Screws
Choosing the right screw depends on the substrate, fixing duty, diameter, length, drive type, thread pattern, head style and finish. CMT Group supplies woodscrews, concrete screws, drywall screws, hammer screws, coach screws, self drilling screws and hex set screws for construction, civils, timber, masonry, metalwork and general site fixing ... Choosing the right screw depends on the substrate, fixing duty, diameter, length, drive type, thread pattern, head style and finish. CMT Group supplies woodscrews, concrete screws, drywall screws, hammer screws, coach screws, self drilling screws and hex set screws for construction, civils, timber, masonry, metalwork and general site fixing. The range supports everyday trade fixing, plasterboard installation, timber work, masonry fixing, steel and cladding applications, frame fixing and repeat site supply across the UK. Account-based purchasing, trade pack quantities and fast delivery support project requirements at every stage. read more...read less
Screw types, specification checks and common use
| Screw type | Standards / specification checks | What it means | Common use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Woodscrews | Diameter, length, head type, drive type, thread pattern, timber type, coating or finish and product data where stated. | Woodscrew selection depends on timber type, fixing duty, head finish, drive preference and whether the fixing is internal or exposed. | Timber joinery, carpentry, framing, fencing, board fixing and general construction site use. |
| Drywall Screws | Fine or coarse thread, length, head type, board thickness, timber or metal stud substrate, finish and pack quantity. | Drywall screw selection depends on whether plasterboard is being fixed to timber or metal studwork and the boarding depth required. | Plasterboard fixing, drylining, internal fit-out, timber studs, metal studs and ceiling or wall systems. |
| Concrete Screws | Base material, screw diameter, length, head type, hole size, embedment, coating, load data and technical information where applicable. | Concrete screw selection depends on the masonry or concrete substrate, fixing duty, installation method and product data for the specific application. | Direct fixing into concrete, brick, block or masonry for brackets, frames, rails, conduit and site fixtures. |
| Hex Set Screws | Metric diameter, length, thread type, grade or class, nut and washer compatibility, coating or finish and product data where stated. | Hex set screw selection depends on thread size, connection type, compatible nuts and washers, strength requirement and exposure environment. | Bolted connections, steelwork, brackets, frames, mechanical assemblies and general construction fixing. |
| Coach Screws | Diameter, length, hex head size, timber section, pilot hole guidance, coating or finish and product data where stated. | Coach screw selection depends on timber size, fixing duty, required clamping force and exposure environment. | Heavy timber fixing, posts, decking subframes, fencing, brackets and timber construction connections. |
| Hammer Screws | Diameter, length, plug size, head type, masonry substrate, frame or fixture thickness and product data where stated. | Hammer screw selection depends on the base material, fixture thickness and whether a fast plug-and-screw fixing is suitable for the task. | Frame fixing, skirting, battens, conduit, trims and fast fixing into brick, block, concrete or masonry. |
| Self Drilling Screws | Drill point type, material thickness, length, diameter, head type, sealing washer requirement, coating or finish and product data where stated. | Self drilling screw selection depends on the steel or metal thickness, head style, weather exposure and whether a sealing washer is required. | Steel fixing, cladding, roofing sheets, metal framing, steel decking and site metalwork. |
Frequently asked questions
Which screw types are most commonly ordered for construction and site work?
Construction and site teams commonly order woodscrews for timber, board and joinery work; concrete screws for direct fixing into brick, block and masonry; drywall screws for plasterboard fixing to timber and metal studwork; hammer screws for fast frame and batten fixing into masonry; coach screws for heavier timber connections, posts and fencing; self drilling screws for steel, cladding and metalwork; and hex set screws for bolted connections with compatible nuts and washers.
The right product depends on the base material, fixing duty, diameter, length, drive type, finish and whether the fixing is internal or external. Buyers should check product data and manufacturer guidance before ordering to confirm suitability for the application.
How should buyers choose the right screw for timber, masonry, drywall or metal?
Screw selection depends on the substrate, fixing duty and required finish. For timber and board, a woodscrew with the appropriate diameter, length and head type is typically used. For direct fixing into concrete, brick or block, a concrete screw with the correct embedment and hole size is required, with suitability confirmed from product data. For plasterboard, a drywall screw in the correct thread type (fine for metal stud, coarse for timber stud) and board depth is used. For steel, cladding or metal fixing, a self drilling screw with a compatible drill point and material thickness is needed.
