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Woodworking Screws: Pocket Hole, Torx & Countersunk Varieties
The master guide to modern woodworking screws. Deep dive into self-countersinking nibs, Type 17 slash points, square vs Torx drives, and pocket-hole screw selection.
The Evolution of Modern Wood Screws
Traditional wood screws required three separate operations: drilling a pilot hole, drilling a clearance hole in the top board, and countersinking the top for the screw head. Modern performance woodworking screws combine all three into a single fast driving step.
- Type 17 Slash Point: A miniature auger flute cut into the point that cuts wood fibers and ejects shavings, preventing board splitting.
- Under-Head Reaming Nibs: Small raised cutting ribs under the countersunk head that shave a clean chamfer into timber as the screw sets flush.
- Wax Coating: Factory-applied dry lubricant reducing driving torque by up to 40%, extending cordless tool battery life.