I need to buy screws with a 1cm diameter head. How do I do this?

February 27, 2022 12:57 PM

It looks like screws are sold by size, but the size indicates the diameter of the screw’s shaft, not of its head. I don’t care about the shaft diameter. How can I buy screws by head diameter?

I need flathead Philips wood screws, with a 1cm head diameter, in iron or black metal. I need like 10 of them. This link leads me to believe I might be looking for a gauge 10 screw. Is that right? Or is there some other keyword/descriptor I should be using?

I obviously don't understand any of this, and I am hoping to avoid needing to learn & absorb the whole world of screws just to do this tiny thing. Please help me :)

posted by Susan PG to Home & Garden (12 answers total)

If all else fails, you can search for screws by head diameter on McMaster-Carr.
posted by Aleyn at 1:02 PM on February 27, 2022 [9 favorites]

Your profile says you’re in SF, so I would try Cole Hardware first. If they don’t have what you need, Ashby Lumber in Berkeley has an extensive fastener aisle that’s my favorite of all the locals.
posted by migurski at 1:09 PM on February 27, 2022 [1 favorite]

McMaster-Carr has #10 Philips flathead wood screws with black oxide finish in lengths ranging from 1-3”. Depending on length, you’d have to buy 25-100 of them. In most circumstances I’d agree with Spitbull that a local store would be a better option, but the black finish requirement makes that a long shot.
posted by jon1270 at 1:32 PM on February 27, 2022

Essentially every single style of bolt or screw made has a fixed relationship between head size and given thread. (i.e. every #10 slotted wood screw has a head diameter between .34-.38"; every #10-32 truss-head phillips machine screw has a head diameter of ~.45"). Wood screw charts.

Colors/finishes are more subtle though. What do you mean by "iron or black metal"? It doesn't seem like it always, but "black" is an uncommon screw color for screws which are exposed IME. Are you trying to match something which already exists?

(On the off hand this is for a hinge, you probably need #9 not #10)
posted by flimflam at 1:51 PM on February 27, 2022 [1 favorite]

Depending on what you’re going to use it for, cabinet screws or something with a cabinet hanging washer would get you the extra diameter you need. It will sit proud of the surface. I love GRK screws and they can be found with a stainless steal finish. Feel free to message me if you want to go into details.
posted by Nackt at 2:15 PM on February 27, 2022

Agreed that you'll be best served by a local hardware store. Discount Builders Supply is also a good option in SF (and is not just for pros).
posted by kdar at 2:20 PM on February 27, 2022 [2 favorites]

Center Hardware on Cesar Chavez and 3rd (3003 3rd St). They have EVERYTHING.
posted by kschang at 2:40 PM on February 27, 2022 [1 favorite]

Second mcmaster-carr. Supporting local business is good and all, but if you go in there asking for a screw with a specific head diameter they aren't gonna know off the top of their head. Mcmaster has dimensional spec available online for every fastener they sell and their online catalog is second to none.
posted by dudemanlives at 2:58 PM on February 27, 2022

Screws come with different heads that have different diameters. 'Button head' screws often have a much larger diameter head than others. so maybe try looking for those? Instead of using screws with such a large head (1 cm is going to be hard, maybe impossible to find), can you use screws with smaller heads and add a washer to give you the diameter you need? Washers are available in a variety of diameters, or you can use a smaller one and a large one to increase the diameter.

Definitely look for a 'real' hardware store and ask them. They may not stock them, but they'll happily give you advice on what exactly you are looking for or help you find an alternative solution. If possible, take with you the things you are trying to fasten together.
posted by dg at 3:03 PM on February 27, 2022

You can also color screw heads by various means ranging from electroplating to just dabbing some paint or nail polish on there.
posted by Acari at 5:28 PM on February 27, 2022 [1 favorite]

Be warned that if you go to your hardware store, they are going to ask you what you are trying to do.

You may not think it matters, but it kind of does, as can be gleaned from the range of answers you've got here.
posted by SaltySalticid at 6:09 PM on February 27, 2022 [3 favorites]

Drywall screws are often black. They are similar to wood screws, but not good if you're planning on using these to hold something up, unless that something is drywall.
posted by mrgoldenbrown at 8:19 PM on February 27, 2022