Tips on predrilling and screwing?

[alexdbest2000 10+ year member]

im practicing predrilling and screwing before i start putting my box together. but when i do, the screw either doesn't catch well or splits the wood, im using 6- 5/8 drywall screws and just about every possible drill bit.

any tips?

what sizes do you use for 3/4 mdf?

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[iceteebone 5,000+ posts]

Use a brad nailer

 

[IgnoreMe 5,000+ posts]

just go to lowes and pick up the screws in the hardware isle with the gray sticker on them.

pick up the 1 1/4" screws and a 5/32" drill bit.

dont over tighten. you will not split the wood this way.

 

[James Bang 5,000+ posts]

I usually use a drill bit first, which is about half the diameter of the screws i am using.

I use coarse drywall screws (orange label from home depot).

after predrilling the holes, I then go over the holes w/ a countersink bit.

edit: forgot to add that the length of the screws are 1 5/8"

 

[IgnoreMe 5,000+ posts]

they are called "grip rite"

just checked the name. they are the only ones ive used. they seem to be the perfect size.

 

[IgnoreMe 5,000+ posts]

I usually use a drill bit first, which is about half the diameter of the screws i am using.I use coarse drywall screws (orange label from home depot).

after predrilling the holes, I then go over the holes w/ a countersink bit.

edit: forgot to add that the length of the screws are 1 5/8"

not trying to start any shit, but i think your doing too much work.

if you use deckmate screws (come with a bit thats kinda like an allen head) i swear to god you can get them perfectly flush with the wood, no splitting, no pushing the wood out, nothing. pretty awesome.

i used them on this last box because a friend had them lying around and you can sit them flipping perfect as if you had already used a countersink bit (so i lied, i almost only use the grip rite screws lol)

 

[Joseph K 10+ year member]

Use a drill bit around half the size as the width of the screw, drill the pilot holes a little shorter by 1/8" or so than the screw are, and you are good to go. Won't get any splitting that way... or use a brad nailer if you can get ahold of one.

 

[Immacomputer 10+ year member]

Keep the screw at least 5 inches away from the edge of the wood while screwing it in.

 

[jake the ssnake 10+ year member]

I used this counter-sink kit from sears and it worked great.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00964335000P?keyword=counter+sink&vName=Tools&cName=Power+Tool+Accessories&sName=Drill+Bits

Just don't drill directly in the corners,thats where most of the splitting occurs.

 

[Immacomputer 10+ year member]

Also, try to keep the number of screws per panel as low as possible (I would try to get away with only using one per panel which is VERY possible if your cuts are decent).

 

[PV Audio 5,000+ posts]

1/8" GOOD drill bit, 1.25" screws (the exact ones George, or wte he changed his name to pointed out with the grey box), and a steady hand. If your drill has the torque, you won't need to countersink.

 

[ramos 5,000+ posts]

Use a brad nailer

werd , I use a hitachi counter sink similar to that craftsman when the nailer isn't possible. Also if your drill has teh torque control , turn that bastage off drill. Set it to a number where the screw seats snugly before it slips , but don't set it on drill. You will costantly strip screws out //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

 

[alexdbest2000 10+ year member]

i looked for those those screws at HD but a no go...i got some screws that have a mini drill bit on the end that are actually amasing, no splitting at all!

 

[chillin 10+ year member]

If you have a few clamps you shouldnt need to use screws at all, just wood glue.

 

[mobeious 10+ year member]

i just use clamp and crown nailer