Thread: How long do you screw

Silly billy.

How do the shelves join to the sides? If only by the screw then you need to a long screw.

Can you cut trenches on the sides? It will make it a lot stronger.

I'd be using at least 40mm screws, go up to 50mm if you aren't sure. Modern day glues are strong enough that screws(and nails) are just used to hold everything together until the glues goes off. 35mm shelves are very thick, what is the reason you are using timber so thick? Wouldn't something like 19mm be better and even a little chaeper?

Wongo,

I wanted to trench the uprights, but given my history and the "gaps" that are left behind, this is not the favoured option. Glue and screw is the intent. The shelves will also be fixed to the wall with fagure 8's, but the screws are the main support.

What do you reckon I should be looking for?

Cheers
Paul H

George,

We both like "Chunky" shelves. All my bookcases and shelves are thick like this.

Cheers
Paul H

Originally Posted by Paul H

Guy's,

Time for a silly question. I am building some shelves using 35mm pine with 25mm uprights screwed onto the ends. How deep should a screw go into the shelve? I have some 10g 50mm screws I was planning to use with the coutersunk head flush, but SWMBO is not so sure.

The shelves are 360x35x1500.

Cheers
Paul H

Holy cow, I'm only back 5 minutes and this lands in my lap. Well firstly to answer your question I'm sure it's not as long as I should and secondly how do you countersink the head is that code for a circum.

HH.

Yeah, where you been HH? I actually looked you up today and noticed that you hadn't been on since October.

Been getting to grips with the move to Port and my new job, xmas blaa blaa.. but I'can't bare to be away from you guys any longer....:eek:

Paul, I work with a bloke who has some building experience, not sure if formal qualified or whatever.

He has mentioned a rule of thumb when screwing A to B, use a screw long enough to get through A, plus 1.5 times thickness of A. In other words, 2.5 times thickness of A.

In your case, if I read you right, that would be 2.5 times 25mm, or 62.5mm.

Therefore pick a 65mm screw and away you go.


HTH..............cheers...............Sean

PAUL,rule o' thumb,the collective length o' the screw should be at least 2/3 the thickness of the piece you're screwing into taking into account the piece you're also mounting.
IF in doubt go longer.

Sounds naughty dose'nt it but true accordin' to me ol' Dad long passed on cabinetry man.

CHEERS

Originally Posted by scooter

Therefore.... a 65mm screw and away you go.

Phew even I can manage that...and I'm talking about the away you go bit

HH.

Originally Posted by John Saxton

PAUL,rule o' thumb,the length o' the screw should be at least 2/3 the thicknes of the piece you're screwing into.

Thank goodness SWMBO is on the slim side

HH.

Thanks scooter, that sounds like a rule I could remember!

Cheers
Paul H

Originally Posted by John Saxton

PAUL,rule o' thumb,the collective length o' the screw should be at least 2/3 the thickness of the piece you're screwing into taking into account the piece you're also mounting.
IF in doubt go longer.

Sounds naughty dose'nt it but true accordin' to me ol' Dad long passed on cabinetry man.

My paternal gramps taught me "double the screw, triple the nail."

ie. A screw should be at least twice the thickness of the material to be mounted and a nail should be at least three times.

But like all "general rules" I've noticed exceptions... even on items he made.

How long do you screw ?

Why would you like to know ? Heard aprehension only hinders the problem. Don't wuuuurrri about it,,, and it'll probably improve by itself. If not, I've heard trying to count to 50 helps.