30 Different Types of Screw Heads and Their Uses

From all types of threaded fasteners, screws are the most commonly employed components and at the same time the most uncomplicated in design.

The ability to be easily driven into assembly surfaces as a means to create a dependable connection is a distinctive feature of these low-cost fasteners that are used in virtually every industry from agriculture and construction, to precision food and medical machinery.

Their adaptability is further increased by the interchangeability of two characteristics: the type of the screw head and the type of the drive.

Screw heads and drives come in many styles, most of which can be combined with each other to offer flush finishes, stronger holds, tamper resistance, better load dispersion, and increased versatility.

In this section, the focus will be on various styles of these two parts, but first, some basic anatomy of a screw is required.

Basic Screw Anatomy

Different screw types come with their own characteristics, but they all share this basic anatomy:

Most of these elements can be designed in different ways. For example, screws can be provided with different types of holding power, depending on the material they will be used on, in addition to various points and shanks that affect how they are driven. This guide will analyse the top portion of the screw:

Screw Head: The uppermost part of the screw is referred to as the head. It encompasses everything above and including the opening where the drive is located. The head also includes features underneath the head.

Screw Drive: It is the part within the head where a tool used to tighten the screw is placed. This part is normally a recess of some kind and female so a screwdriver can easily be inserted but some screws feature a raised or male drive that permits socket wrenches.

Screw Head Types

The characteristics of a screw head are relevant to the entire fastener and impacts selection because different styles have specific advantages based on the mating materials, load requirements, environment, and other aspects of the application. With all the available options, it is prudent to ask what the different types of screw heads are, how they function, and what they offer.

There are two broad categories of screw heads that most shapes fall into which include: countersunk and non-countersunk.

Countersunk vs. Non-Countersunk

Every screw head will belong to countersunk or non-countersunk at the most fundamental level:

• Countersunk: Contains a tapered underhead that makes it possible for the head to be driven deeper into the surface.
• Non-Countersunk: Lacks a taper, and the underhead is flat.

This usually means that countersunk screws will sit flush with the surface while non-countersunk screws will protrude above it. However, that is not the definition. The taper is what matters. Both types can have head shapes that protrude or sit flush.

There are many types of screws available on the market, and non-countersunk variations are the most common. If we’re talking about countersunk screws, here are three of the most common accompanying head profiles:

Standard: The taper descends from a standard-size head at an 82° (inch) or 90° (metric) and sometimes even 100° (less common) angle. The taper then descends towards the body of the screw.

Trimmed: From a narrower head, the trim taper descends at a standard angle. These usually have a square drive.

Undercut: The taper descends at a standard angle from a standard-size head, but instead of a rounded butt where the angle meets the screw body, there is a flat rim.

Types of Screw Heads

Here is the list of different types of Screw heads:

#1. Flat Head Screw.

A flat screw head does not protrude above a surface and rather sits flush with the surface itself. For this reason, flat screws require countersinking.

If you’re working on a project where a smooth surface is desired, such as sofas and bookshelves, then flat screws would be the right choice for you, given that they don’t protrude like some other screws.

Furthermore, in the event that a screw cover is used, the head of the screw becomes completely unnoticeable.

• Flat Undercut 82-degree. A flat undercut also has the same degree of angle head as the 82-degree head only it is a lot shorter in height. This form of the head allows for more threading because the overall length of the screw is not impacted due to the smaller size head.e you to countersink them.
• Flat Undercut 82-degree. Screws with flat heads have different classifications under them. The classification is determined by the degree of the head. This indicates the angle that the head meets the surface and the threading. The most common type is the 82-degree flat head, however, more types such as 90 and 100 exist. The higher the degree in question, the further out the countersink hole that must be drilled.

#2. Raised Heads (Oval Head).

Screws with raised heads or oval shaped heads have unique angles that are similar to flat screw types, but possess a dome shaped head. The angle also requires countersinking aimed toward the angle.

In loosed flat screws, the head of raised screw tends to protrude slightly above the surfaces. While this does not add extra power for drives, it serves a more aesthetic purpose for the screw.

#3. Bugle Heads.

Bugle heads are primarily located on screws designed for drywall and plasterboard. This contour resembles a screw head, however, instead of an angle underneath the surface of the head, there is a curve that mitigates damage to a surface.

Because bugle screws are self-drilling, no pilot holes need to be drilled before they can be used. Additionally, their shape allows the distribution of stress across a greater area than flat screws.

#4. Binding Heads.

Flexibility in different projects characterizes binding screws which are a unique type of screws. These screws have a slightly domed head and screw into one another with male and female portions.

