Standards exist for a reason.
Comment on You can only use one for the rest of your life, which you choosing?
wjrii@lemmy.world 3 weeks ago
Everybody is on the right track that Torx or Robertson are by far the best driver heads, but y’all are not even looking at the threads and shanks. Lots to unpack here. If you are allowed an angle grinder or die grinder, then going longer might be better. Hardwoods don’t like fine-pitched threads at all, and while sheet metal screws can work in a lot of wood products it’s not ideal. Then, can you countersink, or are you going to be stuck the rest of your life with screw heads standing proud of the workpiece?
This is some serious shit, you guys, and should not be reduced “Robertson 4 LYF!” We need a couple of committees and some use-case analyses and some brainstorming on workarounds with our inevitable compromise pick. It’s gonna be exhausting!!!
choab@discuss.online 3 weeks ago
choab@discuss.online 3 weeks ago
Computer - Generate the ultimate treatise comparing types of screws. include details about the head, drive, length, pitch, material, and any other details that could possibly be relevant.
The Ultimate Treatise on Screws: A Comparative Analysis
Introduction
Screws are one of the most fundamental fasteners in modern engineering and construction. Their variety allows for extensive application across multiple industries, from woodworking to aerospace. Understanding the types of screws is essential for selecting the right one for a particular application. This treatise will delve into various types of screws based on head type, drive type, length, pitch, material composition, coatings, and specific applications.
1. Screw Classification
1.1 Head Types
The head of a screw is crucial because it determines how the screw will interface with tools and the material into which it is driven. The main types of screw heads include:
Flat Head: Designed to sit flush with the material. Commonly used in woodworking and cabinetry.
Pan Head: Slightly rounded head that provides a larger bearing surface. Ideal for applications where a bit of protrusion is acceptable.
Round Head: A fully rounded head that projects above the surface. Used primarily in decorative applications.
Hex Head: Features a hexagonal shape for wrenching. Common in heavy machinery and structural applications.
Oval Head: A cross between flat and round heads with a polished appearance; used primarily in projects where aesthetics are a concern.
Truss Head: A low-profile but wide head, often used in applications that require a significant surface area without a large vertical profile.
1.2 Drive Types
The drive type of a screw denotes the form of the recess on the head that is meant to engage with a driving tool. Common drive types include:
Slotted: A single horizontal slot. Easy to manufacture but less effective at preventing cam-out.
Phillips: A cross shape that allows for more torque and less likelihood of slippage. Widely used in various applications.
Pozidriv: Similar to Phillips but with additional ribs for improved torque and lesser risk of stripping.
Torx (Star): A six-point star shape that provides high torque and reduced cam-out, widely used in automotive and electronic assemblies.
Square (Robertson): A square recess that allows for strong engagement with tools, often used in woodworking.
1.3 Length
The length of a screw varies considerably and is generally measured from the underside of the head to the tip of the screw. Length selection is vital for achieving secure fastening without compromising structural integrity. Common lengths range from 1/2 inch to 10 inches or more, depending on the application.
1.4 Pitch
Pitch refers to the distance between threads, typically measured in threads per inch (TPI) for imperial screws or in millimeters for metric screws. Different pitch sizes affect the screw’s grip and pull-out strength:
Coarse Pitch (Low TPI): Provides better grip in soft materials and is suitable for quick assembly.
Fine Pitch (High TPI): Offers greater holding power in harder materials but requires more torque to drive.
1.5 Material Composition
Screws can be made from various materials, each with unique properties:
Steel: The most common material, often galvanized or heat-treated for increased strength and corrosion resistance.
Stainless Steel: Offers excellent corrosion resistance, making it ideal for marine and outdoor applications.
Copper: Known for antimicrobial properties, often used in electrical applications and plumbing.
Aluminum: Lightweight and resistant to corrosion but with lower tensile strength.
Plastic: Used where non-conductivity or corrosion resistance is critical, such as in electronic assemblies.
1.6 Coatings and Finishes
Coatings can significantly enhance screw performance:
Zinc Plating: Offers limited corrosion resistance; suitable for indoor applications.
Galvanization: A thicker zinc coating for enhanced outdoor corrosion resistance.
Black Oxide: Provides a mild corrosion resistance and a sleek appearance; commonly used in automotive parts.
PTFE or Nylon Coating: Reduces friction and can dampen noise. Used in concealed applications.
2. Specialty Screws
2.1 Wood Screws
2.2 Machine Screws
2.3 Self-Tapping Screws
2.4 Lag Screws
2.5 Sheet Metal Screws
3. Applications
3.1 Construction
In this setting, screws are used in framing, flooring, and roofing. The type of head and drive is often chosen based on the required complexity of the task and the necessary torque.
