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Thread: Which screws for plywood?
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8th November 2008, 03:46 PM #1
Which screws for plywood?
I'm making a few storage units and mobile bases out of 18mm ply and I would like recommendations as to which type of screws to use. Should I pre-drill the ply, or are the screws self-drilling?
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I know you believe you understand what you think I wrote, but I'm not sure you realize that what you just read is not what I meant.
Regards, Woodwould.
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8th November 2008, 04:19 PM #2
WW, I pre drill (2 -3 mm Drill bit) and use chipboard screws (50mm). I even use a manual screwdriver as I find that all my power drills have too much torque for the screws.
Pat
Work is a necessary evil to be avoided. Mark Twain
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8th November 2008, 05:28 PM #3GOLD MEMBER
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Based on advice from Sachys Robertson I use their Maxx screws. A client of theirs had a problem with screws and ply and found that the maxx screws resolved the issue. So far so good for me.
Bob
"If a man is after money, he's money mad; if he keeps it, he's a capitalist; if he spends it, he's a playboy; if he doesn't get it, he's a never-do-well; if he doesn't try to get it, he lacks ambition. If he gets it without working for it; he's a parasite; and if he accumulates it after a life time of hard work, people call him a fool who never got anything out of life."
- Vic Oliver
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8th November 2008, 09:10 PM #4
I have good results with 50mm chipboard screws, predrilled and countersunk with the one bit and also use pva too.
Cheers
Michael
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8th November 2008, 10:01 PM #5
50mm chipboard screws and Titebond for me. I always pre drill - as much as anything to ensure the screw goes in straight and doesn't bulge or break out, as much as to stop it splitting. As Pat says, go easy with the power drill. I set mine to low, and if I need extra torque to get one tight, I use a brace with a philips bit.
Cheers, Richard
"... work to a standard rather than a deadline ..." Ticky, forum member.
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8th November 2008, 11:09 PM #6
Great advice gents and much appreciated.
.
I know you believe you understand what you think I wrote, but I'm not sure you realize that what you just read is not what I meant.
Regards, Woodwould.
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11th November 2008, 12:12 AM #7SENIOR MEMBER
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Conformat screws are designed for the job. They require two drills and countersink (I used to use a countersink on the larger bit so each screw required two drilling actions but now use special bits I ordered from the US which do it all in one. The screws have a parallel shank, a coarse thread and a blunt end. They do not split plywood or MDF even when using a power driver. I buy them in packs of 100 from specialty fasteners in fyshwick and in these quantities are reasonably priced. You can get small packs in bunnings but they call them particle board screws and they are not reasonably priced. In the unlikely event you have bought flat pack furniture they are ofter the scres supplied. They come in phillips or hex driver heads and two sizes 4 and 5 mm and several lengths 40 and 50 mm are the most common I think.
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11th November 2008, 12:17 AM #8
Woody, you have got good advice.
A drop of oil - cooking oil's fine - or soap on the screw will aid driving substantially.
Cheers
Graeme
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11th November 2008, 08:08 AM #9
We always used washing up liquid when driving into hardwood, but I've never needed it with plywood.
Cheers, Richard
"... work to a standard rather than a deadline ..." Ticky, forum member.
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11th November 2008, 08:56 AM #10
Thanks gents!
.
I know you believe you understand what you think I wrote, but I'm not sure you realize that what you just read is not what I meant.
Regards, Woodwould.
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11th November 2008, 09:52 AM #11
I noticed the comment by rhancock about the brace. I have been using one for years.'' My other cordless driver''. I grab it when the power one starts to chew out the screw heads. It is easier on the wrists than a normal screwdriver and gets a lot more torque than any battery driver ever will.
Regards
John
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11th November 2008, 10:36 AM #12
This is what Sachys Robertson say about lubricating screws (esp theirs):
"
How should I Lubricate my screws?
Some woodworkers lubricate their screws with soap to ease driving - DON'T DO IT. Soap contains acids and absorbs moisture causing rust and rotting of the timber around the screw. Our Lube finish screws are coated with a dry wax to protect them and ease driving.
If you need it, use a bit of wax or dry lubricant. Zinc plated screws are usually very dry and it is advisable to use a little wax on them or spray them with one of the pressure pack dry lubricants"Cheers
Jeremy
If it were done when 'tis done, then 'twere well it were done quickly
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11th November 2008, 10:45 AM #13
I bought a couple of these. One has a Phillips head bit and the other has a Roberston square drive bit. One end drills and countersinks/counterbores, the other has the driver bit. Very handy things when you've only got one cordless drill.
"I don't practice what I preach because I'm not the kind of person I'm preaching to."
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11th November 2008, 11:00 AM #14
Very neat!
.
I know you believe you understand what you think I wrote, but I'm not sure you realize that what you just read is not what I meant.
Regards, Woodwould.
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11th November 2008, 12:01 PM #15
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