Phillips screw heads allow a tighter fit than a flat head screw, which is why most factories and handymen use them. The screws tend to be lightweight and relatively small. The trick is to match your screwdriver to the type and size of screws you're using. Phillips pan head sheet metal screws have sharp threads designed to cut into sheet metal, plastic and wood. These screws are fully threaded which provides good retention in wood. These screws are commonly used to attach metal to wood materials. Once screwed in, the pan head will of the screw will sit above the surface.