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WOOD SCREW

Description: This has a tapered, partially threaded shank that comes to a point. There are three types of heads: flathead, roundhead, and ovalhead.

Flathead screws have a countersunk head, meaning that they are tapered to be recessed or sunk flush into the wood, and then the space above filled with a wood plug or putty to hide the head.

The head of a roundhead screw forms a half -circle in profile. Ovalhead screws are partially recessed.

Heads may be straight-slot or Phillips. The straight-slotted head has just that -- a slot across the head of the screw. The Phillips has crisscross slots and is turned with a Phillips screwdriver. A Phillips screwdriver is less likely to slip out of its slots than a conventional driver, which is why this type of screw is commonly used on finished surfaces. .

Buying information: As the name suggests, wood screws are designed to be used in assembling wood components. They are usually available in brass or steel. The roundhead is easiest to grip and turn. Ovalhead screws are often used when the screw head will be visible and must look good.

How-to hints: Wood screws can be recessed -- countersunk beneath the surface of the wood. The best way to do this is with a countersink bit. These come in various sizes to match screw sizes and are designed to drill the exact holes needed with a minimum of difficulty.

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