Why are Coach Screws a popular choice?

Coach screws like many fixings and fasteners come in a variety of sizes and lengths, but why are they so popular across a growing number of sectors, by both DIY enthusiasts and professionals alike.

One thing we do get asked about coach screws is if you need to use a washer with them. There are some benefits for using a washer with a hex head coach screw but in general these screws don’t need a washer and are classed as a single component fixing.

Even though they are classed as a single component fixing, some do prefer to use washers. The benefit of using a washer is that it allows for a flat surface for the larger hexagon screw head to fix against.

Using the washer also helps to reduce the timber from splitting as the screw is tightened. With a hex head on the coach screws the torque applied can be high and the washer can offer protection.

Washer or no washer, the coach screws are often a popular choice for several reasons and let’s look at a few reasons

• Strong and durable: Coach screws are made to last and manufactured from robust steel with a bright zinc plating and in stainless steel. Both can withstand substantial loads and offer various levels of resistance to corrosion. A4 stainless steel coach screws offer exception resistance to corrosion and are often used in marine situations. A combination of robust materials and corrosion resistance makes them a popular choice.
• Deep threads: Coach screws feature deep, coarse threads that provide excellent holding power and pull-out resistance. The threads are designed to cut into the wood allowing for a strong grip and preventing the screw from easily loosening over time.
• Large hexagonal heads: Coach screws are noticeable by being a screw but manufactured with a hexagonal head. The larger flat hexagonal head allow the tightening force to be distributed over a wider area and helps to ensure the wood does not split. The larger hex head to these screws also allows for easy installation with a wrench or socket. The hex head allows for better torque transfer and by the very shape of the head reduces the risk of slipping during installation when compared to more conventional screws with a slotted or Phillips style heads.
• Versatility: The Coach screw is by its very nature a versatile screw and used by both DIY enthusiasts and professionals alike. Usages for these screws includes in the construction industries with larger wooden structures, securing various brackets. Coach screws are also an effective choice for securing items to harder materials like blocks, brick, and stone but a plastic wall plug must be used. A pre-drilled hole will be needed along with an appropriate wall plug inserted.
• Ease of installation: With Coach Screws being designed with a hexagon head makes them easy to install with a range of conventional tools. This sees the coach screw widely used across many sectors by both DIY enthusiast and professionals alike.
• Availability and cost-effective: Coach screws are readily available in a variety of lengths and diameters which ensures they are easy to source the correct size for a specific project. The screws are also a cost-effective solution for many construction and woodworking tasks, especially when compared to more specialised fasteners.

Coach screws are an effective and widely used fastener across many sectors and used due to their strength, availability, cost-effectiveness, durability, deep threads to aid in pull out resistance, ease of installation with conventional tools due to the hex head - an impressive combination.

Coach screws at Fusion Fixings

The range of Coach Screws at Fusion Fixings is growing with a wider selection being available in house ready to go. 

At time of writing this, Coach screw are available in bright zinc plating (BZP), and in both A2 and A4 stainless steel. All offer various levels of resistance to corrosion, with the A4 stainless steel varieties having the most effective corrosion resistance, which sees them widely used for external applications.

The range is also growing with an increasing number of widths and lengths available to suit numerous applications. Quantities also start from just one to as many as you require with bulk discounts for larger quantities.