40 Types of Screw Heads (with Photos)

Types Of Screw Heads

1. Oval Screw Heads

This shape of the screw can be manufactured for different designs. This design includes flat-head or Philips but also involves many others. They can be made of different materials and vary in length. Regardless of their style, they always have an oval-shaped head and are mainly used for electrical outlet coverings.

2. Raised Screw Heads

A raised screw head is sometimes confused with other screw heads because it is similar to a flat screw but has more of a dome shape. When using this type of screw, you may need to take the angle of the head into consideration and countersink the screw. The form of the screw is not ideal for performance, so this is a type of screw that is best for decoration purposes.

3. Bugle Screw Heads

A bugle screw head is shaped very similarly to a flat screw head; however, the bugle screw head has a curved shape to prevent damage to surfaces. Another benefit of the bugle head screw is that they are self-drilling, minimizing the work of making pilot holes. Due to their shape, they enable weight to be distributed over a wider area, which makes them great for drywall and plasterboard.

4. Round Screw Heads

Round screw heads are becoming less common, but overall, they have a very rounded top, and the underside is flat. They are manufactured from a multitude of materials to be different lengths and accommodate various designs. This screw head is used with machinery more commonly but can also be found affixing towel racks and toilet paper holders to the wall.

5. Slotted Screw Heads

A slotted screw head was the first form of screw heads to be developed. It was the cheapest to make and was straightforward. The design has a lot of faults, the main one being the driver tool slips out of the slot very easily. This can cause damage to the screw, the driver, and the surrounding surface.

They are used primarily in the restoration of furniture and vehicles. This screw head is just as versatile as any other screw head and can be used wherever minimal torque is needed.

6. Hex External Screw Heads

An external hex screw head is also known as a hex head cap screw. The screw head is made up of a six-sided fastener. There are some combination-type screw heads with a slotted screw head through the middle of the hex head cap. It can be driven by an adjustable wrench or a 6- or 12-point socket. This type of screw head is best used when space is limited since the smaller wrench can successfully rotate the screw.

7. Hex Internal Screw Heads

Commonly known as a hex socket, this screw head has a hexagonal recess at the top of the screw. It is explicitly used by an Allen key, but there are special hex drivers for it. There are some tamper-resistant forms of this screw head with a pin in the center of it. This screw head type is commonly used to assemble furniture and usually comes with its own Allen key.

8. Phillips Screw Heads

One of the most iconic screw head types, the Philips screw head, was designed to combat problems with the slotted screws, which had slippage problems. The Philips head has a simple crosshead design and is the foundation for many other improved screw head designs. It is usually designated with a “PH” and comes in various sizes. This versatile screw head can be utilized for almost any and all applications.

9. Truss Screw Heads

This screw head is more comprehensive and has a rounded surface on the top. When used, the head of the screw protrudes above the surface. They provide a secure fit due to the broader surface under the head and are best for sheet metal or other material that require a large diameter head. These screws can also be used for cabinetry but do provide a non-tampering design.

10. Button Screw Heads

A button screw head has a cylinder-shaped but hexagonal recess in the screw head. This screw head allows for a clean, finished look. They come in different materials and colors. Because they are durable and versatile, they are often used in the automotive industry, machinery, and electronics.

11. Pozidriv Screw Heads

Designed by the Phillips screw company, the pozidriv screw head is fashioned to increase surface contact for more force. They have a lot of similarities to the Phillips screw head and are often confused to the point of using the wrong screwdriver. By doing this, it will decrease efficiency and cause damage. The only way to tell them apart is the pozidriv has small secondary tick marks in between the primary cross.

12. Supadriv Screw Heads

Sometimes misspelled Supadrive, this screw head is similar to the pozidriv screw head. It was developed by the same company just years later. The supadriv screw head has two identifiable ticks, and the secondary blades are larger than that of the pozidriv. The supadriv enables a little offset between the screw and the screwdriver, which allows a more efficient driving force.

13. Flat Screw Heads

14. Socked Cap Screw Heads

These screws have the appearance that there is a hat or cap on the top of the screw head. They are shaped either hexagonal or rounded. Socket cap screws come in different materials as well as assorted lengths. They are used in home appliances and certain electronics to fasten the mechanical parts together.

15. Pan Screw Heads

A pan head screw resembles an upside-down frying pan. This screw has a flat surface and wide head area with the sides curved, and the top is flat and slightly domed. The underside of the screw is flat, which allows for more surface area resulting in a firmer hold. This screw is commonly used for woodwork and decorative accessories.

