What Is a Brass Round Head Screw?

A brass round head screw is a classic wood screw made from solid brass with a domed, surface-mounted head. Unlike countersunk screws, a round head screw sits proud of the surface, making the head visible as part of the finished look.

Because brass is naturally corrosion-resistant and doesn’t stain timber, these screws are popular in:

• Joinery
• Cabinet making
• Furniture restoration
• Decorative fixings
• Brass hardware installation
• Electrical plate fixings
• Period property renovations

They give a clean, traditional appearance that complements timber and brass fittings.

Why Choose Brass Screws?

Brass offers several advantages over standard steel screws:

✔ Corrosion resistance

Brass won’t rust or react with most timbers, making it ideal for interior joinery and decorative work.

✔ Matches brass hardware

Hinges, latches, handles, hooks, and antique fittings are commonly brass. Using a brass round head screw gives a seamless finish.

✔ Doesn’t stain timber

Unlike some steel fixings, brass won’t bleed or leave dark marks in wood over time.

✔ Ideal for period or decorative work

The polished head is part of the visual finish, especially important for furniture, cabinets and heritage work.

When to Use Round Head vs Countersunk vs Raised Head Screws

At Fast Fixings Online, we stock three main types of brass wood screws:

1. Round Head (Most Decorative)

A brass round head screw is ideal when the screw head will remain visible and form part of the design.
Perfect for:

• Surface-mounted hinges
• Door latches
• Electrical faceplates
• Ironmongery and fittings
• Furniture details
• Cover strips and brackets

Round head screws are also useful when you don’t want to countersink into delicate or thin timber.

2. Countersunk Head (Flush Finish)

Brass countersunk screws sit flush with the timber surface. Use these when you want a smooth finish that won’t sit proud.

Typical uses:

• Hinges
• Door furniture
• Cabinet making
• General joinery

This is the most common type for structural brass fixings.

3. Raised Head (Decorative & Partial Countersink)

Raised head brass screws have a slightly domed top with a countersunk underside.
They’re ideal when:

• You want a neater, traditional look
• The screw will sit partially into timber but still show a decorative head

Often used in restoration work and furniture projects.

Installation Tips: Preventing Brass Screws from Snapping

Brass is softer than steel, which means it can shear if forced. Follow these steps for a clean, frustration-free install:

✔ Pre-drill a pilot hole

This reduces strain on the screw and the timber.

✔ Use a steel screw first (optional but recommended)

Drive a steel screw in and remove it — this “cuts” the thread into the timber.
Then replace it with the brass screw.

✔ Use the correct driver bit

Most brass round head screws are slotted, so use a properly sized flat-head bit to avoid cam-out.

✔ Drive by hand for control

Cordless drivers can easily over-torque brass. A hand screwdriver gives better control, especially for finish work.

Where Brass Round Head Screws Work Best

Choosing a brass round head screw is ideal when:

• The screw head will be visible
• You’re matching brass hardware
• You’re completing decorative timber work
• Appearance and finish matter
• You’re restoring antique furniture or joinery
• You want a traditional, classic look

They’re not intended for structural loads, but for decorative and light-to-medium wood fixing, they’re perfect.