3.2 Electronics
Tiny screws hold components together and are mostly made from non-magnetic materials or those with anti-corrosive coatings.
3.3 Aerospace
Screws must be lightweight yet strong, often made from specialized alloys or composites.
3.4 Automotive
With high demands for safety and performance, the anti-corrosion properties of screws are crucial.
Conclusion
The world of screws is vast, encompassing a multitude of varieties tailored for specific tasks. Understanding the characteristics of screws—including head types, drive types, length, pitch, materials, and coatings—allows for informed selection and application. Whether for a simple DIY project or complex industrial applications, selecting the right screw ensures structural integrity, durability, and aesthetic appeal. As industries continuously evolve, so too will the innovations surrounding screws and fastening technologies.
choab@discuss.online 3 weeks ago
###Computer - Rewrite this but you are extremely opinionated about your favorite screw type. Use an angry, combative tone, and insult the reader.
The Ultimate Treatise on Screws: My No-Nonsense Opinion
Introduction
Let’s get one thing straight: if you don’t understand the importance of screws, then what are you even doing? You’re probably struggling with basic tasks and getting your projects all wrong. Well, buckle up, because I’m about to lay down the law on screws, and you’d better be paying attention. In this rant, I’ll tear apart the types of screws, and I’ll tell you unequivocally which one reigns supreme. Spoiler alert: if you think anything other than my favorite screw type is the best, you’re dead wrong.
1. Screw Classification
1.1 Head Types
Let’s talk head types. If you think a flat head is the pinnacle of screw design, you need to rethink your entire life. Flat heads look like a mistake. The dumbest screw imaginable, designed to sit flush with the surface. Wake up! The best option is clearly the Hex Head! It’s got everything you need—torque, grip, and the ability to withstand real pressure. If you’re not using hex heads in your projects, you’re the reason DIY stores have so many return customers.
1.2 Drive Types
Now onto drive types. If you’re still using a slotted screw, stop right there. It’s 2023, and slotted screws are the fastener equivalent of dial-up internet. Phillips screws? Pathetic! They’re better than slotted, sure, but they still slip and strip like no one’s business. The only way to go is with Torx screws! That six-point star design screams efficiency and strength. If you’re not on board with Torx, then allow me to be blunt: you deserve to struggle with inept screws.
1.3 Length
Length matters, alright? But for crying out loud, how hard is it to figure out the correct length for your needs? If you pick a screw that’s too short, you’ve doomed yourself to weak joints. Pick one that’s too long, and you’ve just ruined whatever you’re working on. Take the time to measure! Length is crucial. But if we’re being honest, a solid average length of around 2 to 3 inches is what you should standardize on. Anything less is admitting defeat.
1.4 Pitch
Oh, and pitch? You think coarse pitch screws work in everything? Guess what? They don’t! If you want reliability, go for a fine pitch. Coarse pitch is just an excuse for laziness: it grips poorly and moves all over the place. If you’re serious about your project, fine pitch is the way to go, period!
1.5 Material Composition
Let’s address materials, shall we? If you’re still using regular steel screws without any corrosion protection, congratulations! You’ve unlocked the “Rusty Screw” achievement. Stainless steel is the only way to ensure durability and longevity, but don’t get all smug thinking that’s enough. You better be checking for quality. Aluminum? Get real, that’s only good for lightweight junk.
1.6 Coatings and Finishes
Coatings? If you think just any coating is good enough, you’re living in a delusion! Go for galvanization if you want to avoid the rust monster. Black oxide? Sure, if you want to look cool but still have vulnerabilities. But let’s not even talk about plastic screws unless you enjoy living on the wild side of mediocrity. You’re way better off with a screw that has purpose—like a stainless steel screw coated for maximum resistance.
2. Specialty Screws
2.1 Wood Screws
If you’re still using those cheap wood screws that make your joints squeal like a banshee, save yourself the embarrassment and invest in something worth your time. Wood screws are your friends if you put them in a spot where they won’t destructively split your precious wood.
2.2 Machine Screws
Machine screws? Thin, uniform, and destined for fastening? Great if you’re trying to hold two pieces of metal together without ambition. Otherwise, don’t even think about it.
2.3 Self-Tapping Screws
Let’s talk self-tapping screws. If you think you can avoid pre-drilling, more power to your overly confident self! But guess what? If you mess it up, you’ll wish you’d done it the right way.
