HELP! I can't find the right screws

[Doctor Rockso 10+ year member]

I am trying to find the correct size screws, I want to mount it to a 1" MDF. I know the norm is to have it on 3/4" MDF but I didn't realize that. I have a 10" Alpine 10D4 (the newest model). I have tried 6 different sizes. I am guessing that the I will need from 1.5"-2" in length. I would like to have socket screws if possible. I tried 1/4-20 x 1.25" it would turn a couple of times then it would get tight and would not turn anymore. another problem i am having is that most screws have a smooth part towards the head of the screw, depending on the length; the more smooth area it will have. Please if anyone has mounted a new model Alpine sub or has any suggestion please please please let me know any suggestions or help will be very appreciated. THANK YOu VERY MUCH!!!

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[quackhead 10+ year member]

drilling pilot holes help a lot., 1/4-20 machine screws are not a good idea, you need wood screws. I am assuming the only way to access the sub is from the outside. If you are doing something like an IB set-up where you can easily access both sides of the baffle board to remove the sub, then I might see pre-drilled holes and machine screws. Another alternative, and probably better would be to install machine screw inserts.

 

[goingdef 10+ year member]

I just got thru pulling mine out and re-enforcing the screw holes with super thin ca, you def want something threaded all the way up the shank and at least long enough to penetrate the baffle through the back side you you pull the material together when you tighten down, after wicking ca into my screw holes I had to use the high torque setting on my drill and was able to clutch the screws at the highest setting the drill had without any stripping what so ever! but like above pilot drill first and wood screws are a must.

 

[Doctor Rockso 10+ year member]

Wood screws, would you say #14 or #12 ? thank you for your input.

 

[goingdef 10+ year member]

Wood screws, would you say #14 or #12 ? thank you for your input.

as large as you can pre-drill for and fits the basket is about all your looking for.

 

[Doctor Rockso 10+ year member]

thank you ill go back to lowes

 

[audiobaun 5,000+ posts]

Get a counter sink bit, and get the Square head screws/wood screws..they take torch very well, and dont strip out like phillips heads, and get 1 1/2-1 3/4 long.

6 x 1-5/8 Wood Screws, Auger Point Stainless Steel, Flat Head, Square Drive, Auger Point - McFeely's

Like these Wood Screws: Trim Head Square Drive Screws - #6 x 2-1/4''

 

[Doctor Rockso 10+ year member]

would #6 screw be too small of a diameter?

 

[miker 5,000+ posts]

1.25" is plenty. The reason it wouldn't turn is because your pre-drill hole was not big enough.

I simply use drywall screws, and the smooth part doesn't matter, especially if you're using it on the basket.

I think you're really over thinking this haha.

 

[Doctor Rockso 10+ year member]

1.25" is plenty. The reason it wouldn't turn is because your pre-drill hole was not big enough.
I simply use drywall screws, and the smooth part doesn't matter, especially if you're using it on the basket.

I think you're really over thinking this haha.

sorry i guess that i dont want to mess it up, lol.

so if the screw diameter is too small in the sub hole, its ok as long as the head does not fall through?

 

[miker 5,000+ posts]

Yeah, all you have to worry about is that the head of the screw is big enough to catch the edges of the holes on the sub.

 

[sandbags 10+ year member]

really??

 

[Doctor Rockso 10+ year member]

Yeah, all you have to worry about is that the head of the screw is big enough to catch the edges of the holes on the sub.

i hate myself!!! thank you everyone that has giving me help, ideas and suggestions. I feel so stupid right now.

 

[Doctor Rockso 10+ year member]

really??

Sorry Sandbags, I am new to this, this is my first mount and I am trying to be very careful I dont want to mess up the enclosure.