#8 Diameter Screws

Welcome to the “8-Diameter Screws” collection at Old West Iron. This group is organized by shank diameter (gauge) — in this case, screws with a #8 gauge — not by head size or style. A #8 screw has a shank (major/outer-thread) diameter of about 0.164 inches (≈ 4.16 mm). 

These #8 screws are among the most versatile and commonly used sizes — thick enough to offer solid holding strength for general woodworking and construction, yet still manageable in many projects. They’re ideal for tasks like furniture building, framing light- to medium-duty structures, cabinetry, and general joinery where a balance of strength and ease of handling is desired.

FAQ

Q: What does “#8” mean on a screw?
A: “#8” refers to the screw’s gauge — the diameter of the shaft (the outer thread). It does not refer to the head size or style. 

Q: Why are the screws grouped by shank diameter instead of head size?
A: Because for structural and functional purposes — strength, grip, and correct pilot-hole sizing — the shank diameter is the critical dimension. Head size and style affect appearance or how the screw sits, but not the screw’s nominal strength or suitability for a given load. 

Q: What kinds of projects are #8 screws good for?
A: #8 screws are a great all-purpose choice: general furniture construction, cabinetry, framing lighter structures, attaching hardware, and many other joinery or construction tasks where you need dependable holding power without the bulk of heavier gauge screws. 

Q: Will I find different head types under #8 screws?
A: Yes. Because our grouping is by shank diameter, screws labeled #8 may come with different head styles — flat-head, round-head, decorative, etc. Head style only affects how the screw sits or looks, not its basic diameter or strength.

Q: How do I choose whether a #8 screw is right, versus a thicker or thinner gauge?
A: Consider how much structural strength and material displacement you need. If you need strong holding for furniture or light framing, #8 often strikes a good balance. For very light work (like delicate trim), a smaller gauge (#4–#6) might be more suitable; for heavy structural loads, you might step up to #10 or larger.