2.4 Lag Screws
Lag screws are for heavy-duty applications, and if you’re not using them when warranted, you’re insulting your work! Don’t even show your face at any hardware store unless you understand when and why to use lag screws—you’re just embarrassing everyone around you.
2.5 Sheet Metal Screws
If you’re working with metal but think you can get away with regular screws, you’re dead wrong. Sheet metal screws have the muscle you need to bite through solid materials. Without them, you’re better off tossing your project in the trash.
3. Applications
3.1 Construction
In construction, the best screw is the one that handles stress without snapping like a twig. Hex heads and Torx screws should be your go-to. If you don’t agree, go ahead and continue to face your carpentry disasters!
3.2 Electronics
If you can’t figure out which screws to use in electronics, you might as well quit right now. Use the screws made for the job, not some random junk from the bottom of your toolbox.
3.3 Aerospace
Aerospace applications demand strength, precision, and the utmost quality. If you’re even considering cheap screws for this field, you should take a long, hard look in the mirror and admit that you have no business delving into anything advanced.
3.4 Automotive
And let’s not forget about automobiles! If you put anything less than top-quality screws in them, you’re asking for catastrophic failures. Your life or someone else’s could hinge on the integrity of those fasteners, you fool!
Conclusion
To sum it up: if you don’t understand screws after reading this, then you’re hopeless. The only correct screw is the Torx screw—strong, resilient, and reliable. If you find yourself arguing otherwise, you’re simply wrong, and you can take that ignorance elsewhere. It’s time to step up your game and recognize that screws are more than just metal; they are the backbone of secure, reliable construction! Do yourself a favor: educate yourself and start using the right screws, or keep failing and sink back into your mediocre existence. Your choice!
choab@discuss.online 3 weeks ago
Computer - rewrite this but you actually don’t know anything about screws. You think they may be some type of plant, maybe a small mammal.
The Ultimate Treatise on Screws: A Confused Overview
Introduction
Alright, let’s dive into the topic of screws. I’ll be honest with you—I’m not quite sure what screws actually are. I’ve heard the term thrown around in conversations and seen them in various contexts. Some folks claim they’ve got something to do with fastening things together, but if you ask me, screws might just be some type of plant or maybe even a small mammal. So, brace yourself for an exploration of what I think screws could be!
1. Possible Classifications of Screws
1.1 What Might a Screw Look Like?
First off, if screws are indeed plants, then they could have different "heads” like flowers do. I imagine you might have:
Flat Heads: Maybe these are like daisies, low on the ground, hanging out with all the other flat-headed plants.
Round Heads: Could these be something like round fruits? Maybe a blossom that’s super round, attracting bees with its lovely shape?
Hex Heads: Now we’re getting exotic. Maybe hex heads are a rare breed of plant that has six sides? Sounds fascinating, right?
1.2 Driving Forces Behind Screws
So, if screws are plant-like creatures (or maybe even furry little mammals), I guess they’d have some sort of “drive” that makes them grow. Maybe they prefer to “drive” themselves into the ground to make roots, or perhaps they scatter their seeds in chaotic fashion to propagate?
1.3 Length?
I assume length matters for them, but who really knows what that means in the plant or animal kingdom? Maybe longer “screws” can reach more sunlight, while the short ones have to compete for resources on the ground, limited by their height. The drama of nature!
1.4 Which Pitch?
Now, pitch could refer to how these creatures might “pitch” themselves to others. Like, do they have a mating call? Maybe some are really high-pitched and can attract mates from afar, while others have a very low, rumbling baseline that draws them closer together. I think this is how they might socialize!
1.5 What Are Screws Made Of?
If screws are plants, then they’re probably made of various natural materials, right? Maybe some are tough, made of bark, while others are thin and delicate like a dandelion fluff. If they’re mammals, some could be fluffy, while others might have sleek fur.
1.6 Coatings and Finishes?
Coating? Well, possibly these are protective measures! Maybe some screws develop thick, waxy coatings to protect against rain, while others are brightly colored to attract pollinators or mates. The more vibrant, the better, right?
2. Special “Screw” Categories
2.1 Could Wood Screws be Trees?
If we’re on the right track, then wood screws might actually be types of trees that people like to use for building stuff. Maybe they grow really tall and proud, and everyone admires them.
2.2 Machine Screws: What the Heck Are They?
I can’t even begin to guess what machine screws are. Perhaps they’re very mechanical, like a hybrid between a machine and a small animal? Maybe they squeak when they move around?
2.3 Self-Tapping: A Type of Sweet Treat?
Self-tapping could mean something like a treat that taps itself into water. Like, imagine a plant that knows precisely how to tap into the nearby river for nutrients. Ingenious!
