping.