Driving in SS screws

[rmanrman]

I’m getting ready to install 8 security cameras around my house and garage
The mounting plates require 4 #6x1 inch screws. I’ve purchased SS phillips self tap screws. The steel ones that came with the cameras will rust in a day. What type of screw holder 1/4 inch hex drive can I use with SS bcuse they are not magnetic and I’ll be on a 20 foot extension ladder. Not enough hands to hold drill screws and hold cameras on the ladder. Thanks

 

[rlitman]

Stainless self tappers with phillips drive. Ha! That's going to be a joy when you strip them all out.

Sorry, but I don't have a good answer for your predicament. The best answer would be to get rid of those screws and get the same in Robertson drive. Or get something galvanized. Preferably with a hex head.

 

[Mongo68]

Zap one of the steel ones in to hold everything. Then do the SS ones and swap the first one out last...

 

[finn]

Use the coated Torx head GRK or equivalent. They aren’t stainless, but seem to perform well for exterior applications, and are rated for pt wood.

 

[engineer2]

You can get stainless Torx (star drive) at any big box store. A piece of rubber tubing or masking tape will hold them.

 

[drsung]

The magnetic sliding kind should work. The magnet will hold the bit in place and you should be able to slide the sleeve over the screw to hold it. I agree with the using 1 steel one first to hold it then come back with the stainless.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000225P9/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[jkeyser14]

I used the sliding sleeve driver on mine. Still managed to drop one while up on a 32' ladder. So that camera had one less screw now.

 

[Stuart in MN]

He already has the screws.

Use a little piece of tape to hold the screw to the bit to start it.

 

[dfiler2]

These work well, there is a sleeve that pulls down and hold the screw in the right spot and won't allow the bit to slip off the screw.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Magnetic-S...=item58e0a6f8c7:g:BksAAOSwnQhXpIM4:rk:19:pf:0

 

[johnnyradiant]

Stainless self tappers with phillips drive. Ha! That's going to be a joy when you strip them all out.

Sorry, but I don't have a good answer for your predicament. The best answer would be to get rid of those screws and get the same in Robertson drive. Or get something galvanized. Preferably with a hex head.

or snap all the heads off

 

[mcbane]

Stainless takes time, and if you dont have the time maybe dont use stainless. If you have the time, drill a hole, use a gun tap, then put in the screw. Otherwise, use zinc electroplated screws that will likely outlast your security cameras.

 

[1/2 Cup]

Stainless takes time, and if you dont have the time maybe dont use stainless. If you have the time, drill a hole, use a gun tap, then put in the screw. Otherwise, use zinc electroplated screws that will likely outlast your security cameras.

spot on

 

[Firebrick43]

He already has the screws.

Use a little piece of tape to hold the screw to the bit to start it.

Every ones point is that stainless screws with phillips drive are next to useless. The soft stainless strips out and cheap ones(which will be if their phillips drive) the heads pop unless pre drilled and carefully driven.

I use quite a few ss screws and only the robertson drive ( square) and torx ones are worth a damn.

 

[rlitman]

Every ones point is that stainless screws with phillips drive are next to useless. The soft stainless strips out and cheap ones(which will be if their phillips drive) the heads pop unless pre drilled and carefully driven.

I use quite a few ss screws and only the robertson drive ( square) and torx ones are worth a damn.

+1 I find that the torx are most resistant to stripping, but I specifically recommended the Robertson, because they stick to the bit best.

 

[ishiboo]

Use the coated Torx head GRK or equivalent. They aren’t stainless, but seem to perform well for exterior applications, and are rated for pt wood.

Yep.

I no longer use stainless screws for this. They strip out or snap off wayyyyyyyy too easily. Any quality coated STEEL screw will do.

A few years ago I bought out a few 5lb boxes of 3-3/4" stainless deck screws (R2 drive) that were on clearance. Biggest mistake of my life. Anything you want to use them for the heads strip out before they're driven close to flush.

I have a huge love of stainless, but for fasteners like this they simply aren't the best choice as wrong as that seems.

 

[CTyankee]

Yep.

I no longer use stainless screws for this. They strip out or snap off wayyyyyyyy too easily. Any quality coated STEEL screw will do.

A few years ago I bought out a few 5lb boxes of 3-3/4" stainless deck screws (R2 drive) that were on clearance. Biggest mistake of my life. Anything you want to use them for the heads strip out before they're driven close to flush.

I have a huge love of stainless, but for fasteners like this they simply aren't the best choice as wrong as that seems.

Torx only for SS screws or you're just asking for trouble..especially when you get into the larger sizes.