Fallout 76 – Best Locations to Find Screws and Upgrade Gear

So, you’re knee-deep in Fallout 76—surviving, scavenging, and trying to upgrade your gear to stay alive. Welcome to the wasteland. One of the most annoying things you’ll need, besides a constant supply of food and water, is screws. Small, yes. Unassuming? Absolutely. But try crafting or upgrading gear without them. Trust me, I’ve been there.

If you’re wondering where to find screws to level up your gear, I’ve got you covered. This guide will point you to the best spots in Fallout 76 where you can scrounge up screws and take your weaponry and armor to the next level.

Why Screws Matter in Fallout 76

Here’s the thing about screws: they’re practically the glue that holds your gear together in Fallout 76. And no, I’m not being dramatic. Screws are crucial when you’re upgrading weapons, armor, or creating new gadgets. You can’t mod your gun, upgrade your armor, or improve your crafting tools without them. But there’s a catch: screws don’t grow on trees. (Well, actually, I don’t think anything grows on trees in Fallout 76—unless you count the occasional tree monster, but let’s not go there.)

Screws are used in nearly everything, from improving your weapon mods to adding better protection to your armor. If you plan on being even remotely decent at the game, you’re gonna need a lot of screws. So, here’s where to start looking.

Best Locations to Find Screws in Fallout 76

Alright, y’all, let’s dive into the meaty stuff. Where are the best spots to score some screws? Here’s the rundown:

1. Grafton Steel Yard

Ah, Grafton Steel Yard. One of the first places I scoured, mostly because I thought I’d get to smash a bunch of cars. I was right. It’s a scrapyard full of metal junk, which, you guessed it, is where you’ll find screws. I’m talking old cars, broken machinery, and piles of scrap metal. There’s no shortage of stuff to break down.

So, what do you need to do? Hit up the old wreckage, hit it with a hammer, and watch as you get screws and scrap. And, uh, keep your wits about you—this place isn’t just full of metal. There are enemies, too. You don’t want to be caught by surprise while you’re looting, right? Trust me, getting ambushed by a raider while trying to grab screws isn’t fun. I speak from experience.

2. Tyler County Fairgrounds

I’ll be honest, I never thought I’d find anything worth my while at a fairground. But here we are. Tyler County Fairgrounds is another wicked spot to find screws, and it’s kinda hidden in plain sight. Picture this: old carnival booths, rides, and shattered vending machines. You’d think it’s just a sad relic of pre-apocalypse fun, but look closer. Inside those busted-up carnival games, you’ll find the screws you need.

I found them mostly in the game consoles, old tools, and of course, discarded electronics. It’s not exactly a fun stroll, though—the place is crawling with enemies. Not to mention the occasional wild creature wandering around. But if you’re lucky (or better prepared than me), you can load up and get some good loot. A little tip: watch out for the tilted Ferris wheel. It’s sketchier than it looks.

3. West Tek Research Center

Let me level with you—West Tek Research Center is like a treasure chest for Fallout 76 players. But it’s also a dangerous nest of military tech and heavily armored robots. First time I ventured there? I barely escaped with my life, but I came out with a ton of screws and high-end loot. The place is packed with cutting-edge research equipment and military-grade gear—like, stuff that belonged to the old-world government. Who knew that’s where all the screws were hiding?

Pro tip: when you’re looking for screws in this area, focus on the military crates, old terminals, and research stations. They’re basically filled to the brim with components. The downside? A bunch of lethal bots and super high-level enemies. Not exactly beginner-friendly, but if you’re after high-value screws, this is the jackpot.

Locations to Upgrade Your Gear in Fallout 76

Upgrading your gear is just as important as finding screws, so let’s go over some of the top spots to upgrade what you’ve got.

1. Crafting Stations and Workshops

Ah, the sweet haven of crafting stations. These babies are scattered across Appalachia, and trust me, you’ll want to find them. Here’s why: crafting stations allow you to upgrade your weapons, mods, and even armor. Some locations—like workshops—are equipped with everything you need to tweak your gear, especially once you’ve gathered a stash of screws.

Finding a crafting station is half the battle. The other half is making sure you’ve got the right materials to actually upgrade. The good news is that these stations are usually near resource-rich areas, so you can kill two birds with one stone—scavenge for screws, then run over to the crafting station and improve your gear.

2. Sentry Bots

Ugh, sentry bots. I’ve had my fair share of run-ins with these metal nightmares. But you know what? They drop a ton of screws when you take them out. And let me tell you—getting one of these guys to drop screws feels oddly satisfying. They’re not easy to fight, though, so don’t go in there expecting a casual stroll.

If you’re willing to risk it, try locations like military outposts or abandoned research facilities—places where these bots tend to roam. The payoff? Sentry bots are a good source of screws and, on top of that, they drop high-level gear and weapons. It’s a dangerous trade-off, but I’m pretty sure it’s worth it in the long run.

3. Whitespring Resort

Okay, so here’s the Whitespring Resort: imagine a posh, post-apocalyptic country club—but with a lot of enemies and a wicked amount of loot. The resort has several workbenches, crafting stations, and loot-filled areas perfect for upgrading your gear. But, uh, don’t go in there thinking it’s a relaxing getaway. The place is crawling with enemies.

I’ve spent hours here, looting, crafting, and upgrading my gear. You’ll find screws in various spots—old suitcases, military crates, and random electronics. But, like I said, enemies are everywhere. You’re gonna need your wits and some serious firepower to get through.

4. Vault 76

Sure, Vault 76 is the starting location for players, but I’ll let you in on a little secret: it’s also a good place to score some screws and upgrade your gear. The workshop stations here are basic but functional, and the place has a bunch of broken-down machinery and tools you can break down for materials. I mean, it’s a vault. The whole thing’s built on secrets and, apparently, screws.

The loot here isn’t as high-end as the other locations, but it’s a solid spot to start your crafting journey.

Bullet Points: Top Gear Upgrades to Focus On in Fallout 76

Once you’ve got a bunch of screws, it’s time to start upgrading your gear. These upgrades will make a huge difference when you face off against tougher enemies.

Weapon Mods: Scopes, silencers, and damage boosts. These can make your weapons way more effective in combat.
Armor Enhancements: Add extra plating or energy resistance to your armor. You’ll thank yourself later.
Jetpacks and Power Armor: If you’ve got the good stuff (power armor), adding mobility upgrades like jetpacks can be game-changing.
Crafting Tools: Improving your crafting tools lets you break down materials faster—essential for surviving longer.

5. Hidden Weapon Locations for Gear Upgrades

And let’s not forget about secret weapon locations. These are the places that most people skip over but are filled with high-end loot—and screws. One spot that comes to mind is Monongah Mine. This place is like a hidden gem for high-level loot, including screws. The problem? It’s full of tough enemies, and, well, the terrain isn’t exactly friendly.

But hey, sometimes the best loot comes from the most dangerous places, right? Go in armed to the teeth, and don’t say I didn’t warn you.

Final Thoughts: Get Those Screws

Anyway, here’s the kicker: screws in Fallout 76 might seem small, but without them, your crafting and upgrading abilities are seriously limited. From Grafton Steel Yard to Vault 76, the right locations can give you the screws you need to survive. And when you’ve got those screws, it’s all about upgrading your gear to make it through the wasteland.