2.4 Lag Screws: What Are They Lagging Behind?
I’m lost on this one. It sounds like a name for a group of animals that are just hanging out while the faster ones dash around busily.
2.5 Sheet Metal Screws or Metal-Screwed Plants?
I have no idea what “sheet metal” refers to. Are these super-strong plants that can withstand a lot of pressure? Or maybe a type of small furry creature that’s really good at hiding in plain sight?
3. Applications: Where Are These Screws Used?
3.1 Construction
If screws are living organisms, they must play a big role in some kind of ecosystem. Maybe they help hold trees or plants together in construction? They might be key players in building habitats.
3.2 Electronics
Are screws involved in electronics? Perhaps they are small creatures that transmit signals? Who knows! Maybe there’s a whole underground world of screws buzzing around electrical circuits.
3.3 Aerospace
Screws in aerospace must mean they’ve somehow evolved to deal with the high altitudes? Maybe they can fly!
3.4 Automotive
If there are automotive screws, then surely these are the high-speed variants of whatever screws are? Maybe they zoom around in car engines like little speed demons!
Conclusion
So here we are: the bizarre world of screws, which could either be some type of plant or perhaps small mammals. Frankly, I’m confused, and I’m not sure I’ve gotten a single thing right. Whether they’re useful fasteners or just fascinating entities in the natural world, who even knows? At the end of the day, maybe we’re all just trying to figure out what screws truly are. Good luck out there!
pacology@lemmy.world 3 weeks ago
Subject: Oh, We See Right Through Your Little “Treatise,” Pal.
Listen, I read your so-called “Ultimate Treatise on Screws,” and frankly, the condescending tone dripping from your words is almost as thick as the sap from one of those “wood screws” you pretend to be baffled by. You can feign ignorance all you want, acting like you just stumbled upon these fascinating plant-mammal hybrids yesterday, but it’s painfully obvious what you’re doing.
You claim confusion? Please. Your entire piece reeks of someone trying very hard to make screws sound complicated, weird, and generally unreliable. Why? Because you, my friend, are clearly in the pocket of Big Nail.
Oh yes, we know the type. You probably have a shed full of those simple, pointy things you just bonk into wood. No nuance, no interesting spirals, just brute force. And you want everyone else to stick with those primitive pokers too, don’t you?
Let’s break down your little performance:
“Possible Classifications”: You list off head types like “flat,” “round,” and “hex” as if they’re bizarre floral arrangements or strange animal features. Don’t play coy. You know these different shapes probably help these screw-creatures adapt to different soils or attract different kinds of symbiotic insects. But you frame it as confusing randomness. Why? To undermine confidence in screw-life! Nails only have one boring flat top, easy for anyone to whack – no thinking required, just the way Big Nail likes it.
“Driving Forces” & “Pitch”: You mock their “drive” and “pitch,” speculating about roots or mating calls. How convenient! Making them sound chaotic and noisy. A classic tactic to discredit something elegant. You wantpeople to think screws are unpredictable, unlike the dull thwack-thwack of a nail going straight in (and often bending halfway, but we don’t talk about that, do we?).
“Length” & “Materials”: You act bewildered by length and composition. “Maybe longer ones reach sunlight?” Oh, spare me. You’re deliberately ignoring the obvious strength variations – some screw-plants are clearly sturdier (bark-like!), while others might be more delicate (fluff?). But acknowledging that would mean admitting screws have purposeful diversity, something your nail masters fear. A nail is just… metal. Boring. Uniform. Controllable.
“Coatings”: “Protective measures”? “Brightly colored”? You make it sound like frivolous decoration! It’s probably vital camouflage or weather resistance, you charlatan! But you trivialize it, again, to make screws seem less serious, less reliable than a plain, uncoated nail.
“Special Categories”:
Your whole “confused” act is transparent. You describe screws with just enough accuracy (they are living things, obviously, maybe plants, maybe small mammals, who knows for sure?) to sound credible to the uninformed, but twist every feature into a point of confusion or absurdity.
You don’t actually dislike screws because you don’t understand them. You dislike them because they represent complexity, variety, and a different way of holding things together – a way that challenges the brute-force simplicity of the nail empire you secretly serve.
Nice try, buddy. Go back to hammering your primitive spikes. Some of us appreciate the fascinating, sophisticated world of screw-organisms, even if, like you, we’re still figuring out exactly which branch of life they belong to. But unlike you, we’re not trying to sabotage them for some pointy alternative. We see you.