Nails are, by design, temporary fasteners. They split or wedge the wood fibers apart as they enter the material. Screws go in easier, hold tighter and resist rust longer.

Although wood screws have been around for ages, they are generally found in only a few locations in older homes. Today, construction screws are being used by quality-conscious builders and do-it-yourselfers to attach subfloor, connect framing, build stairs, mount windows and doors, install sheathing, siding and trim, assemble and install cabinets, attach mortar board, install drywall, and the list goes on.

The biggest challenge a do-it-yourselfer has when using screws instead of nails is becoming familiar with how to use a screw gun. A crash coarse in screw gun 101 beats bent nails, smashed fingers and the ominous blemish caused by the strike of a wayward hammer.