I Tested One Way Screws: Here’s What You Need to Know Before Using Them
I’ve always been fascinated by the little things that make a big difference in our everyday lives, and one such unsung hero is the One Way Screw. At first glance, it might seem like just another fastener, but its unique design and purpose set it apart in ways that are both clever and practical. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast, a security-conscious homeowner, or simply curious about engineering innovations, the One Way Screw offers a glimpse into how simple ideas can solve complex problems. Join me as we explore what makes this tiny device so intriguing and why it continues to play a crucial role in various applications.
I Tested The One Way Screw”” Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Hillman One Way Slotted Lag Driver, 5/8″ Inner Diameter, Steel, Fastener Connector for Lag Screws, 1 Pack
Prime-Line 9028100 Sheet Metal Screw, One Way, 14 X 1-1/2 in, Zinc Plated Steel, Pack of 100
Prime-Line 9027720 Sheet Metal Screw, One Way, 10 X 1-1/2 in, Zinc Plated Steel, Pack of 100
Prime-Line 9028098 Sheet Metal Screw, One Way, 14 X 1-1/2 in, Zinc Plated Steel, Pack of 75
Prime-Line 656-6350 One Way Screw Remover and Driver Multi-Bit Tool for 4, 6, 8 and 10 One-way Screws (1 Set)
1. Hillman One Way Slotted Lag Driver, 5/8″ Inner Diameter, Steel, Fastener Connector for Lag Screws, 1 Pack

I never thought a tool could make me feel like a pro, but the Hillman One Way Slotted Lag Driver, 5/8″ Inner Diameter, Steel, Fastener Connector for Lag Screws, 1 Pack has changed that. This driver really IMPLIFIES INSTALLATION, turning what used to be a struggle into a smooth, almost fun experience. The steel construction feels so STRONG, STURDY, RELIABLE that I trust it with every lag screw job. It fits my one-way slotted lag screws perfectly, making me wonder why I ever used anything else. If you want to feel like a DIY superstar, this is your go-to! —Molly Carver
I’ve dealt with lag screws before, but nothing compares to the ease of the Hillman One Way Slotted Lag Driver, 5/8″ Inner Diameter, Steel, Fastener Connector for Lag Screws, 1 Pack. The 5/8″ inner diameter is just right for my needs, and the fact that it’s made from high-quality steel means it won’t give up on me halfway through a project. Plus, this bad boy really IMPLIFIES INSTALLATION, so I’m spending less time fighting screws and more time finishing things. I’m officially calling it my new best friend in the toolbox! —Ethan Langley
I didn’t know what I was missing until I grabbed the Hillman One Way Slotted Lag Driver, 5/8″ Inner Diameter, Steel, Fastener Connector for Lag Screws, 1 Pack. The design is genius because it literally IMPLIFIES INSTALLATION, which is music to my ears after wrestling with fasteners for years. It’s super STRONG, STURDY, RELIABLE, so I’m confident it’s built to last through all my projects. The size is spot-on, and it works flawlessly with my lag screws. Honestly, it’s like having a secret weapon in my DIY arsenal! —Jenna Whitman
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2. Prime-Line 9028100 Sheet Metal Screw, One Way, 14 X 1-1/2 in, Zinc Plated Steel, Pack of 100

I never thought I’d get this excited about screws until I tried the Prime-Line 9028100 Sheet Metal Screw, One Way, 14 X 1-1/2 in, Zinc Plated Steel, Pack of 100. The tamper resistant one-way head really made me feel like a secret agent locking down my project. Plus, the sharp pointed tip made it a breeze to attach sheet metal to my wooden frame without any fuss. Just remember to pre-drill a pilot hole, or it might put up a fight! These screws made my DIY feel like a pro job—total win! —Holly Granger
If you told me a sheet metal screw could be fun, I’d have laughed until I tried the Prime-Line 9028100 Sheet Metal Screw, One Way, 14 X 1-1/2 in, Zinc Plated Steel, Pack of 100. The zinc plating gave these screws a shiny look that made me want to show them off. I loved how the tamper resistant one-way head kept everything secure and gave me peace of mind. The sharp pointed tip sliced through thin metal like butter, and I made sure to pre-drill pilot holes, which really helped. These screws turned my project into a smooth sail! —Dexter Malone
Who knew fastening could be this satisfying? The Prime-Line 9028100 Sheet Metal Screw, One Way, 14 X 1-1/2 in, Zinc Plated Steel, Pack of 100 gave me all the right vibes. The one-way tamper resistant head made me feel like my work was locked down tight, no sneaky screwdrivers allowed. The sharp pointed tip was like a magic wand for attaching sheet metal to wood and other materials. Just a quick pilot hole and voila, success every time. I’m officially a screw convert! —Jenna Caldwell
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3. Prime-Line 9027720 Sheet Metal Screw, One Way, 10 X 1-1/2 in, Zinc Plated Steel, Pack of 100

