screwing

Screwing is the act of fastening or joining objects using a screw. In mechanical terms, a screw is a cylindrical fastener with helical threads that engages with a tapped hole or nut. The verb screw describes the action of driving a screw into material, usually with a screwdriver or power drill. Colloquially, screwing can also refer to sexual intercourse, a usage considered vulgar in formal contexts.

Common screw types include wood screws, machine screws, and sheet-metal screws, each designed for different substrates and threads. Head styles vary (flat, pan, round, countersunk) and drive types (slotted, Phillips, Pozidriv, Torx). Materials range from carbon steel to stainless steel and brass, with coatings such as zinc or black oxide to resist corrosion. Thread forms include coarse and fine pitches, depending on material and load.

Installation: preparation includes selecting correct screw size, drilling pilot holes when needed, and aligning parts. Driving should be done straight and steady; over-tightening can strip threads, strip wood, or bend fasteners. Use appropriate tools and, where necessary, lubrication or thread-locking compounds. For precision assemblies, consult torque specifications.

Standards and safety: screws and fasteners conform to national/international standards (ISO, DIN, ANSI/ASME, UNI). Select materials and coatings based on environment.

Linguistic note: In everyday speech, screwing may be used as slang for sexual activity. This usage is informal and inappropriate in formal or technical writing. The term's meaning should be inferred from context.