Using the wrong fastener for a job is a recipe for failure — stripped heads, split wood, corrosion, and joints that pull apart. This guide covers the common fasteners you will use in home improvement and woodworking, and when to choose each one.

Workshop Fastener Guide

Wood Screws

Drywall Screws (Coarse Thread)

The most commonly used screw in home construction. Black phosphate-coated, coarse thread, Phillips head. Available from 1 inch to 3-1/2 inches.

Use for: Drywall installation, temporary assembly, non-structural fastening. Not for: Structural connections (they are brittle and snap under shear loads), outdoor use (they rust quickly).

Construction Screws (GRK, SPAX, Power Pro)

Premium screws designed for structural wood connections. Star (Torx) or square drive heads resist cam-out. Self-drilling tips eliminate the need for pilot holes. Available in coated versions for outdoor use.

Use for: Deck building, fence construction, framing, workbench building, and any structural wood-to-wood connection.

Cabinet/Furniture Screws

Fine-thread screws designed for hardwood and plywood. Available with trim heads, flat heads, and washer heads. Often used with pocket hole jigs.

Use for: Furniture assembly, cabinet construction, trim attachment.

Exterior/Deck Screws

Coated with ceramic, polymer, or stainless steel for corrosion resistance. Use these for any outdoor project — standard screws rust and stain the wood.

Nails

Common Nails

Thick-shanked nails for framing and structural connections. Sizes from 6d (2 inches) to 16d (3-1/2 inches). The thick shank provides high shear strength.

Finish Nails (15/16 gauge)

Thin nails with small heads for trim installation. The small head sinks below the wood surface and is filled over. Used with finish nailers.

Brad Nails (18 gauge)

The thinnest common nail. Barely visible holes. For attaching thin trim, small moldings, and tacking pieces while glue dries.

Ring Shank and Spiral Nails

Nails with ridges or spiral flutes on the shank that resist pullout far better than smooth nails. Used for subfloor attachment and applications where withdrawal resistance matters.

Bolts

Carriage Bolts

Round head with a square shoulder that sinks into wood and prevents the bolt from spinning. Nut and washer on the back side. Clean appearance on the visible side.

Use for: Deck railing connections, gate hardware, playground equipment.

Hex Bolts

Six-sided head that grips with a wrench. Available in standard and fine thread.

Use for: Heavy structural connections, machinery mounting, mobile base attachment.

Lag Bolts (Lag Screws)

Thick wood screws with a hex head. Drive with a wrench or socket. Provide enormous holding power in wood.

Use for: Attaching ledger boards, mounting heavy shelves to studs, securing handrails, and any connection requiring serious holding power.

Machine Screws

Screws with machine-threaded shanks designed for tapped holes or nuts. Used for attaching hardware, router base plates, hinges, and any metal-to-metal connection.

Wall Anchors

When you cannot hit a wall stud:

• Plastic expansion anchors: Light duty only (under 15 pounds). Insert in a drilled hole, drive a screw, the anchor expands.
• Toggle bolts: Medium to heavy duty (25 to 50 pounds). Wings spread behind the drywall.
• Snap toggles: Heavy duty (50 to 75 pounds). Permanent threaded anchor behind the drywall.

For anything over 50 pounds, find the stud and screw into it.

Organization

Keep fasteners organized in labeled bins or a parts cabinet in your workshop. Sort by:

1. Type (screws, nails, bolts)
2. Size (length)
3. Purpose (interior, exterior, specialty)

A well-organized fastener collection saves time on every project. Buy in bulk when possible — the per-unit cost drops significantly in boxes of 100 or more.