The 13 best metal screw brands

  • 13 brands ranked
  • Ranked by brand visibility

uxcell, Hillman and 3M lead our ranking of 13 metal screw brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.

Metal Screw brands, ranked

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  1. 1

    uxcell

    Sold mostly as assorted bulk packs of metal screws and fasteners sourced from Chinese factories, aimed at budget buyers.

    Popularity 10.0/10

  2. 2

    Hillman

    Hardware-store staple in blister packs, with galvanized deck screws and hinge screws for quick household repairs.

    Top products: Powerpro Metal to Wood Roofing Screws

    Popularity 8.0/10

  3. 3

    3M

    Abrasives and adhesives company whose metal fastening range is mostly industrial, with bonding and tapping products.

    Popularity 3.2/10

  4. 4

    Midwest Fastener

    Hex-drive screws in boxed bulk lots for fabricators and machine shops, mostly zinc-plated steel.

    Popularity 2.4/10

  5. 5

    TEKS

    Drill-point pan-head screws sized for light-gauge steel studs and metal roof panels.

    Popularity 2.2/10

  6. 6

    Simpson Strong-Tie

    Structural connectors, anchors and framing hardware for building codes, with a very broad range for home construction.

    Popularity 2.2/10

  7. 7

    Auveco

    Automotive clips, trim fasteners and retainers for vehicle repair, sold for common OEM-style fitments.

    Popularity 2.0/10

  8. 8

    Tamper-Pruf Screws

    Anti-tamper security screws with non-standard heads, used where fixings must resist removal by the public.

    Popularity 1.8/10

  9. 9

    E-Z Lok

    E-Z LOK thread inserts are the signature product of this family-owned company, which was established in 1956. The solid wall inserts fit soft metals like aluminum, magnesium, and cast iron, and they let users repair or re-thread holes without special...

    Popularity 1.4/10

  10. 10

    National Hardware

    National Hardware designs hinges for doors, cabinets and gates, including strap, T and post and hook hinges for garages and chest lids. Many of its door hinges are made from cold-rolled steel. Some pin hinges have removable brass pins for...

    Popularity 1.3/10

  11. 11

    Hilti

    Hilti is a well-known manufacturer of equipment and systems for use in commercial construction. Specialists in the construction trades, from bricklaying to electrical engineering, are the equipment, machinery, and technology experts. In addition to their wide selection of goods, they...

    Popularity 1.2/10

  12. 12

    Bcp Fasteners

    BCP Fasteners was established in 2011. The company is family-owned and operated. The company makes high-quality fasteners for every kind of customer. They are constantly adding to their inventory to increase the collection. You can find a collection of screws...

    Popularity 1.1/10

  13. 13

    HOLO-KROME

    HOLO-KROME is a small family-owned business in the USA manufacturing and supplying nuts, bolts, and custom design fasteners. They pride themselves on making great quality products at a reasonable price for our customers. Their advanced manufacturing capabilities and proprietary tooling...

    Popularity 0.9/10

Metal Screws Buying Guide

There are many types of metal screws available in the market, and it requires proper knowledge to find the most suitable one for your project. From size and length to material and finish, there are several factors to consider when buying metal screws. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about buying metal screws.

Types of Screws

Before we go into the details, let's have a quick look at the different types of screws available in the market.

  • Wood Screws – These screws are designed specifically for wood and are typically threaded only two-thirds up the shank to keep the screw from cracking the wood.
  • Sheet Metal Screws – These screws are used for attaching thin sheets of metal to each other or to a frame. They have a sharp point to penetrate the metal and a thread that extends the entire length of the shank.
  • Machine Screws – These screws are used when a nut and bolt combination are required, or for attaching metal parts that require a finer thread than wood screws.
  • Self-Tapping Screws – These screws are designed with a sharp point and a coarse thread for drilling into metal without the need for pre-drilling.
  • Concrete Screws – These screws are made specifically for attaching wood or metal to concrete, brick, or block walls.

Material

The material of a screw determines its strength, durability, and resistance to corrosion. Here are the most common materials used in making screws:

  • Steel – Steel is the most common material used for making screws. It is strong and durable and can be easily plated or coated for corrosion resistance.
  • Stainless Steel – Stainless steel is an alloy of steel that is resistant to corrosion and staining. It is used when screws are required to withstand harsh environments.
  • Brass – Brass is a corrosion-resistant material that is often used for decorative purposes. It is commonly used in furniture making and other applications where appearance is important.
  • Aluminum – Aluminum is a lightweight and durable material that is commonly used in outdoor applications. It is resistant to corrosion, rust, and other forms of weathering.
  • Titanium – Titanium is a lightweight, strong, and corrosion-resistant material that is commonly used in high-performance applications.

Size and Length

Size and length are important when choosing screws for your project. The size and length of a screw determine its holding power, and the wrong size or length can lead to weakened joints and even failure. Always choose a screw that is the correct size and length for your project.

The size of a screw is denoted by a number or a series of numbers. For example, a #8 screw has a diameter of 0.164 inches, while a #10 screw has a diameter of 0.190 inches. Typically, the larger the number, the larger the screw.

The length of a screw is measured from the tip of the screw to the bottom of the head. It is important to choose a screw that is long enough to penetrate the material it is being screwed into but not so long that it protrudes out the other side. If the screw is too long, it may weaken the joint, and if it is too short, it may not provide enough holding power.

It is important to note that different types of screws have different length considerations. For example, wood screws should be at least two-thirds the thickness of the wood being screwed into, while sheet metal screws should be long enough to penetrate the sheet metal and still have enough length to grip the other material being screwed into.

Head Type

The head of a screw determines how it can be driven into the material. There are three main types of screw heads:

  • Flat Head – Flathead screws have a flat top that allows them to be countersunk or flush-mounted into the material. They are commonly used in woodworking and furniture making.
  • Pan Head – Pan head screws have a rounded top and are used when a wider bearing surface is required. They are commonly used in sheet metal applications.
  • Round Head – Round head screws have a domed top and are used when a decorative finish is required. They are commonly used in furniture making and other decorative applications.

Thread Type

The thread type determines the holding power of a screw. There are two main types of thread:

  • Coarse Thread – Coarse thread screws have fewer threads per inch and are designed for softer materials like wood, drywall, and plaster. They offer more holding power than fine thread screws in these materials.
  • Fine Thread – Fine thread screws have more threads per inch and are designed for harder materials like metal, plastic, and composite materials. They are used when a higher degree of holding power is required.

Finish

Finally, the finish of a screw determines its resistance to corrosion and how it will look in the final product. There are several finishes available, including:

  • Zinc Plated – Zinc plating provides a thin layer of zinc over the steel to provide resistance to corrosion.
  • Galvanized – Galvanizing is the process of coating steel with a layer of zinc to provide even more corrosion resistance than zinc plating.
  • Black Oxide – Black oxide is a chemical process that produces a black finish on the screw. It provides some corrosion resistance and a decorative look.
  • Stainless Steel – Stainless steel screws are already corrosion-resistant and do not require any additional finish.

Conclusion

Choosing the right screw for your project requires careful consideration of several factors, including material, size, length, head type, thread type, and finish. By taking these factors into consideration, you can ensure that your project is both sturdy and aesthetically pleasing.