Getting away from phillips screws- What do you use?

[Itsjustdirt]

I'm trying to get away from using phillips head screws. What screws do you guys like for everyday use. For small framing jobs, doubling up floor joists, securing things to wood, etc.?

Can I buy them in bulk? By bulk I just mean a bucket of them like the drywall screws come in.

I was looking at GRK screws at HD but they are damn expensive and only come in little homeowner size packs. That would get pretty expensive on a whole remodel.

I would like to spend a couple hundred bucks and buy a bucket of 1 1/4, 1 5/8, 2, 2 1/2, and 3" screws and be done with it, especially if it will save some money long term.

Thanks in advance.

 

[jd_1138]

I love Torx fasteners. They are easier to drive even long ones into hard wood. I just put them in my 1/4 impact driver and zoom them in.

There are lots of brands and come in different sizes of packs. Some are nearly as cheap as Phillips. HD ***** for fasteners. Go to Fastenal or a fastener store.

 

[Bondo]

I love Torx fasteners. They are easier to drive even long ones into hard wood. I just put them in my 1/4 impact driver and zoom them in.

Ayuh,.... I can't argue yer point, But,.....

I Hate the torx drive screws 'cause different size screws from the same manufacturer use different sized drivers,.....

I still like the square drive(roberts drive) that used to be so popular,....

 

[PugetDude]

1. Torx
2. Square drive
3. Phillips
(In that order)

 

[BFBOB]

Torx's downfall is a specific size driver is required to drive a specific size Torx fastener. Guess wrong and you can destroy the fastener and driver. Do you know for sure what sizes you'll need for a given job? Do you have the right drivers, and spares?

Phillips isn't perfect, but the #2 Phillips driver works on a huge range of fasteners, including those sized #3, and sometimes even a #1. A #1 driver will work on a #2 fastener if the torque requred isn't too high. Phillips drivers also work acceptably on Reed & Prince, Pozidriv, and other variants.

The only way I'd use Torx is on a big project where I'd be using lots (hundreds) of fasteners all the same drive size. Like a deck- used them for that, and they worked great. But, I very seldom do that kind of work. Usually I'm doing miscellany, and the #2 Phillips is by far my most used.

 

[rlitman]

Torx's downfall is a specific size driver is required to drive a specific size Torx fastener. Guess wrong and you can destroy the fastener and driver. Do you know for sure what sizes you'll need for a given job? Do you have the right drivers, and spares?

Phillips isn't perfect, but the #2 Phillips driver works on a huge range of fasteners, including those sized #3, and sometimes even a #1. A #1 driver will work on a #2 fastener if the torque requred isn't too high. Phillips drivers also work acceptably on Reed & Prince, Pozidriv, and other variants...

Wait, what?!? First you say that the wrong sized torx will destroy your fastener and driver. Then you suggest using a #2 phillips in #1, #3, R&P and Pozi, and don't expect destroyed fasteners and drivers from the same misuse

 

[PelicanPines]

Square and hex. I dislike torx... it sounds Klingon.

 

[KenC]

I like this type and source:
https://www.mcfeelys.com/square_drive_screw

 

[JamesW84]

I bought a bucket of Torx. I like square also. I hate philliips.

If you use the same bucket of screws, you'll have the same size heads on all of them; or if they take several different sizes, then you'll at least know you'll need T15,T20, and T25 when you go work on something. Keep your bits together (and some extras) and you'll be good to go.

 

[gungatim]

still use phillips for most but when I don't, I use square drive. started using them for pocket hole screws with my kreg jig and noticed how much better they are. began using for outdoor projects like making Adirondack chairs, picnic tables, small deck projects, etc.

I hate Torx. with a passion!

 

[Doug Arthurs]

Robertson for the win.

 

[Falcon67]

Torx T25 if you can find in the size/length you need. T20 is OK in smaller sizes. At 3" I prefer the T25.

