Fittings
A handle without the right fitting is merely a beautiful art piece.
Albeit, the least visually stimulating, and often ignored by the average consumer shopping for hardware, the fittings are crucial in the installation process which directly impacts its usability and experience – it can make or break a well-crafted hardware piece.
It is important for us to empower you, the consumer, with the basic information and understanding of what you’re bringing home and how to correctly use it.
Anatomy of a Screw
The anatomy of a screw can be broken down into 3 parts: driver, head and thread
A
DRIVER
The driver (aka recess) are the shapes/grooves on top of screws, used to ‘connect’ the screwdriver in order to tighten/loosen screws.
Common drive shapes:
01. MINUS
This is a popular type with a straight linear intrusion across the head. While it looks minimal and clean, they are better suited for projects that require a few screws and can be tightened manually, rather than a powered drill as pressure could cause it to slip sideways.
visual identifier: Looks like a minus sign ( – ) tool type: Flat head screwdriver/bit aka: Slotted, Flat Blade, Flat Head, Straight
02. Plus/Phillips
This cross shaped recess were invented to be able to take more torque. You can easily use a drill with this screw because the self centering design allows it to remain in place when you apply force from a drill.
visual identifier: Looks like a plus sign (+) tool type: Phillips head screwdriver/bit aka: Cross Head
03. Hex
This type has hexagonal sockets in their heads. Hex screws have gained popularity (thanks to DIY Ikea furniture) and often come with a matching hex key to help loosen/tighten.
visual identifier: Hexagonal (6-sided) shape tool type: Hex/Allen key/bit aka: Allen type, Hexagon
04. Torx
Torx is the trademarked name of heads with a six-point star intrusion. This shape boasts of a rounded star or flower shape which enables it to tolerate high torque (more than the Phillips type). It is known for efficiency and security purpose since it’s difficult to take apart.
visual identifier: 6-point star/flower shape (*) tool type: Hex/Allen key/bit aka: Star type
B
Head type
The distinctly shaped protrusions on top of the screws is the screw head. The various drivers mentioned above are visible on top of the head.
01. Countersunk
This type is called ‘countersunk’ because they literally ‘sink’ into the surfaces they are installed in. Unlike traditional screws that protrude out, a countersunk head is designed to flush with the surface. We usually provide this head type with our products for seamless installation.
visual identifier: Conical shape with a flat top aka: Flat head
02. Domehead
As the name suggests, this head type has a round top and large diameter. They have a flat underside meant to be driven into a pre-tapped/clearance hole. These sit above the work surface and tend to be used for a decorative finish.
visual identifier: Round top with a flat underside
C
Thread type
A screw thread can be identified by the type of ridge wrapped around a cylinder or cone.
01. Wood/Concrete
Designed with a sharp, spaced out ridge and a tapered point, this type is able to self centre on wooden panels/walls. Such screws are best installed after drilling a pilot hole. Installation creates a mating thread throughout this hole which assists with pullout strength.
02. Machine
The ridges in this type are closely packed and are designed to align with a threaded nut or hole which matches its diameter and thread count. Due to the compacted nature of the threading, each crest can handle a lot of load.
Basics/Need to know
1
Screw terminology
(standard thread diameter size) x (length of thread)
In this case, M4 means the thread diameter is 4mm. This information is crucial to determine the diameter of the hole you’ll need to make on your panel. M4, M5, M6, M8, M10 & M12 are the most common thread sizes.
Meanwhile, the length of thread should be chosen according to the panel thickness. Our standard is 20mm that accommodates panels between 12-18mm thickness.
It is important to also note the type of threading (machine or wood) on the screw to know the type of hole you’ll need to drill.
2
Average panel size
Furniture/Cabinet panels: 12-18 mm
Doors: 25 - 40 mm
Sliding Door/Windows: 18 - 25 mm
3