Re: How the force applied to a screw makes it move?

Hi,

To understand how a screw really works, you must have advanced knowledge of quantum field theory. But the for the lay - person: A screw works by transferring the force from of the turning action of the screwdriver of the head to the thread. As the thread is moving into the solid there is a normal reaction from the material you are pushing into. As the thread is angled, a component of this reaction force acts in the direction you want the screw to move. The perpendicular component of this force is cancelled by the turning force, so it doesn't move sideways.

Happy DIY

Paul Henderson