 

[BFBOB]

Wait, what?!? First you say that the wrong sized torx will destroy your fastener and driver. Then you suggest using a #2 phillips in #1, #3, R&P and Pozi, and don't expect destroyed fasteners and drivers from the same misuse

Yes, mismatched drivers and fasteners of any kind can cause problems, like damage to either or both. In my experience, Phillips is more tolerant of mismatch than Torx.

 

[b-boy]

I prefer square drives as well.

I hate Torx. Mostly because of the multiple sizes. I can't tell you how many ladders I've climbed down because I grabbed the wrong size. One manufacturer does make them color-coded, which makes them easier to find in your toolbelt.

I've also found that the drivers tend to wear out pretty quickly when you're doing a large project. I don't think I've ever worn out a square driver head.

 

[californiaHank]

I used square (Robertson) for almost everything 'wood related' in Canada.
Much better than Phillips, but not too common in the US.
Lots of furniture manufacturers seem to be adopting it in the US, but it can be hard to find specific sizes in local hardware stores.

Torx is another option that's better than Phillips, but the selection of torx fasteners for wood is pretty poor in a lot of stores.

Bottom line is that I usually just continue to use Phillips in a lot of places, even though it's not what I prefer.

 

[ard]

I read that the phillips screw was designed during the war effort, to reduce the propensity for new unskilled workers to have a driver 'cam out' and damage surrounding aluminum panles in aircraft mfg. This was when men were going to war and women were building planes. A phillips will cam 'up' and stay centered.

I use any screw, but do dislike slotted.

 

[engineer2]

Torx (star) drive for everything construction related.
Most are T-25, so bit size isn't an issue.
Bits last much longer than square drive or Phillips.
Still use Phillips for drywall screws though, but it's a low-torque application.

 

[ekimneirbo]

Torx are great. A while back there were several people selling boxes of them for about $50 which is about half what Lowes charges. They are called deck screws but come in different lengths. I bought a half dozen boxes. I already built a 16 x32 building using them and still have about 5 boxes for anything in the future. Gave a box to my son and he likes them too. Got tired of phillips heads stripping. As for bit size, you only need 1 or 2 sizes. If someone can't figure out what size torx bit fits, they shouldn't be using power tools. Check and see if you can find any sellers on your local Craigslist or Facebook marketplace.

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

For framing I use nails. As you have discovered screws rated for framing aren't cheap.
In choosing screws I look for the proper length, diameter, thread style and head style. Then use whatever tool fits.
Currently I mostly buy Torx or Square drive but some are the "anything fits" style (where they are intended for torx, square or philips. BTW: Torx seems to actually work).

 

[mobiledynamics]

OP. GRK does come in box bulk as well.

 

[Oldbear]

Up here North of the 49th I use Robertson (square) for most building projects - with the job-specific fasteners thrown in. I always have a bulk buckets of 1-1/2", 2" and 3" "deck screws" in my shop which are all Robertson #2 drive. I keep a good selection of #6 to #10 pan head metal screws in my parts bins. Plus a selection of Teck screws.

 

[MFolks]

Another source; www.boltdepot.com

 

[Lynden]

I like square drive and McFeely's, but I haven't ordered anything from them for a few years. They have "getting to know them" screw assortments which is a good way to find out if you want to buy larger quantities.

https://www.mcfeelys.com/screw-fastener-web-store/screw-assortments.html

 

[Mr. T]

Robertson for the win.

Typical Canadian...

 

[Shane6377]

Phillips, torx, Robertson... doesn't really matter to me. I can drive them all just fine. I don't understand all the issues with Phillips. No offense but if you are ruining that many fasteners it's not the drive style... it's you.


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[jd_1138]

There are usually only 2 or 3 Torx bit sizes used in most carpentry applications, and most packs of Torx fasteners also come with a bit for that size.

 

[bwringer]

There are usually only 2 or 3 Torx bit sizes used in most carpentry applications, and most packs of Torx fasteners also come with a bit for that size.

Yep. The free torx bits work just fine.

All in all, I'd much prefer square drive for wood because the bits are tapered, so you can stick the screw on the bit and it'll stay. That's extremely handy in many situations.

Here in the US, there's very little square drive on the shelf at the big box stores. Since OP is planning to order a large quantity, that's not really a problem.

