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There are many different types of screw heads, each designed for specific tools and tasks. Some of the most common types include flat-head, Phillips, and star-shaped screws. Each type of screw head is used for a particular job. Knowing the names and uses of these screw heads can make assembling items or doing repairs much easier. Pictures can also help you understand how these screw heads look and figure out which one is best for your needs.
Screw Heads with Pictures
Flat and Oval Heads
Flat Heads
They are made to sit flat with the surface, giving a smooth look. They usually use a slotted or Phillips screwdriver.
Oval Heads
Oval heads have a rounded top and a tapered bottom, adding a nice look while holding well. Usually used with Phillips screwdrivers.
Specialty Heads
Bugle Heads
Bugle heads have a curved shape that helps prevent damage. They are mostly used for drywall and give a clean finish.
Binding Heads
Binding heads are wide and low, used to hold several layers together. Often found in electrical work, like securing cable bundles, used with slotted or Phillips drives.
Button Heads
Button heads are round and low-profile, giving a neat look. They are used where appearance matters and often work with hex drives.
Domed Heads
Domed heads are rounded and often used for decoration or in places where high strength is not required.
Pan Heads
Pan heads are slightly rounded on top with a flat underside. They provide good grip and are commonly used for many purposes with Phillips drives.
Round Heads
Round heads have a fully rounded top. They are used when a higher profile is okay, providing a strong grip and easy tightening.
Fillister Heads
Fillister heads are tall and narrow, allowing a deep slot for more torque. They are good for strong connections, often with a slotted drive.
Truss Heads
Truss heads are wide and flat, which helps cover a large surface area. They are great for holding thin materials like sheet metal or plastic without causing damage.
Flange Heads
Flange heads have a built-in washer to spread out the load evenly. They are used to avoid damaging surfaces, usually with hex or Phillips drives.
Types of Common Utility Heads
Hex Heads
Hex heads have six sides, making them easy to use with a wrench. They are good for heavy-duty work like construction or car repairs.
Slotted Heads
Slotted heads have a single slot for a flat-head screwdriver. They are often used in household projects and are easy to adjust or remove.
Phillips Heads
Phillips heads have a cross shape that helps avoid over-tightening. They are popular for many uses because they are easy to line up.
Socket Cap Heads
Socket cap heads are round with a hex drive inside. They look neat and are often used in machines where strength is needed.
Quadrex Heads
Quadrex heads mix Phillips and square drives, giving more grip and less slipping. They are used where a secure hold is needed, like in decking or cabinetry work.
Pozidriv Heads
Pozidriv heads are like Phillips but have extra contact points to reduce slipping. They are great for furniture and electrical appliances.
Combination Heads
Combination heads can work with different types of screwdrivers, making them flexible for quick repairs or assembly.
Specialty Star and Security Heads
Torx Heads
Torx heads have a star shape that reduces wear and allows high torque. They are common in electronics and car parts.
Torx Plus Heads
Torx Plus heads have a better star shape for more contact and less wear. They are ideal for high-strength jobs.
Hex External Heads
Hex external heads have six sides for use with an external wrench. They are often used for tough jobs, like automotive repairs or building structures, where a strong grip is needed.
Tri-Wing Heads
Tri-wing heads have three slots and are often used for security. They are good for electronic devices where tampering should be avoided.
Spanner Heads
Spanner heads have two small holes and need a special tool. They are often used for security to prevent easy removal.
Hex Internal Heads
Hex internal heads have a hex-shaped hole for an Allen key. They are used in machinery for a neat, flush finish.
Tamper-Resistant Heads
Torx Tamper-Resistant
Torx tamper-resistant heads have a pin in the middle to stop normal Torx tools from fitting. They are used in secure areas.
Square Recess Heads
Square recess heads hold well without slipping, unlike Phillips. They are commonly used in woodworking for a tight fit.
Square Tamper-Resistant
Square tamper-resistant heads have a pin in the center to block normal tools. They are used for extra security, like in public places.
Phillips Tamper-Resistant
Phillips tamper-resistant heads have a pin in the center to stop unauthorized access. They are used when extra security is needed.
Hex Tamper-Resistant
Hex tamper-resistant heads have a pin that blocks standard Allen keys. They are used in safety-critical applications.
Torx Plus Tamper-Resistant Heads
Torx Plus tamper-resistant heads have an improved star shape and a pin for extra security. They are used in sensitive electronics.
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