Screws look small and ordinary, but they are the most powerful standard that has supported human civilization. From buildings to cars, home appliances, aircraft, and even spacecraft, no structure or machine can be completed without screws. More than mere pieces of metal, screws were the "invisible order" that allowed humanity to build complex systems with stability.
In the early days of the 19th-century Industrial Revolution, screw specifications were all over the place. Each country, each factory, and even divisions within the same company used different sizes and thread angles. Even machines made in the same factory had different screw standards, forcing repairers to cut new screws every time. The massive expense and waste of time were inevitable.
Then in 1841, Joseph Whitworth proposed the first standardized angles and pitches for threads, the "Whitworth screw." After that, countries including the United States, Germany, and Japan created their own standards. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) later set unified specifications, securing global compatibility. Most screws used today follow international and national standards such as ISO, ANSI, and JIS. Now, a screw labeled "M8×1.25" will fit precisely with products made in any country.
These standards led to a manufacturing revolution. In the auto industry, they ensured parts compatibility in mass production systems. In construction, they ensured stable connections in steel structures. In electronics, they enabled miniaturization and precision through fine thread specifications. In the aerospace industry, they established high-strength screw standards that can withstand extreme environments. Screws that kept their promise made mass production possible, which in turn lowered manufacturing unit costs. Because strength and safety criteria are included in the standards, people can use products from any country with confidence.
Now screws symbolize connection. Standardized screws have become a "language" that connects countries and corporations, and industry to industry. Machines and parts made in different countries are compatible because their screw specifications are identical.
With industrial development, the role, materials, and functions of screws are evolving. Innovations include "smart screws" with built-in sensors that monitor fastening status in real time, aerospace screws made from ultra-light, heat-resistant materials, and ultra-precision screws using nanotechnology. If the communications standards of the 6G era connect people, future screw standards will connect the material world more intricately.