Do I need new Screws or new Screw Drivers??

[uwintoday]

I use a lot of drywall screws for building wood projects because they are cheap. I use my B & D 20v lithium drill. I usually strip out a few screws and by the end of the project the screw driver bit is ruined too.


What kind of bit would give me more use?

 

[lbgradwell]

Robertson.

 

[Givl Reggin]

Take a look at square drive DeckMate coated wood screws (Home Depot carries them).

 

[mobiledynamics]

He did say drywall screws...
I'd say use a good Apex Phillips ACR bit

 

[mrjaw14]

You have access to an impact driver? I was in the same boat where i was using a "cordless screwdriver" (really a drill) to drive screws and was boogering up screws and bits. I started using an impact driver and got much better results using the same screws and longer life from the bits.

 

[Dick in Wisconsin]

Star drive. Looks like a Torkx head, but has six (6) star points on the bit to grab the head of the screw. I bought Deckmate at Menards to put up my Slatwall with. Buy a box of bits ... that way you won't be afraid to toss the bit when its time. Steady, even pressure. Set the clutch "weak", and up it until you have the right balance for the material.

Going forward I will only buy Star Drive or hex head (this is the best of of course, but can't be used in all situations and expensive). I'll either toss or give away all my remaining Phillips, square/Robertson, etc.

 

[lotsoftools]

Make sure you're driver bit is square into the screw. If it is off even a little bit, it is much easier to strip the screw and wear out your bit quickly.
I only drywall screws for drywall, everything else I use deck screws with the #2 philips/square combo head and I use the #2 square bit. I don't have problems with stripping screws any more.

 

[dirtydogintex]

You have access to an impact driver? I was in the same boat where i was using a "cordless screwdriver" (really a drill) to drive screws and was boogering up screws and bits. I started using an impact driver and got much better results using the same screws and longer life from the bits.

+1....

 

[froggert]

+2 for impact driver over a drill.

 

[mobiledynamics]

Star drive. I'll either toss or give away all my remaining Phillips, square/Robertson, etc.

No necessarily. I do use Phillips for sheetrock cause they CAM out so wonderfully....

 

[mobiledynamics]

If you're in NYC, I have at least 3-4 large jars of DW square screws you can have ;-)
Too much grip for sheetrock for me.

 

[twiggles]

Make sure you're driver bit is square into the screw. If it is off even a little bit, it is much easier to strip the screw and wear out your bit quickly.
I only drywall screws for drywall, everything else I use deck screws with the #2 philips/square combo head and I use the #2 square bit. I don't have problems with stripping screws any more.

Same here...I really like robertson (square drive) on my 18V Impact Driver. Another square drive screw that is AWESOME are the Kreg screws for pocket holes. They are pricey, but they are self tapping and have more sheer strength than drywall screws IIRC.

 

[Coach James]

I buy unplated steel square drive screws from McFeelys and also these(below) from Rockler for general purpose work.

A couple weeks ago, I got 400 NoCoRode deck screws in from McFeeleys. Square drive and self tapping.

http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=30309&site=ROCKLER

I thought star drive and Torx were the same thing, but companies used the name "star" to avoid paying a fee for using the Torx name.

Coach

 

[lbgradwell]

I thought star drive and Torx were the same thing, but companies used the name "star" to avoid paying a fee for using the Torx name.

Much like Robertson and "square-drive"...

 

[bob15]

Get new screws. I like the square drive screws, which i buy from McFeely's (cheap on shipping and a good screw collection).

http://www.mcfeelys.com/

bob

 

[Stuart in MN]

Remember that drywall screws are pretty brittle, they're not good for any structural work.

 

[Mastermind]

phillips screws are DESIGNED to cam out under any kind of torque. wikepedia. i like torx myself, never had great luck with the square or robertsen in this old house trailer, cant find a bit that fits right, tried everything i can find here, cheapies,milwaukee,dewalt,even snap on. guess i need one of you canadians to send me some true robertsons

 

[joshmodelskidoo]

x3 on the impact. got 1 a year ago and i hardly ever use the drill now. porter cable on sale at lowes for the drill and impact 18 voly nicad or pay more for the lith ion, but twice the power on that particu;ar one. theres always harbor freight or craftsman also

 

[bwringer]

+2 for impact driver over a drill.

+3. Sometimes you have to use phillips (the screw you need is only available in phillips), or you just have a bunch of screws you want to use up, and when you do, an impact with a decent brand-name bit is the only way to go.

If you're starting a new project from scratch and you have the cash, sure, then Torx or square drive is the way to go. I guess some of you guys are really organized, huh?

A couple of times I've scored large "fishbowl" containers of random leftover screws at Meanard's for a couple of bucks. These are very handy, but you have to be prepared for a variety of drive styles.

 

[wxm]

+1 for the impact driver. Since I switch to 18v Ridgid impact driver years ago, I stripped much fewer screws and most of time it was my own fault for not pushing the driver down.