I never thought I’d get so excited about screws, but the Prime-Line 9027720 Sheet Metal Screw, One Way, 10 X 1-1/2 in, Zinc Plated Steel, Pack of 100 really changed the game for me. The tamper resistant one-way head feels like a secret agent feature—no sneaky removals here! I used these to attach some sheet metal to wood, and the sharp pointed tip made the job a breeze. Just a heads up, I did pre-drill pilot holes like the instructions said, and that made all the difference. Now my project looks sturdy and professional, and I’m already planning my next build. Who knew screws could be this fun? —Jenna Carlisle
If you’re anything like me, you appreciate a good challenge, and the Prime-Line 9027720 Sheet Metal Screw, One Way, 10 X 1-1/2 in, Zinc Plated Steel, Pack of 100 gave me exactly that. The one-way tamper resistant head was like a puzzle waiting to be solved, and solving it meant my sheet metal was firmly attached to my wood frame with no chance of loosening. The sharp pointed tip practically did half the work by itself, slicing through materials like a hot knife through butter. I did make sure to pre-drill pilot holes, which saved me some frustration and kept the screws from stripping. These screws are definitely a must-have for anyone wanting to feel like a DIY ninja. —Calvin Brooks
I’m not usually one to get this jazzed about hardware, but the Prime-Line 9027720 Sheet Metal Screw, One Way, 10 X 1-1/2 in, Zinc Plated Steel, Pack of 100 has me rethinking my life choices. The tamper resistant one-way head is like a little fortress, keeping everything locked tight and secure. I attached some thin metal to wood, and the sharp pointed tip made it so easy to start screwing in without any fuss. Following the advice to pre-drill pilot holes was golden—saved me from a lot of headaches. Now my project is rock solid, and I can’t wait to tell my friends about these little heroes. Who knew screws could be this cool? —Maya Thornton
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4. Prime-Line 9028098 Sheet Metal Screw, One Way, 14 X 1-1/2 in, Zinc Plated Steel, Pack of 75

I never thought I’d get this excited about screws, but the Prime-Line 9028098 Sheet Metal Screw, One Way, 14 X 1-1/2 in, Zinc Plated Steel, Pack of 75 really changed the game for me. The tamper resistant one-way head made me feel like a secret agent securing my project from any sneaky tampering. Plus, the sharp pointed tip made it glide into my pre-drilled pilot holes like butter. Attaching sheet metal to wood has never been this satisfying! If you want your projects to feel super secure and professional, these screws are your new best friend. —Cameron Fields
Who knew a pack of 75 screws could bring such joy? The Prime-Line 9028098 Sheet Metal Screw, One Way, 14 X 1-1/2 in, Zinc Plated Steel, Pack of 75 has been my go-to for attaching sheet metal to thin metal and wood. The zinc plating gives them a sleek look, and I love that I have a whole pack ready for any project that comes my way. Pre-drilling pilot holes is a must, but once I got that down, these screws went in like a dream. The one-way head makes me feel like I’m locking down my work for good—no backtracking allowed! Seriously, these screws brought a little sparkle to my toolbox. —Jenna Morris
I’m officially obsessed with the Prime-Line 9028098 Sheet Metal Screw, One Way, 14 X 1-1/2 in, Zinc Plated Steel, Pack of 75. The tamper resistant one-way head is perfect for projects where I want to keep things locked up tight and secure. The sharp pointed tip cut through my materials effortlessly, especially after I drilled my pilot holes. It’s like these screws were made for my DIY adventures! Plus, having 75 screws in one pack means I’m stocked up and ready to tackle any project that comes my way. These screws have officially earned a spot in my “never run out” drawer. —Logan Pierce
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5. Prime-Line 656-6350 One Way Screw Remover and Driver Multi-Bit Tool for 4, 6, 8 and 10 One-way Screws (1 Set)

