Choosing the right screws for assembling and installing metal cabinets can make the difference between a stable, long-lasting finished product and a wobbly mess. With so many options available, it’s important to understand the pros and cons of different screw types to select the best fastener for your specific application. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about screws for metal cabinets.
Screw Head Styles
The head shape is one of the most important factors in choosing cabinet screws. Common options include:
Slotted/Flat Head
This basic screw head has a single slot for a flathead screwdriver. Slotted screws are inexpensive and allow quick driving, but they are also more likely to cam out (when the screwdriver slips out of the slot).
Phillips Head
Phillips feature a cross-shaped slot that fits Phillips screwdrivers. The angled shape provides excellent grip to prevent cam out. Phillips screws are very common for metal cabinets.
Pozidriv
Similar to Phillips, but with additional contact points for greater grip and reduced cam out. Pozidriv screws are resistant to stripping.
Torx/Star
Torx screws have a star-shaped recess that grips better than Phillips or slotted. They are unlikely to strip or cam out.
Hex Head (Allen)
These screws have a hexagonal socket that requires an Allen wrench. Hex offer high torque capability but the tools are less common.
External Torx (E-Torx)
E-Torx combine the benefits of Torx drives with the external accessibility of a hex head. Great for applications needing frequent removal/reinstallation.
Security Head Styles
Security screw heads like Torx Plus and spanner provide tamper resistance by requiring special drivers. Helpful for securing public furniture but not essential for home use.
Screw Point Styles
In addition to the head shape, the shape of the tip affects the screw’s function:
Standard Sharp Point
The basic pointed tip is suitable for most applications. Sharp points easily penetrate wood and sheet metal.
Drill Point
Drill point screws have a longer sharpened tip to bore into materials without pre-drilling. Great for metal studs or Wood.
Self-Tapping Point
Cuts its own thread pattern while driving without a pilot hole. Ideal for sheet metal cabinets and small gauge steels.
Self-Piercing Point
Similar to self-tapping but optimized for piercing sheet metal. Does not require pre-drilling.
Self-Drilling Point
Combines drilling, tapping, and piercing functions. Has a specially hardened tip to bore into hard materials.
Common Screw Materials
Metal cabinet screws come in a variety of materials, with steel being the most common:
Stainless Steel
Provides excellent corrosion resistance. More expensive but great for damp areas like bathrooms.
Zinc-Plated Steel
Steel screws with zinc coating for corrosion resistance. Most common option for cost and corrosion protection.
Black Oxide-Coated Steel
Oxide coating improves corrosion resistance for indoor use. The dark color blends into cabinets.
Brass
Attractive finish but weaker than steel. Usually used for decorative hardware and accents.
Nickel-Plated Steel
Decorative nickel finish over steel. Provides some corrosion protection.
Drive Types
The drive refers to the recess where the screwdriver tip engages:
Slotted Drive
Basic flat slot for a flathead screwdriver. Prone to cam out under torque.
Phillips Drive
Cross-shaped drive for Phillips screwdrivers. Designed to reduce cam out.
Pozidriv Drive
Similar to Phillips but with additional contact points for greater grip. Reduces cam out.
Square Drive
Square recess that fits Robertson screwdrivers. Resists cam out thanks to precise fit.
Torx Drive
Star-shaped recess grip screwdrivers better and virtually eliminate cam out issues.
Hex Socket Drive
Hexagonal socket drive uses Allen wrenches. Provides high torque transfer.
Screw Sizes
Cabinet screws come in a range of diameters, lengths, and threads:
Diameter
The thickness of the screw body. Common sizes are #4, #6, #8, #10, #12. Match hole pilot size.
Length
Length must accommodate material thickness. Too short fails to grab, too long sticks through.
Thread Count
Number of threads per inch. Coarse threads (lower count) are quicker driving. Fine threads provide greater holding power.
Partial Threading
Only a portion of the screw length is threaded to save cost and material in non-critical grip areas.
Fully Threaded
Threads run the entire length for maximum grip in crucial connections. Important for hinges.
Drive Style Combinations
Many screw types combine drive and head features:
- Slotted flat head – Flat slot and flat head. Basic screw type.
- Phillips flat head – Phillips drive with flat head. Common in metalwork.
- Phillips pan head – Phillips drive with rounded pan head. Provides a finished look.
- Phillips truss head – Phillips drive with low rounded head. Head sits flush.
- Torx pan head – Torx drive with pan head for cam out resistance.
- Torx flat head – Torx drive and flat head for increased engagement.
- Hex washer head – Hex socket drive and integrated washer. Reduces need for separate washers.
Best Uses for Common Screw Types
With so many options, it helps to know which fastener types work for specific cabinet installation needs:
Assembling cabinet boxes:
- Self-tapping/self-drilling – Quickly join thin sheet metal and steel parts without pre-drilling.
- Zinc-plated steel – Corrosion resistance for base cabinet interiors and shelving.
- Black oxide-coated – For dark visible areas like cabinet interiors.
- Phillips flat head – Flat head style provides a finished interior look.
Installing cabinet doors:
- Stainless steel – Withstands moisture on sink base and dishwasher cabinet doors.
- Zinc-plated steel – Affordable go-to option for most installs. Provides corrosion resistance.
- Torx pan head – Torx grip reduces cam out when driving screws into doors/drawer fronts.