16. Spanner Screw Heads

17. TORX Screw Heads

TORX screw heads are hexalobular with six rounded points recesses into the screw head. It is sometimes referred to as the star screw head and requires the proper driver to install them.

They come in different sizes, and there are other versions like Torx Plus, Torx Paralobe, and Torx trap. It can also be made with a pin in the center for tamper resistance security. It is commonly used in electronics and the automotive industry.

18. Binding Screw Heads

Binding screws are two-part screws. They have two different sides; one is considered a male side and the other a female side. They have a dome-shaped head, and the two parts screw into one another. These two parts fit together and go through a product, like large manuals, to help them stay together.

19. Torq-set Screw Heads

Similar to the Philips screw head in that it has a four-arm cross center, the torq-set screw head does have some differences. The cross-sections do not align to form equal intersections. Because of them being offset, this does need its screwdriver since Phillips and slotted screwdrivers will not fit. This is commonly used in military applications, and anywhere torque is needed.

20. Quadrex Screw Heads

Also known as a pozisquare screw head, the quadrex square head combines the Robertson and the Phillips screw head. It is even called the Phillips square screw head. Either the Phillips head or Robertson head drive can be used for this screw head; however, there is a unique tool that was designed for it. The dedicated tool can apply more torque than other tools for the quadrex screw head.

21. Line Screw Heads

The line head screws, as they are commonly called, are a Japanese screw driving system that includes three forms: female, female tamper-resistant, and male. They come in various sizes and are designated with an “R,” “H,” and “T,” respectively. They are used on video game consoles and gaming cartridges; they are even known as “game bit screws.”

22. Tri-Wing Screw Heads

A possible adaptation to the Phillips head, the tri-wing screw has a small triangular center with three wings extending from the points. The wings are offset and do not overlap at the center. They allow more force to be applied than that of the Phillips screw head and provide more security than others. It is a screw that was adopted by the aerospace industry.

23. Domed Screw Heads

Domed screw heads are more common than you may think. It is almost as common as the other types of screw heads. This type of screw head is ideal when you are trying to hide the screw you are using. This is used with a lot of furniture, like an ottoman, that has decorative screws that protrude from the fabric. This allows the screw to secure the furniture but also adds an appealing design.

24. Flange Screw Heads

Flange screw heads vary from being circular to hex, and they protrude out from a round flange underneath the screw head itself. The flange underneath replaces the need for a washer and allows the screw to stay in place easier. The flange screw head is also known as a frame screw and is commonly used in the frame of a truck.

25. Dzus Screw Heads

Dzus, which is pronounced like “Zeus,” is similar to high-torque screws. They are usually double-coated with black paint to enhance durability. This also gives them a more natural look. They are mainly used to secure access doors, like inspection panels. They are too small and too thin to support any other latches.

26. Scrulox Screw Heads

27. Double-Square Screw Heads

The double-square screw head is comprised of two squares that are positioned to form an eight-point star. This screw may resemble the Robertson screw; however, it is able to engage driver bits at more common angles. A double-square screw head is commonly used on industrial-level designs as well as haulmark trailers.

28. Triple-Square Screw Heads

A triple-square screw is also known as XZN. This screw is designed by overlaying three symmetrical squares to form twelve uniformly spaced points that are ninety degrees. This screw can resemble a few other types, like the Robertson or the double hex, but differs by the number of points and the angle they are placed. They are commonly used in foreign vehicles, like Mercedes and BMW’s.

29. Combination Screw Heads

One of the most popular types of screw heads, a combination screw, gives you a two-for-one deal. This screw head provides two or more compatible options for different drivers. There is a variety of combinations; however, the most common is the flathead and Phillips head combinations. The only thing to pay attention to is if the screw is angled under the head because this means it will need countersunk.

30. Lox Screw Heads

The Lox recess screw head is a design of four overlapping squares that are recessed into the screw head. There are twelve contact points, which allows for increased torque and minimizes the risk of wear. Due to the increase in contact points, this screw head is more suitable for high-torque applications. It is used for metal framing work, especially by licensees Hitachi and Grabber.

31. Pin Screw Heads

A pin screw head is top of the line when it comes to security. This screw head has a pin in the center of the head, which will stop the bit from being appropriately seated in the screw. You will need a particular bit to accommodate the pin in order to use the screw. The best thing about this design is it can be a feature with any screw head shape.

