Why not all screws are the same
Many people think, “A screw is a screw, right?”
At first glance, that seems true — they look similar and all serve the same purpose: keeping two parts firmly together. But anyone who has ever tried fastening chipboard with the wrong type of screw knows better. The difference between wood screws and chipboard screws may look small, yet it determines whether your project will hold for years or slowly loosen over time.
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From solid wood to engineered wood
In the past, most furniture, floors, and joinery were made from solid wood such as oak, pine, or spruce. For that kind of work, you use wood screws – traditional screws with a coarse thread and a smooth shank under the head, designed to pull the upper piece tightly against the lower one.
Today, engineered or pressed wood – materials like chipboard, MDF, and plywood – has become the standard. These boards are made from wood fibres or particles bonded with resin under high pressure. They’re affordable, stable, and easy to process – but they need a different type of screw. That’s where the chipboard screw comes in: finer thread, sharper point, often with a cutting groove that lets it drive cleanly into the dense material without splitting or bulging.
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Key differences at a glance
| Feature | Wood screw | Chipboard screw |
|---|---|---|
| Thread | Coarse, partly threaded | Fine, fully threaded |
| Point | Sharp | Extra sharp, often self-cutting |
| Pre-drilling | Sometimes needed | Usually not needed |
| Use | Solid wood | Chipboard, MDF, plywood |
| Purpose | Pulling parts together | Holding power in loose fibres |
A wood screw is perfect for solid timber where pulling strength matters – think of door frames, beams, or classic furniture.
A chipboard screw gives stronger grip in man-made boards where fibres are more brittle and compact.
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Can you use them interchangeably?
In some cases yes — but rarely with the best results.
A chipboard screw in oak can be hard to drive or even snap, while a wood screw in chipboard may loosen over time.
As a simple rule of thumb:
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A fine thread and self-cutting point means chipboard screw.
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A smooth section under the head usually means wood screw.
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The evolution of the screw head
Older wood screws almost always had a slotted head. Today, most modern screws feature cross or Torx drives, which prevent slipping and allow faster installation with power tools. This is especially useful with chipboard screws, since they’re often used in bulk or for quick assembly.
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In summary
Knowing the difference means stronger, cleaner results.
The chipboard screw isn’t just a modern alternative — it’s a response to the rise of engineered materials in construction and furniture making.
In short: use wood screws for wood, and chipboard screws for chipboard.
Almost all of our products come with screws included, usually wood screws, so you can start installing right away.
We also offer separate screw packs that perfectly match our fittings collection — from black chipboard screws by Blackline for modern or industrial looks to brass wood screws for a refined, traditional finish.
Product examples:
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