Schroefgleuf

Schroefgleuf is a Dutch term for a screw groove or channel cut into a workpiece to guide and secure a screw. The groove is typically shallow and straight, running parallel to the edge or surface where the screw will be inserted. Its primary purpose is to hold the head of a screw in place, reducing the risk of the screw turning or slipping during tightening. By providing a shallow recess, the screw head is prevented from protruding beyond the surface, which is important for aesthetic finish and for maintaining a flush join.

In woodworking and metalworking, Schroefgleuven (plural) are created using a router, a drill with a specialized bit, or a saw equipped with a groove cutting attachment. The depth and width of the groove can be varied to accommodate different screw sizes, thread pitches, and head types, such as countersunk, pan, or button heads. The groove may also be slightly angled to match the angle of tapered screws used in some assemblies.

Furniture makers, cabinetiers, and manufacturers of metal fittings frequently use Schroefgleuven to improve the reliability of fastenings. In addition to structural strength, the groove allows for a cleaner finish, as it prevents the screw head from emerges and reduces the need for additional finishing steps. The technique is also employed in automotive and aerospace components where precise positioning of fasteners is critical.