Screws typically cost about $0.03-$1.20 each, depending on size, metal, coating, and whether they are bought by the box or individually. For common home repairs, a small pack usually costs $4-$15; specialty stainless steel, structural, and machine screws can cost considerably more.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Common wood screws | $4 | $8 | $15 | Box of 100-200 |
| Drywall screws | $5 | $9 | $16 | 1-pound pack |
| Deck screws | $18 | $32 | $55 | 5-pound box |
| Stainless machine screws | $8 | $16 | $35 | Pack of 100 |
| Structural screws | $0.35 each | $0.75 each | $1.50 each | Price varies by length and rating |
What a Box of Screws Costs by Type and Size
For routine indoor repairs, zinc-plated wood or drywall screws are among the least expensive choices. A box of 100 basic wood screws commonly runs $4-$12, or roughly $0.04-$0.12 per screw. Drywall screws sold by weight cost about $5-$16 per pound, with the number of screws per pack changing by length and gauge.
Outdoor and load-bearing jobs generally cost more. A 5-pound box of coated deck screws is often $18-$55, while a box of 50 structural screws may cost $18-$75. Assumptions: U.S. retail pricing, standard brands, common sizes, and ordinary store availability; local taxes are not included. For a typical household project, budgeting $5-$35 for a usable pack covers many common screw types.
How Steel, Coatings, and Packaging Shape the Quote
The price is usually driven by the fastener itself rather than separate labor or equipment charges when screws are purchased retail. Materials and protective finishes account for most of the difference between a basic indoor screw and a corrosion-resistant or load-rated product.
| Quote component | Typical price | What changes it | Common example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon steel screws | $0.03-$0.20 each | Diameter, length, drive style | Wood or drywall packs |
| Coated or galvanized screws | $0.08-$0.45 each | Coating thickness and exposure rating | Exterior deck boxes |
| Stainless steel screws | $0.12-$1.20 each | Grade, size, and quantity | Marine or wet-area hardware |
| Structural screws | $0.35-$1.50 each | Load rating and approved application | Framing and ledger connections |
| Shipping or small-order fee | $5-$15 | Supplier, order size, delivery speed | Online specialty orders |
Small assortments can carry a higher per-screw price because packaging, labeling, and retail handling are spread across fewer pieces. Comparing the package price per 100 screws often reveals whether a larger box is genuinely cheaper.
Which Screw Specs Push the Price Up?
Length and diameter affect material use, but size also determines how specialized a screw must be. A common #8 screw measuring 1-1/4 inches may cost pennies in a bulk box, while a 4-inch structural screw with a high load rating may cost $0.75-$1.50 each. Buying a less common diameter or length can also reduce package options.
Metal and exposure conditions matter. Standard zinc-plated steel is generally intended for dry indoor locations; stainless steel or heavy-duty exterior coatings can raise unit prices by 50%-300% or more. For coastal or persistently wet locations, corrosion resistance can matter more than the lowest shelf price.
Quantity is another threshold: packs of 100-500 common screws often cost less per unit than small 10-25-piece packages, while specialty fasteners may be sold in limited quantities with little bulk discount. Example: a 100-count box at $10 costs $0.10 per screw; a 20-count pack at $5 costs $0.25 each.
Can Buying Bulk or Changing Materials Lower the Price?
Bulk purchasing can reduce the per-unit price when the project uses one standard size repeatedly. A 1-pound drywall pack may cost $5-$16, while larger 5-pound or 25-pound boxes can bring the unit cost down, though the upfront expense and unused inventory may outweigh savings for a small repair.
Choose material to match the location instead of automatically upgrading every screw to stainless steel. For dry indoor framing, standard or coated steel may be appropriate; for decks, use fasteners rated for exterior exposure and compatible with the lumber treatment. Avoid substituting an unrated screw where the connection carries structural loads.
Before ordering, confirm the required length, head type, drive bit, and quantity. Mixed assortments can be convenient, but unused sizes raise the effective cost. Compare the same specifications across suppliers, including shipping and minimum-order charges.
Why Screw Prices Differ Across U.S. Stores
Common hardware prices are relatively consistent nationwide, but local retail markups, freight, and product availability create differences. Small packs in high-cost urban areas may run about 5%-15% above typical national retail pricing; rural stores may charge more for specialty sizes because fewer suppliers compete or restock frequently.
Online sellers may offer lower per-piece prices on bulk boxes, but shipping can erase the discount on a modest order. A $12 box with $8 shipping effectively costs $20 before tax. Compare delivered totals, not just the listed box price.
Construction-grade and specialty orders can vary more than household packs. Regional demand, supplier inventory, and freight matter most for large quantities, stainless fasteners, and structural products rather than common indoor screws.
When Specialty Screws Cost More Than Standard Fasteners
Three example purchases show how specifications affect a real budget:
- Indoor shelf repair: 100 zinc-plated wood screws at $0.06-$0.12 each cost about $6-$12, excluding tools.
- Small deck repair: 5 pounds of coated deck screws at $18-$40 may provide roughly 350-500 screws, or about $0.04-$0.11 each.
- Exterior ledger connection: 50 load-rated structural screws at $30-$75 cost about $0.60-$1.50 each, depending on length and approval rating.
Specialty fasteners cost more when they use corrosion-resistant alloys, engineered threads, approved load ratings, or proprietary drive systems. In these applications, ordinary screws may not be a valid substitute. Compare products with the same material, dimensions, and rating rather than choosing by unit price alone.
What Installation Labor Adds to a Screw Project
For a small do-it-yourself repair, labor is typically the owner’s time, and the main extra expense may be a compatible driver bit or drill. A bit set can cost about $5-$25; a basic drill purchase is much more, though it can be reused. For contractor work, screws are usually bundled into the project quote rather than billed individually.
Handyman rates commonly fall around $50-$100 per hour, with minimum visit charges of roughly $75-$150 in many markets. A simple task taking 1-2 hours could therefore add $75-$200 in labor, separate from materials.
Labor rises when screws are stripped, rusted, buried, or difficult to access. Removal and replacement can add 15-30 minutes per problem area, and damaged wood may require repair before new fasteners will hold. Ask whether the quote includes removal, replacement hardware, and any minimum service charge.