Wood Screws are the main type of fasteners used in woodworking and can be used to join lumber, plywood, or MDF.
However, there are many different types of wood screws available that can be overwhelming and confusing.
Here is a simple guide for what to look for in wood screws.
Tip - self-drilling and regular
Threads - coarse and fine
Shank - main body of the screw
Head - flat head, trim head, pan head and washer head
Drive - flat, Phillips, star, or square
Steel - corrodes easily, for indoor use only
Stainless Steel - long-term protection against corrosion and can be used for outdoors
Coated screws - Steel and stainless steel are often further coated to enhance corrosion resistance.
#6, #8, and #10 Screws: These sizes are versatile and widely used for a variety of general woodworking projects.
#12 and Larger Screws: Typically used for heavier-duty applications where more strength is required.