Kreg HD screws vs ???

[cheechi]

Kreg makes some decent products, some of them much more value than others. The screws are good. do their job no complaints other than price. So I have started looking for alternatives. Think I may have found one want to see if you guys can help out.

The Kreg SML-C2X250-125

And these from quickscrews

Both are #14 2-1/2" screw with type 17 point. The quickscrews one has 'high/low' threads while the Kreg is a coarse threads. Will the difference in the threads be enough to make these not good substitute for the Kreg? Anyone using non-Kreg screws with their HD jig?

 

[bmwpowere36m3]

Look similar to these screws: GRK fasteners I used plenty when installing cabinets and available from HD and Lowes.

 

[James-W]

I usually get the screws at Rockler in Milwaukee. Since they sometimes have them on sale I stock up on them when the "price is right" and then I have them when I need them.

 

[Iwearcrocs]

I use kreg screws but will be giving some of the GRK's a try, bought some last week that are flush mount.


My Shop: http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=348643

 

[matthew]

I second the GRK's - I particularly like the GRK cabinet screws for pocket screws. At least local to me the GRK's are available in more sizes, and if you use a bunch of them the large package sizes are cheaper.

 

[Brian_WK]

I usually buy on amazon when the price is low weather im out or not 500 at a time. Last time I bought: Kreg SML-C125-500 1-1/4-Inch #8 Coarse Pocket Hole Screws with Washer-Head, 500-Pack they were $12 shipped. I really only use 3 sizes though and have a camel camel set up to watch the prices. I have used the GRK and they seemed to work just fine but they actually costed me more.

I also think if used outdoors the kreg screwsThree anti-corrosive layers of Protec-Kote might be a better coated screw then the quick screws Black Phosphate/Wax coating. But that is just a guess im a sucker for fancy names.

Brian

 

[tarbellb]

BUMP, in the middle of a project where I need the strongest grip per screw*

* limited to size #8-14 and only 1 1-4" (1.25") length.

Going into soft wood (Redwood). Wood, metal, lag? Speciality?

Checked Spax, GRK, Kreg, HD house brand?, etc...

Any suggestions, or references?

 

[EOC_Jason]

BUMP, in the middle of a project where I need the strongest grip per screw*

Use wood glue if you can between the joints too... A pocket hole isn't the strongest joint you can make, but it is the easiest and most convenient.

 

[trainer]

BUMP, in the middle of a project where I need the strongest grip per screw*

* limited to size #8-14 and only 1 1-4" (1.25") length.

Going into soft wood (Redwood). Wood, metal, lag? Speciality?

Checked Spax, GRK, Kreg, HD house brand?, etc...

Any suggestions, or references?

Coarse thread kreg screws. Tighten by hand instead of relying on the clutch on your drill. Add glue.

Ive found that kreg brand screws are competitively priced around here.

 

[bmwpowere36m3]

I usually buy on amazon when the price is low weather im out or not 500 at a time. Last time I bought: Kreg SML-C125-500 1-1/4-Inch #8 Coarse Pocket Hole Screws with Washer-Head, 500-Pack they were $12 shipped. I really only use 3 sizes though and have a camel camel set up to watch the prices. I have used the GRK and they seemed to work just fine but they actually costed me more.

I also think if used outdoors the kreg screwsThree anti-corrosive layers of Protec-Kote might be a better coated screw then the quick screws Black Phosphate/Wax coating. But that is just a guess im a sucker for fancy names.

Brian

That's cheaper than GRKs I bought. I think they were $6-10 for a 100-pk.

 

[cheechi]

several people mentioning #8 screws here.

I'm asking about #14 2-1/2" Kreg HD screws.

Neither Lowes or HD carry an equivalent GRK cabinet screw to the Kreg HD.

For regular Kreg pocket hole screws, the cost isn't so bad and occasional sales at rockler is exactly how I get them. The HD ones never seem to go on sale though, and aren't sold in bigger quantities than 125ct.

 

[cheechi]

In the end I bought the quickscrews to compare for myself. The high/low threads are designed to prevent cabinets from coming off the wall in an earthquake. Good enough for me, even if the coarse threads aren't as coarse (as much surface area) as normal #14 would be.

same tip, same length, same head & body diameters, lot less expensive. Glad I bought them, the few I've driven so far are holding strong.

Hope this helps others.

 

[sb7979]

I have a couple comments about this.....the Quickscrews you linked are philips drive while the Kreg are #3 square. Typically not a price difference associated with this, but I would much rather use square or torx drive than philips.

The Quickscrews are only black phosphate or zinc plated, the Kreg screws are coated for use in treated lumber. This could account for a significant price difference.

And unless you are buying the Quickscrews by the 1,500 the price is only a few dollars different. I think I just bought a box of Kreg's at Menards for around $15.

Just my thoughts.

 

[turbowoodworker]

Hey Cheechi, try McFeeley's. They have some good prices and huge selection. I'm too lazy to look up your specific screws but they probably have them.
Rick

 

[ddawg16]

Rockler has their own brand....and I've also bought them from HD.

Truth is, the wood is a lot weaker than the screw

 

[cheechi]

well to be fair, they are Phillips #3 and the Quickscrews 6" power bits (made in Taiwan along with the screws) fit really well in them. I have a USA made Klein #3 phillips power bit and it fits in there even better. That's what I've driven the ones I've done so far.

You have a good point about the treated lumber. Nearly all my applications that won't be relevant but I don't intend to never buy Kregs again, just not unless I have to. I do think the Kreg coating is a bit overhyped. Having removed some screws, it chips on threads more than I see the coating on exterior screws chip. I mean it's not bad, but it's far from perfect.


I did wind up buying the 1500 qty box. My biggest issue wasn't the cost although that played a factor, but Kreg doesn't sell them in a bigger box than the 125ct. Even at the same cost per screw, I would have liked a bigger box from Kreg and may not have bothered to go looking for another. Now hopefully I'm set for life. We'll have to see.

The only #14 x 2-1/2 washer head screws McFeely's sells are the Kregs.