Screws are such a reliable piece of kit. Unfortunately, over time, not all screws will stay fastened as we would like. There are a myriad of reasons why screws can become loose, many of them no fault of the builder. However, there are also many ways we can ensure screws stay in their place for longer.
Whether you’re screwing into wood, concrete, drywall or anything else, here are some tips to make sure your screws hold firm, no matter the job.
Why Do Screws Come Loose? Common Causes
If you’re struggling with loose screws in particular areas or jobs, chances are at least one of these three factors is to blame.
Impacts & Shocks
One of the most common reasons for screws coming loose over time is the weight they have to deal with. Anything that can move the screw, even by the smallest margin, will add up and eventually cause the screw to self-loosen.
Vibrations are a common cause for screws self-loosing – this could be due to a nearby appliance like a washing machine or due to the movements of the thing being screwed itself. Likewise, any hits or constant small movements (common for things like hangers) will slowly cause a screw to loosen over time, regardless of how well it has been inserted.
Temperature Changes
This problem is commonly associated with wood screws but can be experienced elsewhere too. Over time, as temperatures fluctuate, the joints and holes hosting screws can expand and contract, forcing the screw to lose its grip.
When the surface expands – say, during the summer months – the screw’s threads will lose some of their purchase. When the surface contracts, this can push the screw head out of the surface.
As with impacts and shocks, over time, these minimal movements can add up to a screw ultimately losing its grip.
Over or Under-Tightening Screws
Not inserting screws the right way is one surefire way to cause them to become loose. Often, the cause of this is not having the right screw or drill hole in the first place.
Over-tightening a screw can damage the threads and the screw head, causing it to lose grip. Under-tightening risks not creating a strong enough load-bearing force while also leaving more room for vibrations and impacts to shake loose the fixing.
Tips to Secure Loose Screws
If you’re worried about a particular screw coming loose, there are many different things you can do, regardless of the specific job at hand.
Use the Right Size Screw
First things first, make sure you have the right screw for the job. Beyond the basic fact of using the right screw for the right material, it’s also important to get the right size.
If what you’re screwing comes with pre-existing holes, the type and size of screw needed should be more straightforward. If you’re having to drill your own hole first, make sure you drill at the right size and get the right screw for the hole you’re creating.
A common mistake is using too short screws, which many people try to compensate for by over-tightening. If you’re in doubt, it may be worth considering a slightly longer screw.
Use a Filler
If you need to screw into a specific hole but the space has become worn down by previous screws, it can be a good idea to use filler. Whether to fill the hole completely or just to make it tighter, things like wood filler can help your screw get the purchase it needs to stay locked in place.
Screwing directly into wood filler does come with specific considerations, as it logically doesn’t provide the same level of support as drilling straight into a material. However, if it’s used to narrow an expanded hole, it can be a good option to consider.
Use a Thread Locker
If you want to make sure a screw holds and know it’s going to be under strain – either from weight or constant impacts and movements – then it could be worth considering a thread locker to help keep it in place.
Available as liquid glues or dry patches, thread lockers, as the name suggests, are applied to a screw’s threads to help them grip once inserted. When used alongside the right screws and ensuring they’re inserted correctly, thread lockers can help give screws that extra bit of support to help them stay tight.
Use a Washer
Using a screw washer is a great way to add support to load-bearing screws. A washer helps to distribute the force being put on the surface by the screw, reducing the likelihood of load-bearing stress damaging the hole and loosening the screw.
There are various types of washers for different materials and jobs. Just as you take care to find the right screw, it’s important to find the right washer for your job to give the material maximum support.
With these tips (alongside the correct insertion of the screws themselves!) you should be able to rest easy knowing your screws will be solid for a long time to come. We stock a wide range of screws for all materials on our site, available at low trade prices and with fast delivery to support you on your next job.
