Pocket hole screw question

[James Gillespie, Jr.]

I know course threads are for soft woods, and fine threads are for hardwoods. I only have course threaded screws, so if I were to use those in 3/4" curly maple, is it just overkill, or do I risk splitting the wood?

Thanks!
James

[Ray Dockrey]

I use course threads for everything. I had to much trouble with the fine thread stripping out.

[glenn bradley]

I can't speak to curly maple but red oak split with #8 coarse thread screws for me. Pilot holes got me through but I now have fine thread #7 screws for this.

[Leo Graywacz]

You might get away with it. If you have a lot of near the end screwing it is likely to split. Keep your screws about an inch away form the ends to be sure.

[Paul Demetropoulos]

Using a screw lube would help as well.

[Bill White]

You're askin' for trouble if ya use the coarse threads in hardwood. Trust the pocket hole gurus.
Oh, as to the thread lube.......I keep a toilet bowl wax ring in the shop fridge for use as a lube. Cheap, and it works well.
Bill

[glenn bradley]

You're askin' for trouble if ya use the coarse threads in hardwood. Trust the pocket hole gurus.
Oh, as to the thread lube.......I keep a toilet bowl wax ring in the shop fridge for use as a lube. Cheap, and it works well.
Bill

+1 on the toilet ring. I wish I woulda heard about that years ago; darned paraffin mess.

[James Gillespie, Jr.]

Thanks all, looks like I'll be picking up some #7x1.25" fine thread pocket hole screws on the way home.

[Peter Elliott]

I order pocket hole screws, aka washer head with dry lube. You don't have to stick with Kreg screws. I had good luck with McFeelys and this company. I use these on all hardwoods.

http://www.cshardware.com/images/08w-Pocket_screw_17_Fine.gif

7 cents each. Also available in many sizes, course or not.
Item: 0.RWSF07114P17 Description: RWSF 7 x 1-1/4" #2 Square Round Washer Head Fine Thread Type 17 Point Plain And Dry Lubed
http://www.cshardware.com/

[Gene Howe]

I keep a toilet bowl wax ring in the shop fridge for use as a lube. Cheap, and it works well.
Bill

I tried that. Too much trouble running back and forth to the fridge.;)

[Joe Mcclaran]

Will the lube keep the wood from splitting? I used 1 1/4 in. screws on 3/4 in. wood. Set the drill to 3/4 and still split the wood.