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Wood screws, metal screws or through bolts — how to choose the right type of screw?
Our expert advice and tips for choosing correctly between wood screws, metal screws, and through bolts.
Our expert advice and tips for choosing correctly between wood screws, metal screws, and through bolts.
"Screws? I know my stuff!" But are you really sure? Faced with a choice that can seem straightforward on the surface, we often forget that fixings have their little particularities, especially when it comes to fitting a door handle. To understand things properly, let us take a closer look at the three main categories of screws with very specific functions that you are likely to encounter regularly: wood screws, metal screws, and through bolts. Throughout this guide article, you will find advice as well as a few expert tips to make the right choice and, above all, avoid unpleasant surprises. Because here, we want everything to hold firm and look impeccable!
Wood screw
Wood screws hold a central place in the field of carpentry and wood construction. They are designed to provide maximum grip in wooden materials to ensure a solid fixing. These screws are perfect for wooden doors and furniture, or timber frames.
Their wide, deep thread allows them to insert firmly into the wood, while their sharp point penetrates the material easily and smoothly. The head shapes of wood screws can vary. You will find flat, countersunk, or round heads depending on the type of fixing intended. These screws can be made of steel, stainless steel, or even brass, often coated with an anti-corrosion layer for maximum protection. Of course, every choice matters, and you must carefully select the screw size and head that best suits the intended application.
Practical tip: to avoid splitting the wood (the appearance of a large vertical crack), do not underestimate the importance of the screw size and shape. This is what allows your fixing to last over time.
To find out more: discover the mistakes to avoid when installing a door handle.
Metal screw
When metal materials come into play, it becomes essential to have a fixing that can withstand heavier loads. Metal screws are made for that! Particularly used for assembling metal plates or for industrial installations, they are also perfect for fixing a handle onto a metal door.
Their thread is fine, regular, and above all, designed to penetrate metals with precision. With a standard diameter of 4 mm, these screws often require pre-drilling and a nut fastening to guarantee a flawless grip.
Warning: only use metal screws to fix your furniture knobs. Unsuitable screws may not hold properly or may damage the material.
Metal screws are available in several standard sizes, the most common are as follows:
| Size | Diameter |
|---|---|
| M3 | 3 mm |
| M4 | 4 mm |
| M5 | 5 mm |
| M6 | 6 mm |
| M8 | 8 mm |
| M10 | 10 mm |
Good to know: stainless steel or hardened steel screws are ideal options to ensure the longevity of your installation. Do not overlook the quality of the fixings either, as this guarantees not only better hold, but also a clean and neat finish.
Are you looking for a metal door handle to complete your industrial-style décor?
see our industrial door handles
Through bolts
Through bolts, for their part, are the option for robust assembly, when it is necessary to pass through two materials and hold them firmly in place using a nut. Perfect for thick structures, heavy furniture, or even certain architectural elements, these screws leave no room for error!
This type of screw, whose thread can be partial or full, is designed to pass from one side of the materials to the other, ensuring a stable and durable assembly over time. When it comes to through bolts, steel and stainless steel are considered materials of choice, as they withstand pressure and ensure long-lasting hold.
Practical tip: adapt the size of the screw and nut to the thickness of the materials you wish to assemble. Also use washers for a perfect fit.
Good to know: at MILLA HANDLES, all our interior handles are supplied with their installation kit: 4 mounting adapters, a square spindle of 8×8 mm, 4 through bolts, 2 Allen screws, and a suitable 3 mm key. For doors from major retailers, remember to specify this when placing your order, as a 7×7 mm spindle may be required. For detailed advice, consult our guide "How to correctly install a door handle".
Comparison of the 3 types of screw
| Screw type | Characteristics | Example of Use |
|---|---|---|
| Wood screw (for solid wood fixings) |
Robust screws for reinforced grip in wood, ideal for furniture, decorative elements or wooden door handles. | Installation of door handles, assembly of wooden furniture. |
| Metal screw (perfect for metal) |
A fine thread, a precise diameter to guarantee optimum fixing in metal. Often require pre-drilling and a nut fastening. | Fixing handles onto metal doors, industrial assemblies. |
| Through bolt (for a permanent fixing) |
Ideal for robust assemblies, they pass from one side of the material to the other with a nut fastening. | Assembly of wooden or metal structures, solid fixings for thick pieces. |
Each screw thus has its own precise role, characteristics, and unique advantages. Whether you want to fit a handle, reinforce a structure, or ensure the stability of an installation, making the right choice between wood screws, metal screws, and through bolts helps guarantee the longevity and reliability of your project. Never forget that it is often the details that make the biggest difference!
To complement your reading and refine your knowledge on choosing and installing your handles, feel free to consult our guide on the right size for your door handle.
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