As the name suggests, short binding screws are used to bind large manuals and other bookbinding projects, but they can also be used to bind swatches, leather, and more.

#5. Domed Heads.

Domed heads are among the most common. They are best employed in projects that do not require hiding the screw head, such as with an ottoman where flat head screws are used with the head exposed and are intended to be seen.

The dome profile provides the aesthetic appeal on the surface while the flat inner part of the dome aids the screw to stop exactly at the surface where it needs to just, rest.

#6. Flange Heads.

Flange screws are also known as frame screws. These screws heads are different from round to hexed and each of them protrudes from circular flange located directly under the head.

The flange assists the screw in remaining in position, for some works replacing the washer.

#7. Truss Heads.

Truss heads are broader than all other screw heads and slightly rounded on top.

Truss heads are required when working with metal sheets and other materials with large openings because the wide head does not allow the truss screw to fall into the hole.

#8. Button Heads.

Various sizes and lengths of button screw heads exist which makes them unique due to the round shaped head, small in size capped on top making it a button hence the name. They can be slightly rounded or flat, but all the heads on the screws will look like small buttons.

Button screws display a rounded shape and are mainly found in socket-type screws. Most recently, they have come to be used with Torx drive recesses as well.

#9. Pan Heads.

A pan screw is a machine screw which sides are rounded and to what, there’s a flat top. They are the same as overhead machine screws except in oval screws where the top is rounded as well. But unlike the pan screws which are not tapered, oval screws do have tapered bases.

You can easily replace other round shapes with pan heads because they are the most common type of rounded screws and serve well in the many purposes needing a flat bottomed screw.

#10. Round Heads.

Screws with very rounded tops are naturally referred to as round screw heads. They have a round head, but can come in different designs, materials, lengths and still maintain that one feature.

As time progresses, this shape becomes less popular, but rounded appearance can always be done out of some round screw heads.

#11. Fillister Heads.

Fillister heads are slightly rounded on top while the sides are tall and cylindrical. They have a deeper drive slot which is distinguishable because the diameter is smaller and the profile is higher than round or pan head screws.

#12. Hex Heads.

The hex heads have been made to allow for the application of higher torque, meaning a socket or a wrench is needed in order to install the bolt or screw. In this case, you should use a torque wrench on the outside perimeter of the screw head.

#13. Socket cap Heads.

These cap screws are made in different shapes such as hexagonal or rounded. In addition, the caps which they are referred to come in different lengths and materials. These caps are unique for screw drives sockets and they install with the top edge horizontal to the surface.

Socket cap heads are made this way for aesthetic purposes. They feature easy access Socket drives which allow for a smooth looking surface without countersinking.

#14. Slotted Heads.

Slotted heads are among the most common drives with a straight bar across the middle. They feature very simple design.

This type of screw can be operated using a flathead rope. Slotted heads are common in do it yourself projects where minimal torque is needed.

The difficulty with slotted screws, as popular as they may be, is it can at times get difficult to hold the screw in place for installation. Your screwdriver or drill is prone to slipping when driving a slotted screw.

Slotted screws are still in use today for this reason, though less so for contractors and other such professionals who need to drive in many screws as quickly as possible.

#15. Phillips Heads.

What is the best type of screw a person can use? Most likely the Phillips drive screw is the best choice as it has pointed tips, tapered flanks, and rounded corners.

More people use the Phillips than slotted screws because the former has four points of contact making it more stable. The design of the Phillips drive works better with screwdrivers, it was intended for that purpose.

Pretty much everyone owns a Phillips head screwdriver which makes driving in Phillips screws easy, and the sizing of Phillips drill bits and screwdrivers is quite standard making it easier for everyone.

#16. Phillips Tamper-Resistant.

A Phillips tamper resistant screw is just like a phillips drive screw with one big exception. You want to call it tamper resistant and that is because a small pin has been added in the center of the screw drive preventing the need to guess why it is tamper resistant.

Phillips’ tamper-resistant drives are a bit less known because the proper tools are needed to fasten and remove them.

Regular Phillips drives are not nearly as strong as tamper-resistant screws. Due to their construction, they are difficult to employ in high torque situations, so they cannot be forged to meet the high strength requirements.

#17. Combination Heads.

Driving a combination recess can be done using both slotted and Phillips’ screwdrivers. While that may be exceptionally useful, it does not provide the same level of security as more sophisticated designs that are easier to resist tampering.

#18. Hex External Heads.

A wrench or socket has to be used to fix external hex screws, as they have a hexagonal drive shape. Some of them feature a built-in flange that can function as a washer for certain applications.

