When it comes to wood fasteners, wood screws are among the best options available. In addition to being cost-efficient and long-lasting, you can buy them just about anywhere.
A wood screw is a vital component for almost every woodworking project. Their ease of use and strong fastening capability provide an excellent option when mechanical fasteners are required.
What Are Wood Screws Used For?
Timber screws can be used for almost anything when constructing with wood. However, they are most used in the following woodworking projects:
Deck Construction: Building a deck requires wood screws that are built to last through all weather conditions and for pressure-treated lumber and cedar. If you’re looking into constructing an outdoor deck that can last longer than the wood you’re using, use high-corrosion stainless steel fasteners.
Fencing: Just like building a deck, use wood fasteners that are durable and weather-resistant when securing panels and posts.
General Framing: Long timber screws with a deeper and more aggressive thread are best for securely joining framing materials.
Cabinet Making: When constructing cabinets, most people use timber screws for attaching latches, hinges and other cabinet hardware. You can counter-bore and use plugs for camouflaging the fasteners.
Table and Chairs: Building a table or chair that will be placed in moist or outdoor environments requires stainless steel wood screws. Standard steel fasteners should be more than enough for interior use. You can use zinc-coated fasteners to add to your furniture’s aesthetic appeal.
Tips On Using Timber Screws for Your Woodworking Projects
Pre-drill Pilot Holes: Pre-drilling holes can prevent wood splitting, especially with hardwoods. To ensure a tight fit, drill the pilot hole that’s somewhat smaller than the screw’s core diameter.
Using a Countersink Bit: Create a small recess for the screw head to sit flush with or slightly below the wood surface with a countersink bit for a cleaner finish, especially on visible areas.
Spacing: Place screws evenly and use a gut line to make sure lines are straight. It takes a little more effort but the impact on the overall quality and appearance is huge.
Choose Torx (star) Drives: For better torque and less chance of stripping, use star drives.
What Are the Advantages of Using Wood Screws?
Ease to Install: Wood fasteners can be easily driven in and removed with common tools such as screwdrivers and drills. You can disassemble or reassemble wood components easily, which is important in woodworking projects where adjustments and tweaks are common.
Versatility: Whether you’re working with softwood, hardwood, particle board, or plywood, there’s a wood screw suited for each type of wood.
Cost-Effective: There are numerous reasons timber screws can save you from higher costs. Aside from these screws being easily removable, they also won’t damage the wood. So, don’t discard your fencing panels yet, you can still use them to build tables and chairs.
Stronger Joint: Wood fasteners have more aggressive threads and are spaced wider apart than fasteners designed for metal, which have finer threads and fit into threaded holes. This design cuts deeply into wood without splitting it and anchoring the screw securely, especially when combined with glue.
Choosing the Right Wood Screw
Choosing the right fasteners can impact the durability and aesthetics of you woodworking project. Wood screws are available with a wide range of sizes, lengths, and types of heads, giving you plenty of options for any woodworking job.
When working with softwood, select a screw that is no less than 2/3 the thickness of your wood. For hardwood, it’s a good idea to use longer screws to make sure they penetrate well and hold securely. Ideally the screw length should be three times longer than the thickness of the material being fastened.
The Best Screws from Allen’s Trading Co. Eagle Claw Fasteners
Allen’s Trading Co. Eagle Claw Fasteners provides wood screws for your every need. Our timber screws are specifically engineered to help you construct your decks with ease and provide you with long-term savings. For more information on why our stainless-steel fasteners are only the screws you ever need to buy, visit our website or call us.