Steel screws for SmartHinges

**Dengue** · 8th February 2018, 11:42 AM

It has been one of my scary nightmares shearing off a brass screw when fitting hinges, especially SmartHinges. Did it once, never again!!

Years ago I found some steel ones in the US to match the brass ones supplied with the SmartHinge, but subsequent efforts to order more proved fruitless. Their online system is very user unfriendly, especially if you were overseas buyer.

I tried again today, and was successful, provided I sent it to a a US address. They cost $6 US a box of 100 screws, plus $12 postage to the ShopMate US address in Portland, Oregon. which is probably shut down because of the snow at the moment, more delays.

So I signed up to Aust Post ShopMate which gave me a US address, and it will cost A$22 to ship it over to my home address.

Overall, to minimise the unit cost, I purchased 3 boxes of 100 screws each. I think it will work out at about A$17 per box, or 17c per tiny screw, depending on the exchange rate which is pretty bad at the moment.

To order, have a look here:

https://www.grainger.com/product/GRA...od-Screw-2DE10

Happy to send small quantities of screws out , if and when they arrive in a month or so. I really don't need 300 pilot screws, I only use a couple of these hinges a year

Just PM me your name and address, no cost

**aldav** · 8th February 2018, 12:06 PM

Actually the exchange rate isn't too bad at the moment. What gauge and length are the screws? Are they brass plated?

**Dengue** · 8th February 2018, 02:27 PM

It's all there in the link, aldav

**AlexS** · 8th February 2018, 06:00 PM

I'm still using those you sent me a year or two ago, thanks Dengue. Haven't broken any brass ones since I've had them.

**Dengue** · 8th February 2018, 06:05 PM

Best put your hand up for some more, Alex. Those ones must be a bit metal fatigued by now

Steel screws do shear too

**Pauls321** · 9th February 2018, 07:45 AM

Hey there Dengue

Keep a few aside for me please. I'll send you a PM later in the day, just about to head out to play bowls

Paul

**justonething** · 9th February 2018, 10:26 AM

Actually you can buy brass plated steel screws directly from Aliexpress with free shipping from China.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Free...ceBeautifyAB=0

**aldav** · 9th February 2018, 11:10 AM

Originally Posted by justonething

Actually you can buy brass plated steel screws directly from Aliexpress with free shipping from China.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Free...ceBeautifyAB=0

3 gauge screws are about 2.6mm? 5/8" is 16mm, so none of the screws in this assortment are long enough. Doesn't mean they aren't available on Aliexpress though.

**Pauls321** · 9th February 2018, 06:14 PM

Hey there Dengy,

Just home from playing bowls. I looked at that link. Do those screws (zinc), match the brass hinges from Andrew in the UK.? I bought 6 pairs of Andrew's hinges from him the other day @ $50 per pair. Then Andrew forgot to put the screws in the packet. He has since posted them. I am wondering how come you didn't/don't use the screws that come with them.?

I'm in the process of making 3 large boxes, all with 12mm sides, a good chance to try out Andrew's hinges.

Paul

**Pauls321** · 9th February 2018, 06:17 PM

And Aldav,

I bought your 8mm bit for this purpose.

Paul

**woodPixel** · 10th February 2018, 01:28 AM

What 8mm bit? I need one of those!

**AlexS** · 10th February 2018, 08:34 AM

Pauls321, Dengue (and I) use the steel screws first, to position the hinges, then replace them with brass ones. This is to avoid the brass screws snapping off as they cut their thread.

Dengue, thanks for the offer of more screws. If you have any spare after others have received theirs I'd be happy to have a few more, but I'm OK at the moment thanks.

**Dengue** · 15th March 2018, 01:09 PM

Well everyone, the steel 3/8" #3 steel screws to match the SmartHinge brass screws have finally arrived at long last from the USA, and I have 400 of them.

Anyone who wants some, please PM me with your address and the quantity you would like, and I will post them, no charge.

I normally use 8 on each box, leaving them in until the very last thing after the box is finished, then I replace them with the brass screws supplied by Andrew Crawford.

After a while the slot on the steel screw head get damaged, so I replace them before starting the next box.

I have been very fortunate not shearing any brass screws. I make sure the steel screws are coated in beeswax too before use.

**Pauls321** · 29th March 2018, 05:09 PM

Hey there Dengue, My screws arrived yesterday, thanks very much for your generosity, they are muchly appreciated I will certainly trial them out next box I make with Andrew's Hinges.

Thanks again

Paul

**Dengue** · 29th March 2018, 07:45 PM

You're welcome Paul, no problem at all

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