Screw Head Types
As surprising as it may seem, the sole purpose of screw heads isn’t to make you sift through dozens of screwdrivers! This guide page will dissect the various screw head types, explore their key applications and break down the plethora of drive styles available.
Intro
The head is a key component of the screw, providing two main functions; firstly, it is the stopping point for the screw once it has been driven into your chosen material, ensuring the fastener does not go deeper than it should. Secondly, the head is where the drive lives, or where the force is applied to drive in (or remove) the screw. In addition to these two main purposes, the head of the screw is also - generally speaking - the only part of the screw that is still visible once the job has been completed - due to this, consideration should be given to the aesthetics of the screw head type, if this is relevant for your project.
If you need help dissecting what different threads, heads and gauges do, take a look through our other Screw guide pages:
Screw Anatomy
Before we take a look at the different types of screws, it's a good idea to get acquainted with their different parts first:
Screw Head Types
Head Types
Countersunk head screws - These screws are used for general carpentry and joinery applications where the head of the screw is required to be either flush or recessed below the surface of the material in question.
Round head screws - These screws are used where the head of the screw is wanted to be seen but an ornamental finish is required, such as for decorative cabinet work. Raised head screws - These screw head types are typically used for sake of appearance. These screws can also be driven in and removed for adjustment with minimal damage to the surrounding area.
Tip: The most common screw head size in timber construction is 5.0.
For more specific information on a larger variety of different screw head types and what job each one is designed to tackle, take a look below:
| NAME | PAN | DOME (BUTTON) |
ROUND | TRUSS (MUSHROOM) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SHAPE |  |
 |
 |
 |
| PURPOSE | Largely used as a decorative feature. | A variation of the countersunk screw that reduces damage to plasterboard. | Provide a wide base and large surface area whilst providing a sturdy head for transfer force. | Designed to sit flush with the surface. |
| NAME | OVAL (RAISED HEAD) |
BUGLE | FLANGE | FLAT (COUNTERSUNK) |
| SHAPE |  |
 |
 |
 |
| PURPOSE | Largely used as a decorative feature. | A variation of the countersunk screw that reduces damage to plasterboard. | Provide a wide base and large surface area whilst providing a sturdy head for transfer force. | Designed to sit flush with the surface. |
Screw Drive Types
Despite there being so many different types of screw drives, they don’t really serve a different purpose and you can pretty much use any screw head in whatever application you have at hand. Some screw head types may be slightly better suited than others at times; slotted heads are a good choice for applications that require to be turned by hand, such as cabinetry and furniture-making. However, slotted head screws are largely incompatible with electric screwdrivers and, with so much power, the screwdriver will often slip out. Other heads are created to self-centre the screwdriver and make placing the screw a lot quicker and easier, such as the Pozidrive design.
Below are some screw head types, some of which you’re probably very familiar with and others have more niche and specific uses you may never have seen before.
| NAME | PHILLIPS PH1 / PH2 / PH3 |
PHILLIPS / SQUARE | SLOTTED | POZIDRIVE PZ1 / PZ2 / PZ3 / PZ4 |
POZIDRIVE / ROUND |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SHAPE |  |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| COMMON USES | Construction & woodworking applications e.g. wood frames, drywall | Construction & woodworking applications e.g. wood frames, drywall | Finishing applications e.g. front plates, door hinges | Construction, manufacturing & engineering applications e.g. frame anchors | Construction, manufacturing & engineering applications e.g. frame anchors |
| NAME | PIN PENTAGON | PENTALOBE | HEXAGON SOCKET | 6-POINT TORX | HEX SCREW |
| SHAPE |  |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| COMMON USES | Industrial & security applications e.g. ironmongery, security cameras, lighting, signage | Security applications e.g. security installations, computer systems | Manufacturing & Industrial applications e.g. joining wood, metal and composite materials | Electronic & engineering applications e.g. vehicles, bicycles, hard disk drives, consumer electronics | Structural applications e.g. joining heavy timber to masonry |
Screw Head Size
The size of the screw head is also an important factor to consider for some applications.
Measured in millimetres, screw heads have to be proportional to the size and strength of the material you’re fixing, whilst also being appropriate for any countersink holes or recesses.
Structural Purposes: Sometimes the size head you use can help how easily you can drive the screw in; essentially, the larger the head, the more force can be transferred from the drive. So, if the screw will require plenty of force to drive into the material you’re working with, then you should consider choosing a larger head, whereas for small home improvement projects or softer materials, a smaller head should suffice.
Design Purposes: Some applications have standard-sized holes that your screw head will need to fit into. Door hinges are a key example of where screw head size is important, with recesses usually made to accommodate a 4.5mm screw head.
Tip: The most common screw head size in timber construction is 5.0.