What type of screw is recommended for thinner pieces of wood?

The recommended screw for thinner pieces of wood is drywall screws. These screws are designed specifically for fastening materials like drywall, which is relatively thin, to wooden or metal studs. They have a sharp point that allows for easy penetration into thin boards, minimizing the risk of splitting the wood. Additionally, their fine threads provide a strong grip in thin materials without requiring pre-drilling, making them ideal for quick and effective fastening in these contexts.

In contrast, wood screws, while also usable for thinner wood, tend to have a thicker gauge and are often better suited for thicker or denser materials where more holding power is required. Sheet metal screws are designed for fastening metal and may not hold as well in thin wood, and lag screws are heavy-duty fasteners used for thick materials and structural applications, making them inappropriate for finer woodworking tasks. Thus, drywall screws are the optimal choice for achieving secure connections in thinner wood pieces.