 

[Kaizen]

I switched 100 percent to deck mate fasteners which I believe is a t25. Used a few large boxes building the garage. The little impact bit they come with is my favorite as I use a sliding dewalt screw holder.


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[4x4Petr]

Robertson for the win.

Typical Canadian...

Robertson screws are superior in every way, typically Canadians too!

 

[couch67]

North of 49th it is difficult to find anything but square drive (Robertson) wood screws, although torx is getting popular for specialty stuff. I think square drive is the way to go if you can get them. Good quality bits and screwdrivers last a long time, and the screws naturally stay on the bit while you are getting into position and starting the screw.

 

[cherrybomb]

Squares will stay on driver in a tight or awkward sitiuation better,torx are easier to find in the hardware stores.hex head for sheet metal.Each variety has their strengths, utilize that in your application.Use phillips only for drywall,their designed to jump out of screw when seated.

 

[Lucid Moments]

I have used square bits and they are fine, but uncommon way down here. To the point that I don't think I have ever seen them in a store. They were used in a trailer that I was working on. Kind of irritated me until I found a bit in an assortment that I had. I buy Torx if at all possible and usually use the bit that is included in the box of screws.

 

[Dagny]

The only one that doesn't wiggle around is phillips head. You only need one hand to start them above or on the wall . The young man that helps me doesn't like them but my arms are 5 times the size of his.

 

[rburke65]

I’ll vote for the Torx

 

[matt_i]

Im with torx.

I used to love square drive, they are still found in electrical work and I have a #2 sq insulated driver in the kit, and some drivers for the Kreg screws.

I really like the GRKs though, I also have considered buying bulk packs and probably should have because I ended up using a lot in my shop build.

The thing that irritates me is that ABC Spax is using a T-20 when GRK is using a T-25 for similar sized screw, and I try not to ever get out the T-20 if I can avoid it....too easy to make a mistake and start driving a T25 screw with a T20 driver only to strip one or the other as it gets tight.

The GRKs are top shelf though, have coatings for exterior and treated wood apps. The "cabinet screws" with the big washer head are soo nice for hanging drywall....when you find a spot where the drywall is "bent" for some reason and you know a bugle head is just going to pop a cone out of the back, get a GRK washer head out and it will **** the drywall down tight with no issue...wait for construction adhesive to dry and pull it and put in a bugle head a day later....

 

[MushCreek]

I used lots of Torx building our house. Yes, some manufacturers use T-20; some T-25. No biggie; bits are cheap. I also use #2 square drivers for Kreg screws (you need a long bit), and #1 square for trim screws. The way my house is built (ICF exterior walls; steel stud walls interior) you use trim screws, not finish nails. Yes, it's a lot of extra work! The only Philips I used were on drywall.

 

[shedfullatools]

Only thing you can really buy here in Philips is a drywall screw, unless you go looking, Robertson is far superior I find the price gap on anything Torx drive you can get here to be significant

 

[bwringer]

The only one that doesn't wiggle around is phillips head. You only need one hand to start them above or on the wall.

Robertson/sqaure drive doesn't wiggle around either. I've found they "stick" on the bit a lot better than phillips; there's a slight taper on the bit.

I don't have the foggiest idea why there's so much more torx than square drive on the shelf here in the states. Probably licensing or something stupid like that.

 

[mobiledynamics]

For discussion sake, and I don't know if the head/screws of squares are different amongst brads, but the real *robbie heads* and night and day superior than a non-tapered straight up generic square driver bit.

I was struggling with some square bits I had....and after realizing what the issue was, I just bought more robby bits....

 

[Handyfarmer]

I find the GRK the best, the points are designed in such a way that pre drilling is usually not necessary, and they will cut the hole the screw needs, I bought a box of grip tight when using on 1x4 lumber and needed to pre drill ever hole to keep from splitting with the GRK no problem, I have found that Mc feebies, screws are not that great in the splitting department, when I had inexperienced help, they could run the torx screws much easier then the robertson,

I vote for GRK and Torx. and one can buy them by the box as well,