Are You Familiar With the Wafer Head Screw and Its Applications?

SPAX T-STAR plus Wafer Head fasteners offer a low-profile, large diameter head that maximizes dampening (or pull-down) force. They are ideal for applications involving plywood, OSB, Douglas fir, and southern pine.

So, how familiar are you with the wafer head screw and its many applications? If your knowledge is limited, we invite you to get to know this particular type of fastener. As far as multi-material screws go, the wafer head fastener is one of the most versatile.

What Defines a Wafer Head Fastener

The wafer head fastener takes its name from its head design. A wafer head is a low-profile head with a larger diameter compared to the fastener's body and shank. It offers a distinct advantage in its one-piece design.

The larger-diameter wafer head creates more contact with the material underneath, so there is no need for an additional washer to achieve a firm hold. You get a larger surface area for a stronger connection while maintaining an aesthetically clean look.

Several Benefits to Consider

Every type of screw has its ideal applications. Multi-material screws are so named because they are associated with multiple applications via multiple materials. That begs the question of why you might choose wafer head fasteners over other options.

Some things to consider:

1. The wafer head's low profile makes for a screw that sits almost flush with the material under it. That makes it ideal for furniture, cabinetry, window installation, wood panel attachments, and shelving.

2. The wafer head offers a wider surface area that distributes holding force more evenly. Wafer head screws are less likely to pull through materials like soft wood.

3. Despite the wafer head's larger surface area, its low profile still creates an aesthetically clean look.

How to Choose the Right One

Being multi-material screws, wafer head fasteners come in a variety of designs intended for different applications. Depending on the application you're looking at, choosing the right one could be a bit of a challenge. Here are four tips for making the right choice on every job:

• Match Materials – It pays to match your materials. Use T-STAR plus Wafer Head fasteners with HCR-X™ for outdoor furniture, T-STAR plus Wafer Head fasteners with yellow zinc coating for cabinet assembly, and so on. Remember that pre-drilling is never necessary when driving SPAX wafer head fasteners into wood.

• Consider Drive Type – Consider the type of drive you will use on the job in question. Matching drive bit to the screw's built-in driver minimizes camming out. You'll work faster and avoid a common frustration. Note that the SPAX T-Star plus drive is designed for superior bit engagement that reduces stripping.

• Consider Thread Type – Different threads serve different purposes. Make sure your thread choice matches the material you are working with.

• Consider Size and Length – Both the materials you are working with and the amount of holding power you need influence the head size and length of your screws. Carefully consider both before making a choice.

The wafer head fastener is one of the unsung heroes among multi-material screws. When used properly for an appropriate application, the wafer head screw does a fantastic job of holding strong and minimizing aesthetic noise. We invite you to learn more about all the wafer head fasteners sold under the SPAX brand.