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Thread: Hillman Screws

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Mar 2016
    Location
    Elmodel, Ga.
    Posts
    798

    Hillman Screws

    What's up with these sorry screws? I was putting the finishing touches on an expensive project and was using Hillman #8 X 1 1/2" screws to secure the bottom. Holes were pre-drilled and countersunk with the appropriate CS bit. Out of 12 screws, 5 broke as they started to bite into the wood. No torque or anything. Dang near ruined the bottom trying to remove it to get the embedded screws out. Now I will have to drill around the screws with a plug cutter to remove and plug the hole and re-drill.
    Next time I'm at the big blue box store, they will get an ear full. I'm even tempted to call and/or write the company about this. There is no sense carrying sorry offshore screws to save a few pennies. It would be different if the price reflected the product, but they charge as much or more for that trash. I learned my lesson and will not buy their sorry trash again.
    My Dad always told me "Can't Never Could".

    SWE

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Apr 2006
    Location
    Phoenix AZ Area
    Posts
    2,505
    I hear you. I tossed all generic and other screws and I now only use GRK screws. I've never snapped one in more than 5 years.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Feb 2014
    Location
    Lake Gaston, Henrico, NC
    Posts
    8,973
    I avoid some countries of manufacture, and packaging for fasteners.

  4. #4
    I've been using WoodPro wood screws, based on a recommendation. They've worked quite well for me. Good luck with the repairs.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Location
    Upland CA
    Posts
    5,548
    Anytime my wife brings home some 'cute' thing that needs assembly, I start by throwing away the screws and using mine.
    Rick Potter

    DIY journeyman,
    FWW wannabe.
    AKA Village Idiot.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    Okotoks AB
    Posts
    3,495
    Blog Entries
    1
    Quote Originally Posted by Rick Potter View Post
    Anytime my wife brings home some 'cute' thing that needs assembly, I start by throwing away the screws and using mine.
    Same here. Cheap screws seem to end up being the most costly.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Nov 2006
    Location
    NE Ohio
    Posts
    6,983
    Next time I'm at the big blue box store
    That sums up the entire problem right there.
    The Big Blue Box store has become synonymous with "let the buyer beware since we are in constant search of the cheapest lowest quality price point - as witness by our recent acquisition of the Craftsman brand...".

    Think of Big Blue as a Harbor Freight - with drywall and wood-like materials..
    My granddad always said, :As one door closes, another opens".
    Wonderful man, terrible cabinet maker...

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Location
    SE PA - Central Bucks County
    Posts
    65,688
    There have been many discussions about screws for woodworking over the years. While each of us has certain preferences for type (I prefer square drive, for example), there's little dissension around the idea that quality is worth the money. It's a rare day that I'll buy screws from a "big box" store and when I do, it's pretty much only the heftier "deck" type screws and more than likely, I'm using them for "home improvement" type tasks rather than "fine woodworking". All of my general woodworking screws come from McFeely's and I've been satisfied with the product. There are other similar sources depending on one's preferences as well as known premium brands, such as the GRK already mentioned.
    --

    The most expensive tool is the one you buy "cheaply" and often...

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Sep 2016
    Location
    Modesto, CA, USA
    Posts
    9,889
    Holo-Khrome fasteners are highly regarded on the metal working site I visit. I just inherited my mothers stock portfolio and she owned Fastenal stock. I had no idea. How are their fasteners?
    Bil lD.

    https://www.holo-krome.com/

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Mar 2016
    Location
    Elmodel, Ga.
    Posts
    798
    Well I'm out of the woods, so to speak. Ended up buying GRK's for the project. Went out to the shop early this morning and using a 1/4" plug cutter, was able to neatly remove all 5 screws. Cut 3/8" plugs out of leftover material, plugged, and waited. Everything went well. As I mentioned before, "I learned my lesson" on screws. Don't scrimp to save money. In the long run I'll bite you every time.
    Thanks fellas for all the input and direction to go.
    My Dad always told me "Can't Never Could".

    SWE

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Dec 2010
    Location
    WNY
    Posts
    9,648
    Guess I got lucky. I've used screws by Hillman at least twice w/o any problems, brass no less.

    John

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    Oakley, CA
    Posts
    322
    I have also had similar problems with the big orange box screws. I don't buy screws from either box store unless I have no other choice, or time is a factor. I like McFeely's and buy either square drive or torx.

    Wayne

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