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Screws & Fasteners Guide
Picking the right fastener is about more than the diameter on the box — pilot hole size, embedment depth, thread type, and torque all matter for a connection that actually holds. Below are sizing guides and comparisons for Tapcons, structural screws, lag bolts, joist hangers, and other concrete and framing fasteners.
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Expert Articles
Aug 23, 2026
Lag Bolt vs Lag Screw: Is There Actually a Difference?
They are the same fastener. “Lag screw” is the technically correct term because it threads into wood without a nut; “lag bolt” is the common shop name
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Jul 31, 2026
Screw Size Chart: Gauge, Diameter & Pilot Hole
A #8 x 1-1/2 screw means nothing until you know what the numbers mean. Complete sizing chart for every screw type, with real pilot hole and clearance
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Jun 27, 2026
4 Best Concrete Anchor Kits, Ranked: Tapcon, Simpson and Hillman
The best concrete anchor kits for homeowners in 2026 — Tapcon kits, wedge anchor assortments, and mixed kits from Red Head, Simpson, and ITW. What to
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Jun 26, 2026
Self-Drilling Tek Screws: Types, Sizes & Uses
Complete guide to self-drilling screws (Tek screws) — drill point numbers, sizes, thread types, and which to use for sheet metal, metal framing, roofi
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Jun 26, 2026
Joist Hanger Screws vs Nails: What Code Requires
Joist hanger screws vs nails — what IRC and IBC actually require, why you cannot use drywall screws in hangers, and which fasteners are code-compliant
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Jun 26, 2026
Bolt Grades: Grade 5 vs Grade 8 vs Stainless
Bolt grades explained — Grade 5 vs Grade 8 vs stainless steel. Tensile strength, proof load, markings, and which grade to use for structural, automoti
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Jun 26, 2026
Wood Screw Size Chart: Gauges, Lengths & Pilot Holes
Complete wood screw size chart — gauge to diameter conversion, correct lengths for different wood thicknesses, pilot hole sizes, and which head type t
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Jun 26, 2026
Pilot Hole Size Chart: What Drill Bit for Every Screw
A #8 screw needs a 7/64" pilot in softwood, 1/8" in hardwood, and an 11/64" clearance hole. Drill bit sizes for every gauge, lag screw and metric size
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Jun 26, 2026
Drywall Screw Size Chart: Lengths & Thread Types
Complete drywall screw size chart — coarse vs fine thread, W-type vs S-type, correct lengths for 1/2 inch and 5/8 inch drywall, and how deep to drive
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Jun 26, 2026
Screw Coatings: Galvanized vs Stainless vs Coated
Galvanized vs stainless vs coated screws — which coating do you actually need for outdoor, pressure-treated, and coastal applications? Complete guide
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Jun 26, 2026
Deck Screws: Complete Guide to Size, Type, Coating & Installation (2026)
Everything about deck screws — size, coating, drive type, and spacing for pressure-treated and composite decking. What pros use and why, with a comple
Read More about Deck Screws: Complete Guide to Size, Type, Coating & Installation (2026)Page 1 of 2