Screws - Slotted or Cross-type. Which one is best?

square_bear

I've just been sorting out my wood screws and found that I have a lot of slotted screws left.

This is because I prefer the cross-type ones as the screwdriver is less prone to slip from the head.

Why do they still make the slotted screws if more people prefer the cross type ones?

aboard_epsilon

because they look better ..for example in hinges for doors or when on view .

the posies are better ...but if you have a situation where-by, like me, you are trying to install taditional joinery ..then slot head is prefered to be on view .

all the best.markj

square_bear

The the cross type are quicker to use with a battery screwdriver/drill, I find.

I suppose the slotted are mainly used with a normal screwdriver.

So how it looks is one of the main factors then?

27col

Philips or Pozidrive are infinitely preferable from the point of view of driving them in and out. Particularly if the screw is inaccessible or in a dark place and difficult to see. Also, I think that I am right in saying that cross headed screws are generally of a parallel form and not tapered as are slot headed screws. Thus they usually drive in with a simple pilot hole, or sometimes without. However it is probably true to say that a slotted screw head is nicer to look at.

darich

27col wrote: »

Also, I think that I am right in saying that cross headed screws are generally of a parallel form and not tapered as are slot headed screws. Thus they usually drive in with a simple pilot hole, or sometimes without.

All wood screws are tapered with a cross head.
I know because I've worn myself out several times building decking with them!!

Slot headed screws are normally parallel and used for applicartions like inside plugs, light fittings, joining metal panels etc.

keystone

darich wrote: »

All wood screws are tapered with a cross head.

Oh no they're not!

Cheers

iamcornholio

Slotted are good for when the screw is likely to be painted over, as they are easier to clear out. Also good for [soft] brass which will wear out with a phillips recess and more generally they are easier to get out if fixed tight even with a bit of wear

Also slotted heads are easier to use in smaller diameter heads and more suitable where the screw heads are anything other than countersunk

optimus_primera

I find that more and more 'varieties' of screw fastener are 'cross headed' these days.
The abundance of power drivers probably has something do with it.

I reckon its filtering down from manufacturers, these days most things are assembled with cross head, or more common now torx head, as these are quicker and easier to use to assemble things for companies.