Screw Dimensions

Whether you are into a lot of DIY projects or not, knowing something about screw sizes will come in handy. Below is a list of common sizes, including their size number, diameter and hole diameter.

A screw with a number of 000 has a diameter of .034 and a hole diameter of .040. A 00 screw measures .047 (diameter) and .053 (hole diameter). Screw number 0 has a diameter of 0.60 with a hole diameter of 0.66.

Screw number 1 measures .073 in diameter. The hole diameter is .080. Screw number 2 has a diameter of .086 with a hole diameter of .094. The dimensions for screw number 3 are .099 and .107; for screw number 4 it’s .112 and .120.

Screw size number 5 measures .125 and .133; screw number six .138 and .146; Screw number eight dimensions are .164 and .173, respectively. Screw ten measures .190 and .198. Screw 12 has a diameter of .216 and a hole diameter of .224.

Types of Screws

There are many types of screws available. The wood screw posseses an unthreaded shank and is used to secure two wood pieces together. The lag screw (the UK equivalent is coach screw) looks a lot like the wood screw. The difference is that it is much larger. Some lag screws reach up to 15 inches.

This screw size will have a diameter of 1/4 in to half an inch. The head has six sides. This screw is commonly used to fasten railway trestles. It’s also used to secure wood with cement.

The sheet metal screw is designed to penetrate metal and plastic. Because it is used for removing chips, the edge is usually notched. The threading goes up to the head. This feature makes this screw ideal for joining wood to metal.

The self drilling screw looks like the sheet metal screw expect its head is shaped like a drill. You can use it on soft metal.

Drywall Screw and Others

The variants are as numerous as the screw sizes themselves. The drywall screw is designed for use on drywall and studs. But its large diameter makes it ideal for use on other materials.

The particle or chipboard screw functions like the drywall screw except it is a little thinner. The deck screw is like a larger version of the drywall screw. It’s also one of the most resistant to rust and corrosion.

The dowel or double ended screw comes with twin pointed ends but doesn’t have a head. This is what you’ll use for creating hidden joints for wood furniture. The eye screw has a loop head and used for connecting points. This screw is also known as a lag eye screw. It’s also used to hang things on.

Even if you don’t fancy yourself a carpenter, having an inkling of the varied screw sizes and types is a good idea. After all, you’ll never know when you’ll need to fix something in the house. With this knowledge, you don’t have to pay a carpenter to do the job.