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Originally Posted On: https://www.konnectfasteningsystems.com.au/blog/post/steel-framing-screws-to-suit-your-needs

 

Steel framing screws are not only versatile but generally stand up against corrosion, rust, and damage. When searching for the perfect screw for your build, you need a screw that holds up to the task while being subtle enough to blend into the wall.

The most secure builds start with the correct screw, so you want to make sure you choose the best one.

With so many screw options out there, it can be tough to decide which one will work the best for your needs. The list below explores the top five framing screws that will work for almost any task. Keep reading to find out more.

Roof Sheeting

Roof Sheeting fastens metal roofing to metal battens. They are perfect for domestic and commercial uses as they fasten roofing to battens up to 1.5 mm thick.

A great benefit of these types of screws is that they are easy to install. They also have excellent pull-out strength, so you don’t have to worry about damaging any material if you need to remove these screws.

Another important feature of these screws is that they are corrosion resistant. This prevents your fastener shank from scratches or damage, as this is common during the installation process.

Roof Battens (Timber Battens)

These are the kind of screws you need if you’re fastening timber trusses to roofing battens. The pointed head is sharp, making these screws perfect for less durable installation materials such as thinner metals and softwoods.

These screws are a great fixture for any tool kit as they act as companion screws in other builds to increase strength and security.

Battens have a high pull-out strength.

Wall Frames & Cladding

If you’re concerned about a particular build and its appearance, these are the ideal screws for you. The low-profile hex makes these screws perfect for cladding. They are perfect for use with wood battens and steel purlins that are up to 3 mm thick for valley fastening cladding profiles.

These screws are designed to keep corrosion at bay throughout the build. Their specially designed drill point makes them an easy option for those dealing with a mix of timber and steel.

Fibre Cement Sheeting

Fibre Cement Sheeting screws are perfect to install non-compressed fiber cement sheeting on 1.2mm thick steel sections, or steel sections up to this width. Eaves, areas that have issues with dampness, fascia’s, and ceilings are examples of typical applications.

As the countersunk rib head is embedded into the sheeting, the under head cutter on the head tears apart the cement sheet. This prevents damage as the screw is installed. These screws produce an excellent finish, preventing cracking or damage.

They have a strong pull-out strength which further limits damage to the surrounding material. They are also designed with corrosion protection in mind.

Floor & Decking

Floor and Decking screws are ideal for all your floor and decking needs. They prevent timber from rising during installation, which is often a problem when fixing metal to timber.

There is also no need to predrill your timber when you use these screws as they are fitted with “wings,” they can easily get through timber without causing breakage or damage.

They are ideal for outdoor use thanks to their flat heads. As they are very easy to install, they make for an easy fix when you’re trying to get a job done efficiently. Never overtighten these types of screws. When timber gets wet it expands, causing excessive loads on the head of the screw.

General Framing (Flat Tops, Wafer & Hex Head)

Hex Head Metal screws are a great general screw to have in your kit. It is often used to fix steel to bottom plates as they have high tensile strength. They can also be used to align and join steel frame walls. They don’t require any pre-drilling.

Wafer Head screws are used for assembling steel frames and other steel frame builds. These screws come with corrosion protection as standard and are strong enough to tackle any steel framework.

Smooth Top screws are used for the same work as Wafer Head screws. They are very similar screws apart from the shape of their heads. They have a smooth head, while Wafer Head screws are slightly more rounded and have a wafer head.

Fixing to Thick Metal

It is difficult to know what type of screw will work best for thick metal. Series 500 screws do the job well. They are specially designed for thick steel. These screws can be used to join thick steel from 3mm to 12mm.

If you want to keep steel between steel to increase strength and durability, then these are the ideal screws for you.

Find the Best Framing Screws for All Your Needs

To get the right framing screws for your DIY project, you want to have a screw that can stand up to the elements, offer you flexibility, and maintain strength and security.

Going through the list above can guarantee your screw will live up to these needs. Knowing your material well, whether you’re building for the outdoors or indoor space, and having an idea of how you want the finished project to look will all influence your decision.

Follow the list above to decide which screw is right for you. For more information on screw types and what they should be used for, check out this page.