Can You Replace Crib Screws With Hardware Store Screws?

Updated December 17, 2025 by Jan of Unique Baby Gear Ideas

Are you wondering can you replace crib screws with hardware store screws now that you realize that some of yours have gone missing?   That question comes up often, especially when a crib has been moved, stored, or passed down. While it may seem like a quick fix, crib screws aren’t always interchangeable, and using the wrong type can lead to alignment problems or parts that don’t fit the way they were designed to.

Why Crib Screws Are Not Always the Same as Hardware Store Screws

At first glance, a screw is a screw — especially when you’re standing in a hardware aisle holding a crib part that looks similar in size. But crib screws are usually manufactured with very specific measurements so the crib’s frame aligns exactly the way it was designed.

This is why many parents ask, can you replace crib screws with hardware store screws, especially when a quick replacement seems easier than tracking down model-specific parts.

Crib hardware often differs in thread type, shaft length, head shape, and how it interacts with barrel nuts or embedded receivers inside the crib frame. Even a small mismatch can cause rails to sit unevenly or prevent parts from tightening flush.

If you’re comparing screws and trying to avoid guessing, this step-by-step guide on how to measure crib screws correctly can help you check length, diameter, and thread type before using any substitute.

That’s why parents often find that a hardware store screw threads in partway but never feels quite right — or tightens in a way that leaves gaps where crib parts meet.

When Hardware Store Screws Sometimes Appear to Work

There are situations where parents report temporary success using hardware store screws. This usually happens when the crib uses simple wood-to-wood connections without specialized receivers or hidden barrel nuts.

In those cases, the replacement screw may seem to fit initially. However, that doesn’t always mean it matches the original specifications or distributes pressure the same way the original hardware did.

If your crib is older, uses solid wood rails, and does not rely on metal inserts, parents sometimes test-fit screws while continuing to look for correct replacements.

Common situations where parents consider store-bought screws

• A crib was disassembled for storage and hardware was misplaced
• The crib was purchased secondhand without all screws included
• A single screw was stripped or lost during a move

Why Using the Wrong Screw Can Create Fit Problems

Even when a hardware store screw threads in, it may not seat correctly. A screw that is slightly too long can bottom out inside the frame, while one that is too short may not engage enough threads to hold consistently.

Head shape matters as well. Many crib screws use rounded or low-profile heads designed to sit flush inside countersunk holes. A different head style can prevent rails from pulling together evenly.

Parents often notice this when one side of the crib tightens properly while another side feels unstable or misaligned.

Better Options Than Guessing With Hardware Store Screws

Rather than guessing, many parents choose to identify their crib model and look for matching replacement hardware. And if the issue turns out to be the frame the hardware connects to (not just the screw), this guide explains how to identify and replace the crib mattress support system: crib mattress support frame and replacement parts. Manufacturer-specific screws are designed to work with the crib’s original barrel nuts, inserts, and rail spacing.

If you’re not sure where to start, these guides may help:

• Crib parts and replacement hardware help
• Baby crib parts by brand and model
• What to do if crib screws are missing

If you know the brand, a model-specific page often makes the process faster. For example, parents with Simmons cribs often find success starting here: Simmons crib replacement screws .

How Parents Compare Screws Before Using a Temporary Substitute

Some parents choose to visually compare the original screw to a store-bought option while waiting for the correct hardware to arrive. This comparison typically includes length, thread spacing, and head diameter.

If you still have at least one original screw, bringing it with you can help you spot obvious differences — especially thread pitch and head thickness.

However, even when screws look identical, internal crib components may still be designed for a specific tolerance.

What Manufacturers Usually Recommend

Most crib manufacturers recommend using original replacement hardware whenever possible. This helps maintain the intended alignment and connection points of the crib frame.

If manufacturer hardware is unavailable, parents are often advised to contact customer support or consult assembly manuals before substituting parts.

For general crib safety information and recalls, parents may also consult the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: https://www.cpsc.gov .

Summary: Can You Replace Crib Screws With Hardware Store Screws?

Some parents do try hardware store screws when original crib screws are missing, especially as a short-term measure. However, crib screws are not always interchangeable, and differences in length, threading, and head design can affect how the crib fits together.

Identifying your crib model and locating matching replacement hardware is often the most reliable approach — and usually saves time and frustration in the long run.

Important Information for Parents

This page is provided for general informational purposes only and reflects common questions and experiences shared by parents. It is not intended to replace manufacturer instructions or professional guidance. If you are unsure which hardware is appropriate for your crib, consulting the crib manufacturer or reviewing official assembly documentation may help clarify next steps.

Hi, I’m Jan — the creator of Unique Baby Gear Ideas. I love helping expecting parents discover nursery décor inspiration and creative photo shoot ideas that make every stage of pregnancy feel beautiful.

Over the years, I’ve helped thousands of parents choose safe, stylish nursery furniture through hands-on reviews and real-world testing.

The suggestions I share here come from years of hands-on experience styling nurseries, reviewing maternity gowns, and learning what makes each photo session shine.

All articles and images on Unique Baby Gear Ideas are personally reviewed and edited by Jan Bay. Modern creative tools may assist with design or drafting, but every final page reflects my own voice, experience, and editorial judgment.