Installing a fence can be overwhelming, especially considering the seemingly unlimited number of options to choose from. To help you sift through the options, below we will talk about the eight best screws for picket fences.
Grip-Rite Prime Guard MAXS62695
These screws are made of solid stainless steel, making them resistant to rust and corrosion, difficult to strip, and perfect for outdoor use. They have an extremely sharp point, so unless your fence is made of hardwood, you do not need to drill holes in before inserting screws. These screws are best if used in ceder, redwood, treated woods, plastic, and medium-density fibreboard.
These screws have star style head but do not come with a star drive bit. These screws have a great look and are known for being incredibly durable while having a strong grip. These are a great option for any wood fence and they’re priced relatively reasonably.
You can see the current pricing for the Prime Guard screws on Amazon here.
FastenMaster FMGD158-75 GuardDog
The Guard Dog screw is specifically for outdoor wood projects like fences and decks. This screw has been tested and approved for use in cedar, redwood, ACQ, and copper azole. FastenMaster has guaranteed this product to be rust-free for the entirety of its life.
This screw also has a versatile head style that will fit a Philips drive, #2 square, or PoziSquare drive bit. The screw also features sharp threads for quick and easy installation and has a color wash to match tan wood.
These screws are reportedly extremely durable and strong and are known for not stripping. These are sure to work great on your fence no matter the type of wood.
Each package you purchase also comes with a PoziSquare bit.
You can see the current pricing for these FastenMaster GuardDog screws on Amazon here.
The Hillman Group Galvanized Deck Screw
This deck screw is great for any outdoor project and would work great on a fence made with pressured-treated woods. If your fence is made of cedar or redwood, then you may want to stay away from this screw as it has been known to stain those woods.
With its galvanized finish, this screw is incredibly resistant to rust and corrosion. You can install these screws with either a flat head or Philips drive bit. Pre-drilling is recommended with this screw.
These screws are known to be of great quality, but may not be the best for your fence depending on what type of wood it is. If your fence is made of treated wood, I’d say go ahead, but if your fence is made of natural it may be best to choose something else.
You can see current pricing for the Hillman Galvanized Deck Screws on Amazon here.
Grip-Rite PrimeGuard Ten
This is a simple steel screw and is made for exterior wood projects. It has a sharp point for a fast start and fits a #2 Philips bit. It also has a countersinking head so it’s sure to leave a smooth finish.
You can use this screw-on natural wood and ACQ wood. This screw also comes with a 10-year warranty from the brand.
Though it may seem that these screws are lack in comparison with the others on this list, these screws are known for being great quality and shouldn’t be overlooked. That being said, there isn’t much we can say about how they hold up against the weather.
These screws are priced at $27 per unit with each unit holding 237 screws.
You can buy them at Lowes hardware here.
Simpson Strong-Tie Mechanically Galvanized Hex Exterior Wood Screw
This screw was specifically made for use in Simpson connectors but can be used in any wood project. The screw features patented serrated threads that make installation fast and are heat-treated for strength. The head is hex-style, though the package comes with a hex driver.
The screw is made of steel and has a galvanized finish to fight rust and corrosion. This screw is best for pressure-treated wood and may cause staining on cedar and redwood.
These screws are strong, easy to use, and are best if used with other Simpson appliances. That being said, these screws can be used as a stand-alone.
These screws are priced at $11 per unit with each unit holding 100 screws.
You can buy them at Lowes Hardware here.
Deck Plus Ceramic Deck Screw
This is a steel screw with a ceramic finish that provides great protection against weather and moisture. The ceramic coat is made with 4 different layers, a zinc layer, a chemical adhesion layer, an epoxy layer, and a protective finish, which combined made an incredibly durable finish resistant to rust and corrosion. This screw is great for treated wood.
The screw’s flat head will allow it to lay flat and its stardrive technology allows for a smooth drive. Each package will include a T25 star drive bit and also has a limited lifetime warranty.
These screws are known for their great quality and they are extremely easy to install. They are sure to last the entirety of your fence’s life.
These screws are priced at $30 per unit with each unit holding 310 screws.
You can buy them at Lowes Hardware here.
GRK Yellow Polymer-Countersinking Interior/Exterior Wood Screw
These steel screws are multi-purpose and according to GRK, can be used on wood, composite, plastic, sheet-metal, melamine, and cement fiberboard.
No need for pre-drilling as these screws have a fast bite point that provided easy installation. The screw also uses stardrive technology to eliminate stripping and has an optimized thread length to improve clamping. A T25 star bit is included in every package.
These screws are great for interior or exterior use and are best used on wood. They are reputable for being incredibly easy to install and of great quality. Though not much can be said about how they hold up against weather and moisture.
These screws are priced at $11 per unit with each unit holding 100 screws
You can buy them at Lowes hardware here.
DeckMate Star Flat-Head Wood Deck Screw
This is a steel screw with a polymer plated finish that is corrosion-resistant. The screw features a flute at its point that creates its own pilot hole so no pre-drilling is necessary. Also, features stardrive technology for easy installation and no stripping. T25 star bit is included in every package. The screw also countersinks for a smooth finish.
This screw is best used on treated wood but can be used on all wood types. Though some people report that these screws are not as easy to install as they claim to be, these screws are notable for being durable and long-lasting.
These screws are priced at $9.50 per unit with each unit holding 73 screws.
You can buy them at Home Depot here.
GRK Star Drive Low Profile Washer Head Cabinet Wood Screw
Though in the name it says that this screw is for wood cabinets this washer head style screw is a great option for a vinyl fence. When screwing vinyl you should use a washer head style screw so that your screw does not pop out of the vinyl.
This screw features stardrive technology to eliminate stripping and is coated in Climatek for durability and corrosion resistance. In addition to vinyl, it can also be used on wood fencing. A T15 star bit is included in every package.
These screws have a great gripe, are extremely strong, durable, and are, overall, a great option for vinyl fencing.
These screws are priced at $7 per unit with each unit containing 100 screws.
You can buy them at Home Depot here.
Kreg Square Blue Ceramic Plated Steel Washer Head Pocket Hole Screw
This is a great blue-kote washer head screw made with three layers that prevent corrosion. Kreg claims that these screws are 400% more rust-resistant than zinc-coated screws, meaning they are perfect for outdoor projects.
This screw features a square drive, which is not as strip resistant as a star drive, though a square bit is included in every package.
These screws are of great quality and extremely durable and while they are not the easiest to install, they are a great option for a vinyl fence. You are sure to not be disappointed.
These screws are priced $6.50 per unit with each unit containing 50 screws.
You can buy them at Home Depot here.
GRK Yellow Polymer Round Washer Interior/Exterior Wood Screws
This is another screw that says it’s for wood but also works great on vinyl. It features stardrive technology for eliminating striping and a w-cut point for easy installation. The screw also features a zip-tip so there is no pre-drilling involved. A T15 star drive bit is included in every package.
This screw is made of steel with a Climatek polymer finish to help combat corrosion and rust. It also comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
These screws are incredibly tough and durable. Also, reviewers love the ease of installation that comes with these screws. These screws are sure to be a great option for a vinyl or wood fence.
These screws are priced at $7 per unit with each unit containing 100 screws.
You can buy them at Lowes Hardware here.