32. Frearson Screw Heads

Not to be confused with a Phillips head screw, the frearson screw head has a sharper tip and a larger angle within the “V” shape. It is also known as the Prince or Reed screw head and has some advantages over the Phillips screw, which is that one bit will fit all sizes. It also allows a higher torque force than other screw heads. The frearson screw is used in marine hardware.

33. Tri-point Screw Heads

A tri-point or TP screw head comes in two different varieties, a standard TP or a TP3. The standard TP sometimes referred to as Y-type, is similar to a Philips head screw but only has three points instead of four. The TP3, or tri-lobe, screw has a recessed Reuleaux triangle shape in the screw head. The tri-point screw head, regardless of the variant it comes in, is considered a specialized security screw, used primarily in electronics and battery packs.

34. Tri-angle Screw Heads

The tri-angle or TA, the screw head is very similar to the TP3 screw head; however, the sides of the triangle are straight instead of lobular. This screw head type can deter access to devices’ internal mechanisms, so it has some security features. However, a lot of hex keys can be used for it. A tri-angle screw head is standard in master locks as well as some elevators and camping stoves.

35. Bristol Screw Heads

36. Clutch Screw Heads

A clutch screw head has two different, but similar types. Type A is a standard clutch form and is identified as a bow tie. At the center of the screw head, there is a round knot. In the 1940s and part of the 1950s, this was a common screw used in GM automotive. The second type is Type G, and this is similar to type A however it lacks the middle knot. This screw is identified as a butterfly and was commonly used in mobile homes.

37. Mortorq Screw Heads

This lightweight screw was created by the Phillips Screw Company. The design includes four curved wings, which could be considered an enhanced version of the Phillips screw head. This allows the screwdriver to gain full contact with the screw, which results in more torque and drive into the wall. This screw head is commonly used in the auto industry as well as aerospace applications.

38. Pentalobe Screw Heads

A pentalobe screw-head is a tamper-resistant security screw. It is a five-point screw head that is often mistaken for a torx screw head. It is made of various sizes and is not only inexpensive but readily available. This style of screw head gain popularity when Apple started using it in 2009 for their Mac book pro. Now smaller versions are used throughout their products.

39. Thumbscrew Screw Heads

This type of screw is a non-structural fastener. It is meant to be tightened and loosened by hand using the ridged sides. Some are also made with a key-like flat side or fashioned for flat or Phillip head screwdrivers. A thumbscrew is a perfect type of screw to use where easy access is needed without the use of tools, such as many computer cases.

40. One-way Screw Heads

A one-way screw head should not be confused with a clutch screw head. This type of screw head is a special screw that only turns in one direction. Installation can be done by a standard screwdriver; however, they cannot be removed with the same tools. The only way to really remove the screw is to drill through the head of the screw and using a screw extractor. One-way screw heads should only be used where they will not be removed, like bathroom fixtures or registration plates.

Screw Head Materials

Screws can be made out of various materials. Depending on the work that you are doing and the type of screw head that you need will determine the type of material you need your screw head to be made out of. It is important to the durability and stability of your project to research when the type of screw you need.

Brass

Brass is made of zinc and copper, and the proportions of these two elements can vary to create different types of brass. Different types of brass have different properties pertaining to electricity and mechanics. Brass screws are anti-corrosive as well as water-resistant. They also add to the aesthetic of what you are building. This is a great option for outdoor woodworking projects.

Steel

Steel is a high tensile strength material that is composed mainly of iron and carbon. Due to its strength, steel is commonly used in infrastructure, machines, and weapons. When you use steel screws you will need to determine which one best suit your project, because they come in different types. The main factor you will want to consider for your project is the force needed.

Aluminum

This metal is softer, non-magnetic, and has a low density. It is ideal to use in projects that you want to avoid corrosion. The main advantages of using aluminum screws are that they are lightweight and can be polished for a nice shiny appearance, which can add to aesthetics. They can be a little more expensive, however, they are used a lot in the building industry and aerospace.

Titanium

Titanium is a low-density metal with a lot of strength. It is silver in color and is very lightweight. These qualities contribute to the versatility of the titanium screw. It is also resistant to corrosion, even when it is exposed to chlorine or other aquatics. It is slightly more expensive because of its strength and durability. It is used by aircraft and automotive companies.­­

Bronze

Bronze is an alloy, a combination of two or more metals to increase strength and durability, made of primary copper and tin. It is a screw that can conduct electricity as well as heat. It resists corrosion, more so than any other materials used for screws. Furthermore, it resists metal fatigue, a weakening in the metal structure.

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