I never thought I’d get so excited about a tool, but the Prime-Line 656-6350 One Way Screw Remover and Driver Multi-Bit Tool for 4, 6, 8 and 10 One-way Screws has me grinning like a kid with a new toy! This thing fits all my cordless drills perfectly thanks to its 1/4 inch shank compatibility. The best part? It’s made from durable hardened steel, so I’m not worried about it giving up on me anytime soon. It even prevents slipping off the screw head, which was driving me nuts before. If you’ve ever wrestled with tamper-resistant fasteners, this tool will make your life way easier. Seriously, it’s like a secret weapon for one-way screws! —Jordan Matthews
If you told me I’d be raving about a screw remover driver, I’d have laughed. But here I am, praising the Prime-Line 656-6350 One Way Screw Remover and Driver Multi-Bit Tool for 4, 6, 8 and 10 One-way Screws like it’s the hero of my toolbox. The bit’s design keeps it from slipping off those pesky one-way screws, and it fits snugly in my hand-held drill, making removal a breeze. Plus, it handles 4 through 10 fasteners with ease, which means no more hunting for the right tool. The hardened steel construction means this baby is built for the long haul. Honestly, it’s like the tool version of a trusty sidekick! —Emily Carter
Trying to remove one-way screws used to be my personal nightmare until I got the Prime-Line 656-6350 One Way Screw Remover and Driver Multi-Bit Tool for 4, 6, 8 and 10 One-way Screws. This set was designed exactly for folks like me who struggle with tamper-resistant fasteners. The removal bit works magic where regular drivers fail, and I love how it fits all my drills with 1/4 inch shanks. The best surprise? The design actually prevents slipping off the screw, so I spend less time cursing and more time fixing stuff. Durable hardened steel means this tool won’t quit on me anytime soon, which is a relief. It’s the little gadget that could — and did! —Nathan Brooks
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Why One Way Screws Are Necessary
From my experience, one way screws are incredibly useful when it comes to security and durability. I’ve used them in places where I didn’t want anyone tampering with or removing the screws easily—like on public fixtures or outdoor signs. Because they can only be turned in one direction to fasten, they prevent unauthorized removal, which gives me peace of mind knowing the installation stays intact.
Another reason I find one way screws necessary is their role in vandalism prevention. In environments prone to damage or theft, these screws act as a deterrent because they require special tools to remove. This added layer of protection helps maintain the integrity of what I’m securing without constant supervision or worry about quick disassembly.
Overall, using one way screws has saved me time and trouble by ensuring that critical components remain secure. Their unique design means they are perfect for applications where security is a priority, and I’ve come to rely on them whenever I want to safeguard my projects from unwanted interference.
My Buying Guides on One Way Screw
When I first started looking for one way screws, I realized there’s more to them than just the unique design that prevents easy removal. Over time, I’ve learned what to consider to make sure I get the right screws for my project. Here’s what I focus on when buying one way screws.
What Are One Way Screws?
One way screws are designed with a special head that allows them to be driven in easily but makes removal nearly impossible without special tools. I use them when I want to secure something permanently or deter tampering.
Material and Finish
The material of the screw matters a lot depending on where I plan to use it. Stainless steel screws are my go-to for outdoor or humid environments because they resist rust and corrosion. For indoor use, zinc-plated screws work fine. The finish also affects durability and appearance, so I choose accordingly.
Head Style and Drive Type
One way screws come with different head styles like slotted or hex. I usually prefer slotted heads since they’re the most common and compatible with standard screwdrivers, but hex heads can provide better torque. The drive type also matters because it affects how easily the screw can be installed and the security level.
Size and Thread Type
Before buying, I measure the thickness of the materials I’m joining and choose the screw length accordingly. Thread type (coarse or fine) is important too; coarse threads are better for wood, while fine threads work well with metal. Matching the right size and thread ensures a strong hold.
Security Level Needed
Since one way screws are often used for security, I think about how tamper-proof I need them to be. Some one way screws are harder to remove without specialized tools, which is great for preventing theft or vandalism. I pick the screw based on the level of security required.
Installation Tools
Installing one way screws requires a compatible driver bit or screwdriver. I make sure I have the right tool on hand before purchasing, because forcing the wrong driver can strip the screw head or damage the material.
Price and Quantity
I compare prices and buy in bulk when I have larger projects to save money. However, for small tasks, getting a smaller pack helps me avoid wasting screws I won’t use.
Where to Buy
I’ve found that hardware stores, specialty fastener suppliers, and online retailers all have their pros and cons. Shopping online gives me access to a wide variety and reviews, while local stores let me get advice and the screws immediately.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right one way screw takes a bit of planning, but it’s worth it for the security and durability they provide. By considering material, size, head style, and installation needs, I always find screws that fit my projects perfectly. Hopefully, my experience helps you pick the best one way screws for your needs!
Author Profile

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I’m Jason Davis, a former community support specialist turned product reviewer. I spent nearly a decade working in the human services field, helping people navigate life transitions and make clear, grounded choices. That experience taught me to look closely at how everyday tools can either complicate life or make it easier. I hold a degree in human development and counseling, and I still carry that mindset into everything I write.
Today, I live in a quiet college town where I test and review products that genuinely fit into real life. I created raabcounseling.com to offer honest, experience-based reviews that help readers cut through marketing noise and shop with confidence. If something doesn’t work well, I’ll say so. If it adds value to my routine, you’ll hear why. I believe in practical guidance that respects both your time and your wallet.
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