From automotive and aerospace to construction and manufacturing, screws play an important role in many industries. They are used to hold objects together. Screws feature a head and a threaded shaft. When driven into two or more objects, the shaft will hold the objects together.
There are different types of screws, however. While most types require the use of a screwdriver to install, drive screws do not. What are drive screws exactly, and how do they differ from other types of screws?
What Are Drive Screws?
Drive screws are threaded fasteners with a flat tip, round head and coarse threads. Like all types of screws, they are used to hold objects together. Drive screws, though, are distinguished from other types of screws by their installation method.
Other types of screws are typically installed with a screwdriver, such as a flat-head or Philips head screwdriver. After placing a screwdriver in the screw’s drive recess — a small indentation in the head — you can turn it. Turning the screwdriver clockwise will rotate the screw so that it digs into the objects. Drive screws lack a drive recess. Instead, they have a solid and round head that requires the use of a hammer to install.
Installing Drive Screws
Without a traditional drive recess, drive screws are installed with a hammer. They are essentially hammered into objects rather than turned.
You’ll need to drill a pilot hole before hammering drive screws into objects. The pilot should be slightly smaller than the hammer screw’s shaft for a strong hold. Once drilled, you can then place the drive screw over the hole and hammer it into the objects.
Drive screws feature wide, coarse threads. When driven into objects, these threads will produce a strong mechanical hold.
Why Use Drive Screws
Drive screws eliminate the potential for over-torquing and, thus, problems like stripped threads. Over-torquing typically occurs with screwdrivers, which can damage the threads with excessive force. Drive screws don’t require a screwdriver to install, so over-torquing isn’t an issue.
Another reason to use drive screws is to create tamper-resistant joints. Joints created with other types of screws are prone to tampering. Using a screwdriver, someone may remove a traditional screw. Drive screws, on the other hand, are more difficult to remove since they are hammered into objects.
Keep in mind that drive screws can’t be easily removed. If you’re looking to create temporary joints, you may want to stick with traditional screws. But for permanent joints that offer a strong hold, you should consider drive screws.