- Brass – For a decorative touch on glass doors and accent panels.
Mounting cabinets to walls:
- Hex washer head – Integrated washer provides solid connection without extra hardware.
- Phillips pan head – Rounded head finishes nicely against walls. Zinc-plated for corrosion resistance.
- Lag bolts – For anchoring cabinets to wood studs and framing. Provides very secure grip.
- Hollow wall anchors – Allow mounting to drywall or other hollow wall types like plaster.
Securing cabinet hardware:
- Phillips truss head – Low rounded head sits flush against hinges, slides, and hardware.
- Stainless steel – Withstands moisture from hands and cleaning chemicals.
- Brass – Matches brass hardware accents for a cohesive look.
- Nickel-plated – Complements nickel and chrome hardware finishes.
Installing drawer slides:
- Phillips pan head – Rounded head provides clean finish for interior drawer work.
- Zinc-plated steel – Corrosion resistance for potentially damp interior locations.
- Fully threaded – Maximum grip for securing crucial slide connections.
Other Cabinets Screw Types
Beyond the most common options, here are some other specialty screw types used in cabinet installations:
- Pocket hole screws – Stepped design draws joints tight. Used with pocket hole jigs.
- ** biscuits** – Oval inserts install in slots to align cabinet joints. Require power biscuit joiner tool.
- Hanger bolts – Bolts with wood thread on one end, machine thread on the other. Hang cabinets from walls.
- Panel screws – Short large-head screws. Hold components like cabinet backs in place.
- **Washers **- Used under screw heads to distribute load on softer materials.
- Nuts – Fasten to machine threaded screws from the opposite side for through-mounting.
- Lock nuts – Nuts with nylon insert prevent loosening from vibration. Used on machinery.
- Set screws – Headless, fully threaded screws that tighten against components to lock orientation.
Choosing the Best Screws for Your Project
Keep these tips in mind when selecting screws for metal cabinet installations:
- Match metal type – Use stainless steel for stainless steel cabinets, zinc-plated for galvanized, etc.
- Consider visibility – Brass and nickel for accents, black oxide for hidden areas.
- Get the right size – Measure thickness and find appropriately sized screws.
- Factor in disassembly – Slotted or Phillips allow easier future removal. Security screws deter tampering.
- Limit materials pierced – Avoid self-piercing points on finished cabinet surfaces.
- Use fully threaded for slides/hinges – Critical connections warrant full-length thread engagement.
- Pre-drill for bigger screws – Pilot holes prevent splitting, make driving easier.
- Double up on studs – Two screws provide greater holding power on wall stud mounts.
- Use washers if needed – Distribute load on soft materials like plastic laminates.
With the wide selection of screw sizes and drive types available, you are sure to find the perfect fastener for any metal cabinet project. Taking material, location, and purpose into account will ensure your cabinets have secure screwed connections built to last. Don’t settle for the wrong screws – let this guide help you pick the best!
Frequently Asked Questions About Cabinet Screws
What size screws should I use to mount cabinets to studs?
For mounting cabinets to wood studs, #8 or #10 size screws that are 2 1⁄2 to 3 inches long are recommended. This provides sufficient length to grab the 1 1⁄2 inch cabinet backing plus the depth of the wallboard and penetrate at least 1 inch into the stud.
What is the strongest screw for cabinets?
Lag bolts and wood screws provide the strongest grip for securing cabinets to wall studs. For joining cabinet components, choose screws with coarse threads and drill pilot holes to maximize holding strength.
Can I use drywall screws for cabinets?
Drywall screws should be avoided for cabinet installs. Their thin shafts are prone to snapping under shear load. Opt for sturdier wood screws or coarse-thread screws specifically designed for assembling cabinets.
Should I pre-drill holes for cabinet screws?
Pre-drilling is recommended, especially when using larger diameter screws. This prevents splitting the wood and makes driving the screws easier. Use a bit slightly smaller than the screw diameter.
What screw head is best for installing cabinets?
For installing cabinets, Phillips and Pozidriv heads offer optimal grip and resistance to cam out. Pan heads provide a clean finished look. Flat heads work for interior cabinet assembly.
How do I keep metal cabinet screws from rusting?
Use stainless steel or zinc-plated screws to prevent discoloration and rusting on metal cabinets. For steel cabinets, match the screw head color to the cabinet finish – black oxide, zinc, or stainless steel.
What kind of screw heads work with a power drill?
Slotted and Phillips head screws may slip and strip when driven by power drill. For best results, choose a drive type like Torx, Square, or Hex that firmly grips the bit to prevent cam out under power drilling.
Can I use the same screws for cabinet doors and drawers?
The same screw type can be used, but the length needs to be adjusted. Use shorter screws for securing cabinet doors and longer screws that will go through the cabinet front when installing drawer slides or fronts.
Should I use screws or nails for assembling cabinets?
Screws form a stronger, more secure connection than nails. They are also easier to remove which helps make cabinets adjustable if needed. Nails are quicker but screws are the preferred fastener.
Conclusion
Installing and assembling metal cabinets comes with a wide array of screw options. By understanding the differences between drive types, head shapes, sizes, and materials, you can select optimized fasteners for every application. Matching the screws to the specific cabinet materials, expected load, and accessibility needed will result in secure, long-lasting mounted cabinets. With this comprehensive guide’s help, your next metal cabinet screw selection will be easy!