Diameter, length, thread pattern, head style, drive type, coating and pack quantity all affect suitability for a given task. Where the application is in an exposed environment or forms part of a specified connection, buyers should confirm product suitability from technical data and manufacturer guidance before ordering.
What is the difference between woodscrews, coach screws and hex set screws?
Woodscrews are designed for fixing into timber, board and similar materials. They are available in a range of head types, diameters, lengths and finishes for internal and external applications and rely on thread engagement in the substrate for pull-out resistance.
Coach screws are a larger, heavier-duty screw with a hex head and partial thread, used for connecting thicker timber sections, posts, decking subframes, fencing and brackets where greater clamping force is needed. They are commonly driven with a socket or spanner, with pilot hole guidance checked against the product data and timber application.
Hex set screws are fully threaded fasteners used with compatible nuts and washers for bolted connections in steelwork, frames and mechanical assemblies. Buyers should check diameter, thread, grade and coating against product data before ordering.
When should concrete screws be used instead of plugs or expansion anchors?
Concrete screws are designed for direct fixing into concrete, brick, block or masonry without a separate anchor or plug. They cut their own thread into the substrate on installation and can offer a faster fixing approach than traditional plug-and-screw methods in some applications.
Suitability depends on the base material, hole size, embedment depth, screw diameter and the load requirements of the fixing. Where the fixing is load-critical or forms part of a specified connection, buyers should confirm that the concrete screw product data covers the required base material, load and installation conditions before ordering. Not all concrete screws are suitable for every substrate or edge distance condition. Check technical data and manufacturer guidance before specifying.
What is the difference between fine-thread and coarse-thread drywall screws?
Fine-thread drywall screws are designed for fixing plasterboard to metal studwork. The finer thread cuts cleanly into steel and provides the required pull-out resistance for the board weight and boarding depth. Coarse-thread drywall screws are designed for fixing plasterboard to timber studwork. The coarser thread engages the timber grain and provides the holding strength required for the boarding system.
Using the wrong thread type for the stud material can reduce holding strength and affect the quality of the finished installation. Buyers should confirm the stud material, board thickness and screw length before ordering.
What should buyers check when ordering self drilling screws for steel or cladding?
Key checks include the drill point type and size (suitability for the metal thickness being fixed through), screw diameter, length, head type, sealing washer requirement, coating or finish and pack quantity. Self drilling screws are designed to drill their own pilot hole and tap their own thread into steel or metal, but the drill point must be compatible with the material thickness.
Where the application involves external metal fixing, cladding or roofing, buyers should also check the coating or finish for corrosion resistance and whether a sealing washer is required to maintain weathertightness. Not all self drilling screws are suitable for every metal thickness or exposure condition. Check product data and manufacturer guidance before ordering.
Which screw finishes are suited to internal versus external applications?
Screw finish affects corrosion resistance and suitability for external or exposed applications. Zinc-plated or bright zinc screws are typically intended for internal or dry applications. Where an exposed, external or treated timber environment is involved, buyers should check the finish specification to confirm suitability for that environment.
Galvanised, stainless, coated or treated options are available across the range for applications where greater corrosion resistance is required. The appropriate finish depends on the substrate, exposure environment, site conditions and any project-specific requirements. Buyers should confirm suitability from the product data and manufacturer guidance before ordering for an external or corrosive-environment application.
Can CMT Group supply screws for project rollouts, depot replenishment or ongoing site teams?
Yes. CMT Group supplies screws for project accounts, depot replenishment, framework contracts and ongoing site supply. For bulk orders, repeat supply or account-based procurement, buyers can use the EDGE B2B Portal or speak to the team to discuss stock availability and supply arrangements.
The wider supply service is supported by supplier-level accreditations including CHAS Elite, BSI ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management and ConstructionOnline Gold. These accreditations support procurement confidence around safety management, quality processes and supplier assurance. Product suitability still depends on the individual screw type, substrate, fixing duty, site conditions, manufacturer guidance and any project-specific requirements.
Sourcing screws for construction, civils, timber, masonry or metalwork? CMT Group supplies woodscrews, concrete screws, drywall screws, hammer screws, coach screws, self drilling screws and hex set screws for trade and project accounts across the UK. For volume requirements, depot replenishment or planned site supply, speak to the team or browse the full Fixings, Fasteners & Resins range.
