Screwed

[Mike Sanfeliz]

Over the weekend I made a neat (yet crude) little workbench for my miter saw. In contructing it I used 2x6s and 3/4 compressed board for the top (split so sawdust can drop to the ground). I used 3" lag bolts to fasten the wood. For certain areas I wanted to use regular 2 1/2" wood screws. I drilled out the holes and tried drilling them in at a slow rate. When I am almost at the end, the phillips head strips out. After a few tries I grew frustrated and finished the project with the 3' lags.

Is it me or is it the cheap srews sold at Home Depot? If it's the latter, what would be good screws for woodworking?

[Frank Hagan]

I use drywall screws where appearance isn't a problem. The agressive thread and self-tapping nature of the screw helps quite a bit. You should pre-drill the holes in particle board; they don't hold that well in that kind of material.

[Steve Schoene]

Cheap HD screws is certainly a contributor, though wax on the threads can help, along with the right sized clearance hole.

McFeelys is probably the best source. They mostly carry the square drive or Robertson screws that don't cam out. Jamestown Distributors also carries a large range of fasteners, though skewed to marine applications.

[Jim Becker]

I switched to square drive/Robertson screws a few years ago and wouldn't go back. McFeeley's (http://www.mcfeelys.com/screws.asp) is my source. I avoid Phillips head screws like the plaque...as well as dry wall screws. The latter were not designed for holding wood together...they will work, but can also snap off very easily. And yes, the 'borg isn't the place to go for quality screws, although the "Deck" screws (usually ivory coated) with the combo Phillips/square drive heads are great for assembling 2x material like you describe, but only if you use a square drive bit to drive them. IMHO, of course.

[Alan Burhop]

I never buy Phillips Head Screws. Use square, or combo drive. I also use a 12V impact driver not a drill. Never strip a screw anymore.

[Walt Pater]

Is it me or is it the cheap screws sold at Home Depot?

When in doubt, blame the BORG.

Try these: www.mcfeeleys.com

[Frank Pellow]

Another vote for Robertson screws and McFeely's.

[Mike Parzych]

I've tried drywall screws, and like Jim said, they CAN snap off. The harder the species, the more likely it is to happen. Around here they also sell "construction" screws, gold in color and about the same price as drywall screws. They're not as likely to snap - better grade of steel.

[Mike Sanfeliz]

When in doubt, blame the BORG.

Try these: www.mcfeeleys.com


LOL, thanks for the laugh guys. I feel better now. I really thought it was me. I have seen those square head scews at my local hardware store, but wasn't sure if I needed them (guess I do now).

BTW, Frank- I didn't screw in the board, I used common nails. I figured since it's for the top it woulsd be fine. I'll most likely fininsh it with a masonite top.

[Mike Sanfeliz]

Cheap HD screws is certainly a contributor, though wax on the threads can help, along with the right sized clearance hole.

McFeelys is probably the best source. They mostly carry the square drive or Robertson screws that don't cam out. Jamestown Distributors also carries a large range of fasteners, though skewed to marine applications.


Steve, how do you know what size to make a clearance hole?

[Bill Simmeth]

Steve, how do you know what size to make a clearance hole?McFeely's has the answer...
http://www.mcfeelys.com/wadb.asp

[Tony Falotico]

I switched to square drive/Robertson screws a few years ago and wouldn't go back. McFeeley's (http://www.mcfeelys.com/screws.asp) is my source. I avoid Phillips head screws

Couldn't have said it better......... same here.

[tod evans]

i use #8 robberson drives from my local supply house.

[Bartee Lamar]

Try your local ACE hardware for generic square drive screws.

I always have a large selection of #8's and #10's.

Also lee valley has the best drivers I have found. They are 3" long and great for battery powered drills. Here is the link (http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=1&p=43941&cat=1,43411,43417&ap=1)

LV also carries my favorite screws SPAX Here is Link (http://www.leevalley.com/hardware/page.aspx?c=1&cat=3,41306&p=41315&ap=1)

[Jarrod Nelson]

I've had problems with HD screws as well. The heads strip on the wood screws and the drywall screws snap off.

I usually pre-drill them and then run the screws across a bar of soap and it works. Buying better screws is probably the right answer though.