Reviews
FREE DELIVERY - Orders over £35
Screw cups, sometimes called cup washers or finishing washers, are small decorative washers designed to be used with countersunk screws. They create a neater, more finished appearance around the screw head and are commonly used where the fixing will remain visible.
Screw Cups
Screw Cups
Screw cups are largely used by homeowners, conservationists, marine & woodworking trades alike, on projects where a high standard of craftsmanship and fine finishing detail is desirable.
Designed to work with countersunk and raised head slotted wood screws, screw cups are either pressed from sheet metal (Surface Cups) or turned from bar (Recessed Cups) and come in a variety gauges (sizes), more often manufactured from solid brass or stainless steel.
Select a Category
Frequently Asked Questions
What are screw cups?
What are screw cups used for?
Screw cups are mainly used to improve the appearance of exposed fixings. They are often chosen for joinery, furniture, cabinetry, fittings, and other visible screw applications where a plain countersunk screw head would look too basic.
Do screw cups work with all screws?
No. Screw cups are generally designed to be used with countersunk screws, not round head or pan head screws. Screw cups are usually sized to suit a particular screw gauge, such as 8 gauge.
Why use a screw cup instead of fitting the screw directly into the surface?
A screw cup gives the fixing a more decorative and professional finish. It can also help present the screw more neatly on flat surfaces and, depending on the style, may help spread the load slightly better than a bare screw head alone.
What materials are screw cups available in?
Screw cups are available in a range of materials and finishes. Screwsline stock brass recessed and brass surface cups, along with A2 grade stainless steel cups. Different finishes are usually chosen either to match the screw or to coordinate with surrounding ironmongery or fittings.
Can screw cups be used outdoors?
That depends on the material and finish. Stainless steel versions are a better choice where corrosion resistance is important, while brass versions are often selected more for appearance or lighter-duty use.
How do I choose the right screw cup size?
Choose a screw cup that matches the gauge or diameter of the countersunk screw you are using. Product pages normally state the compatible screw size, such as No. 6, No. 8, or No. 12, so checking that match is the easiest way to get the right fit.
Do screw cups sit flush with the surface?
Some do and some do not. Standard surface screw cups are designed to sit visibly on the surface for a decorative effect, while recessed countersunk-style cups can provide a flatter, more engineered appearance.
Are screw cups easy to fit?
Yes. In most cases, the screw cup is simply placed in position and the countersunk screw is driven through it. The main thing is to use the correct screw size and make sure the cup and screw head profile are compatible.
Are screw cups only for wood?
No. While they are very common on wood and joinery projects, screw cups are also used more generally with countersunk fasteners where appearance matters or where a countersunk screw needs to be used neatly on a flat surface.
What sizes of screw cups are available?
Screwsline stock recessed brass screw cups in gauges from 6 to 12, with brass surface screw cups in gauges 4 to 12 and stainless steel screw cups in gauges 8 & 10.
How quickly can I get delivery of screw cups?
We provide fast UK delivery, including standard and next-day options with free delivery on orders over £35. Full delivery details can be found here.
Are bulk packs of screw cups available?
Yes, we offer a variety of pack sizes, including bulk options for trade and larger projects. Please contact us if you need larger quantities than are available on our website.