These people (if you could call them that) are only slightly further up the evolutionary scale than pond scum.
The following is a quote from Qrewroom which goes to illustrate the mind numbing stupidity of the single digit IQ morons employed at security checkpoints in Australian airports:
Fellow pilot who bought light saber in Los Angeles Target store, was refused light saber as carry on baggage through domestic security screening in Sydney today.
When asked why light saber could not go as carry on, reply was that it could be used as a weapon. Admittedly the box containing the light saber said "realistic light saber".
Due fatigue from a long sector, Jedi mind tricks were not attempted. Force choke (Darth Vader style) was considered, but too many witnesses.
Good luck with your screws. But I suggest checking them in is the only way. Even if you get an assurance from The Pope that they are OK to take as hand luggage, you can never guarantee that the particular screener you strike on the day won't think that your screws are just what he needs to hang his life sized poster of Jean Claude Van Damme to his bedroom wall in his parents house.