How Long Should Screws Be?

[bcarpenterfhl 10+ year member]

i made a sealed box, and had some problems with the mdf board cracking. the box still is fine and sturdy, but i plan on making another ported enclosure for three tens in the near future. i think i used 1.5 inch screws last time, is this what i am supposed to use. also, does anyone have any other tips for avoiding wood cracking (besides pilot wholes, thats a given). thanks in advanced.

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[vosschs 5,000+ posts]

just pre drill the holes before you drill them that will stop most all cracking, and dont try to countersink them without a countersink hole if there not self countersinking, trying to drill them in deeper will cause cracking

 

[Moe Lester 10+ year member]

1 5/8" screws are fine. One screw every 4 to 5 inches is plenty if you are using wood glue. Put the first one ~1.5" from the end of the board. Like vosschs said, predrill and countersink them also.

 

[repo24 10+ year member]

i use 1 5/8" screws. Be sure to use the coarse threaded ones. Don't crack the wood, and if you do, fill it in with wood glue right away and clamp it tight.

 

[bcarpenterfhl 10+ year member]

thanks and i did use a counter sink bit fyi.