Good leverage can be obtained on external hex screws because access is gained by rotating the entire drive from the outside.

#19. Hex Internal Heads.

Internal hex screws require the use of an Allen wrench for driving. When the screws are used in assembling furniture, they are normally provided with a matching Allen wrench.

#20. Hex Tamper-Resistant Heads.

Hex tamper-resistant screws like these are no different from other tamper-resistant variants. They are secured from unauthorized access by a small pin fitted at the center of the drive.

#21. Square Recess Heads.

A square recess screwdriver has a socket and protrusion of a square shape that is slightly tapered at the tool and socket. This style is becoming more and more popular, and for very little reason all drivers aligned with this style do not very much rotate and are easier to insert.

While it may be beneficial for some, screw drives of this kind pose the most advantage for anyone attempting to work as quickly as possible on woodworking and construction sites.

#22. Square Recess Tamper-Resistant.

This square recess screw drive has all the features of a square recess screw drive with one crucial feature a small center pin that prevents tampering, similar to the tamper-resistant Phillips drive screws have.

#23. Quadrex.

Relative scarcity does not undermine Quadrex screw drives benefit from a merging of Phillips drives and square recess drives formed two or more pieces positioned in a circular array around a common axis.

A screw or quadrex tool that decreases the distance between the fastener and the tool increases torque would work with either a normal Robertson or Phillips tool.

#24. Pozidriv.

Like Phillips drives, these screw drives resemble Phillips drives but with four additional points of contact for extra stability.

The Pozidriv screwdriver has eight contact points in total made up of two crossed lines. It also has 45-degree radical indentations, which distinguishes it from Phillips drives.

It is hard to come across Pozidriv screwdrivers in the United States where they are used more commonly in Europe.

#25. Star-shaped heads.

Star-shaped heads contain several additional styles that are related to the double-square drive which has two Robertson’s squares in the center forming an eight-point star.

A Robertson’s bit can drive it, but a special bit designed for double-squares is better for high torque applications.

Also, there is a triple square made from three Robertson’s squares that create a 12-point star. They are most often used when a high amount of force is needed without damaging the screw.

Most people see them within car internals like drivetrain components.

#26. Torx.

Among the types of screw drives, Torx screw drives have a special identifying trait: they follow the shape of a six pointed star.

Their ability to prevent cam-out makes them the most appealing, and as a result this design has been used increasingly in the construction and manufacturing of electronics.

#27. Torx Tamper-Resistant.

In the same way as the rest of the tamper-resistant styles, this particular screw drive has been modified by the inclusion of a small pin for the purpose of anti-tampering.

Tamper-resistance is one area where Torx designs score above the other drive types. The unique way of gaining access to the head affords them greater security, since installation or removal of standard Torx screws is done using a Torx driver. Even more specialized drivers become necessary for tamper-resistant versions.

#28. Torx Plus.

The contact area between the tool and the screw drive is increased by the sculpted features of the Torx Plus screw. Apart from that, they share all the attributes of the Torx screws.

The recess allows for the screw to be driven with greater ease, and for higher torques to be used without risk of breaking the screw. Even though this design is new, its adoption is on the rise.

#29. Torx Plus Tamper-Resistant.

The Torx Plus tamper-resistant design provides both a greater surface area for torque and a central pin to mitigate tampering.

It is different from a standard Torx Plus in that is has a pentagonal shape. They are frequently found in correctional facilities or other high-security locations.

#30. Tri-Wing.

Tri-Wing screws can be categorized as a cross between slotted and Phillips-head screws. They contain three mildly bent notches and come in sizes 1, 2, and 3.

Although extreme rarity descrbes this screw type, the deep notches offer increased torque compared to other screws.

#31. Spanner.

Spanner screws have two holes or notches cut into them that allow for a screwdriver or drill bit to be locked in place for removal. They are designed to prevent tampering while maintaining the aesthetics of flat head screws.

#32. Pin Screws.

A pin screw is the most prevalent tamper-proof screw. These screws are designed with additional security features that restrict removal without compromising the common design, such as cross shapes for Phillips screws.

To attach and detach the head, additional pin will be incorporated that requires a special tool. A tamper-resistant Phillips screw cannot be removed with a Phillips screwdriver.

#33. Sentinel Screws.

Sentinel screws offer high-level protection because they can only be fastened in one direction and require great effort to remove, thus they are best suited for permanent placement.

#34. 2-Hole Screws.

2-hole screws or spanners, like the others, prevent tampering while preserving the aesthetics of the surface. The defining characteristic is the head that is flat and has two tiny holes that require to use of a special tool for removal and installation or an aperture key.

How do you identify screw heads?