What Are Screws and Why Do We Use Them Every Day? Functions, Materials, and Applications Explained
- 翰君 陳
- Nov 26
- 3 min read
You use screws every single day — you just don’t notice them.
They’re inside your phone, furniture, motorcycles, cars, computers, door locks, home appliances, factory machines, medical instruments…Small as they are, without screws, the world simply cannot be assembled, cannot operate, and cannot be repaired.
This article will help you understand screws quickly — their functions, materials, and where they are used.
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1. What is a screw and why is it important?
A screw is a fastener that uses threads to hold components tightly together.It can clamp, it can be removed, and it keeps parts in the correct position.It is the foundation that allows modern products to be assembled, adjusted, and maintained.
Why screws matter —Because only with screws can a product stay fixed, stable, and still be disassembled for maintenance or part replacement.They may be small, but they are essential in both industry and daily life.
In Taiwan, the screw supply chain is extremely complete:wire → forming → threading → heat treatment → surface treatmentAll processes are available locally, making Taiwan one of the world’s major screw-producing hubs.
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2. Types of screws
There are countless screw types, but you can understand them using three major classification methods:
(1) By head type
Determines the appearance, tool type, and installation method.Examples: hex head, socket head, Phillips, slotted, countersunk, pan head, etc.
(2) By application
Based on the function in the equipment — fastening, positioning, load-bearing, structural, sealing, tamper-proof, venting, etc.
(3) By standard (Standard vs Custom)
Standard screws (DIN / ISO / JIS / ANSI)Unified dimensions, easy replacement.
Non-standard (custom)For special equipment, high-temperature, high-pressure, chemical-resistant environments, or obsolete OEM parts.
Understanding these three logics helps you quickly narrow down what screw you need.
Screw Type Comparison Table
Screw Type | Key Features (Simple Explanation) | Tools Used | Common Applications |
Socket Head Cap Screw (Inner Hex) | Small head, high strength, ideal for tight spaces | Hex wrench | Machinery, electrical, automation modules |
Hex Bolt (Outer Hex) | Most universal and durable; easiest to work with | Wrench, ratchet | Furniture, frames, structural fastening |
Countersunk Screw | Head sits flush with the surface | Phillips or hex | Woodwork, housings, equipment panels |
Set Screw (Headless Screw) | Used to “lock” or “position” parts, no nut needed | Hex wrench | Shafts, gears, linkages |
Threaded Rod (Stud) | Full thread, cut to length, very flexible | Wrench or hand | Construction, reinforcement, equipment mounting |
Vent / Hollow Screw | Has a center hole for venting or wiring | Hex or socket | Vacuum equipment, pneumatic systems, fixtures |
Understanding screw types helps you determine where each type should be used.
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3. How to choose screw materials?
Material Comparison Table
Material | Summary | Suitable Use Cases |
Carbon Steel | Cheapest, strong enough | Furniture, general hardware |
Stainless Steel 304 | Rust-resistant, corrosion-resistant | Outdoor, food equipment, electronics |
Stainless Steel 316 | Resistant to seawater & chemicals | Marine, chemical, medical |
Alloy Steel (8.8 / 10.9 / 12.9) | High strength | Automotive, machinery, heavy industry |
Brass | Beautiful finish, conductive | Electronics, plumbing, decorative parts |
Aluminum | Lightweight, rust-free | Lightweight structures, heat sinks |
Titanium | Ultra-strong, ultra-light, top corrosion resistance | Aerospace, medical, high-end components |
Nylon / Plastics (POM) | Insulating, non-conductive, wear-resistant | Electronics, home appliances, lab equipment |
PEEK | High-temperature (250°C+), chemical-resistant, high strength | Semiconductor, medical, vacuum, precision equipment |
Choosing materials depends on environment and usage conditions.
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4. Where are screws commonly used?
Screws appear in every product that moves, is used, or needs maintenance:
3C devices: phones, laptops, cameras
Furniture: tables, chairs, cabinets
Vehicles: engines, chassis, braking systems
Factory equipment: modules, fixtures
Construction: steel structures, anchors
Semiconductor & medical devices
Outdoor or marine environments
Screws are the invisible backbone of both life and industry.
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5. Why choose Sheng Fong Precision?
Sheng Fong Precision provides full-range screws, nuts, dowel pins, retaining rings, keys, and other hardware components.
We help customers:
Quickly identify the correct specifications
Avoid mismatched sizes or stripped threads
Provide complete Metric & Imperial options
Local stock + fast delivery
Offer equivalents for MISUMI, McMaster-Carr, PEM, etc.
Whether you're an engineer, purchaser, technician, or simply need a replacement screw — we can help.
📩 Need help identifying screw specs or materials?Contact us on LINE：@s9000
🛒 Browse full specification list: https://lihi3.me/f9QxW
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