Hi I love building and have built a few tables I've always used drywall screws for everything they are way easier, but should I be using a wood screw? thanks n
Hi I love building and have built a few tables I've always used drywall screws for everything they are way easier, but should I be using a wood screw? thanks n
Natasha, drywall screws work great for MDF because there shaft is straight and not tapered. A wood screw has a tapered shaft, thus tightening the joint as screwed in. It's the glue that is the main support in unfinished wood building, so you should be fine, but I highly recommend wood screws - especially self tapping if you can afford them. There are other reasons shown here: http://carpenterconfidential.com/?p=79 . Hope this helps!
I love self tapping screws. I think they made a HUGE difference! I only use them now when building and it's been a while since I had to deal with wood splitting!
I have opted for the Kreg screws exclusively. The self-tapping combined w the built-in washer that helps prevent splitting and cracking is nice. I hate dealing with the slipping of Phillips bits on the drill and how to get them out if they get rounded out! Grrrrrr. I did buy a short #2 square driver for spaces where I can't get the long driver in. I still countersink where necessary. Tool King sells the screws in big boxes!
Omg SPAX and GRK screws are from heaven... Seriously. I used spax recently and they have serrated self tapping tips and it feels like a waxed screw going in and leaves hardly any top blowout when going below the surface. They go in sooooo smooth it's unreal. Then someone told me about grk screws... And yes, you have to take a second mortgage on the house for these screws (they aren't that bad) but they have up to 4 different thread patterns. Not only do they feel like they are waxed, they almost drive themselves in I swear. Then they have some spikes around the shaft near the top which must work with the blade like ribs on the top to counter bore as if you predrilled and counterbored. These are hands down the best screws I've ever used. I did pay 8$ for a box of 50 #8 x 2" though. But I would put money on the table that you can't split a 1x2 with these, even into a knot....
Where do they sell these screws (self-tapping, SPAX, etc?) I was looking at Orange the other day and saw "Self-drilling" screws, but they didn't have the "flat head", and I'm not sure if I should only be using the flat head? I guess I could use the round head screws, but I would have drill them in deeper and cover them with wood filler. If anyone has more info on this, I would appreciate it!
anawhite (not verified)
Mon, 08/30/2010 - 08:39
natasha said:
Natasha, drywall screws work great for MDF because there shaft is straight and not tapered. A wood screw has a tapered shaft, thus tightening the joint as screwed in. It's the glue that is the main support in unfinished wood building, so you should be fine, but I highly recommend wood screws - especially self tapping if you can afford them. There are other reasons shown here: http://carpenterconfidential.com/?p=79 . Hope this helps!
Hutchy
Mon, 08/30/2010 - 10:16
I love self tapping screws. I think they made a HUGE difference! I only use them now when building and it's been a while since I had to deal with wood splitting!
anawhite (not verified)
Mon, 08/30/2010 - 12:02
I totally agree, a little more spendy, but so worth it! If you can afford to, go with self tapping screws.
suzieandjesse
Tue, 08/31/2010 - 03:24
Self-tapping screws plus a Kreg Jig sounds like HEAVEN. Why am I at work when I want to be at home building things?!
Carrie and 3Chicks
Thu, 09/02/2010 - 17:17
I have opted for the Kreg screws exclusively. The self-tapping combined w the built-in washer that helps prevent splitting and cracking is nice. I hate dealing with the slipping of Phillips bits on the drill and how to get them out if they get rounded out! Grrrrrr. I did buy a short #2 square driver for spaces where I can't get the long driver in. I still countersink where necessary. Tool King sells the screws in big boxes!
st1
Fri, 09/03/2010 - 16:12
Omg SPAX and GRK screws are from heaven... Seriously. I used spax recently and they have serrated self tapping tips and it feels like a waxed screw going in and leaves hardly any top blowout when going below the surface. They go in sooooo smooth it's unreal. Then someone told me about grk screws... And yes, you have to take a second mortgage on the house for these screws (they aren't that bad) but they have up to 4 different thread patterns. Not only do they feel like they are waxed, they almost drive themselves in I swear. Then they have some spikes around the shaft near the top which must work with the blade like ribs on the top to counter bore as if you predrilled and counterbored. These are hands down the best screws I've ever used. I did pay 8$ for a box of 50 #8 x 2" though. But I would put money on the table that you can't split a 1x2 with these, even into a knot....
No, I don't work for either company
suzieandjesse
Sat, 09/04/2010 - 06:17
Dang Jon, that's a pretty ringing endorsement for both of those kinds of screws!
So any self-tapping screw should work just fine with the Kreg Jig system, right?
ilovetaylorsomuch
Sat, 12/18/2010 - 07:34
Where do they sell these screws (self-tapping, SPAX, etc?) I was looking at Orange the other day and saw "Self-drilling" screws, but they didn't have the "flat head", and I'm not sure if I should only be using the flat head? I guess I could use the round head screws, but I would have drill them in deeper and cover them with wood filler. If anyone has more info on this, I would appreciate it!