Screws, what are you using ?

[NUTTSGT]

Like most other GJ'ers, I know I have used the wrong screws here and there over the years. I'm not talking in metal work , like sheetmetal screws or wood projects like regular wood screws or Kreg screws.

I'm more interested in what you guys have used in construction type builds. Like many other guys I've used some drywall screws to hang OSB in places in order to make them removeable in the future. When I put the floor in the attic, I used some gold screws (drywall looking) because I thought they were more designed for construction yet I had a few break as I was driving them in. Keep in mind, they job was to merely hold the sheets in place, not structural.

When I've watched Holmes on Homes, they use screws religously and curious as to what they are using. Usually when I build something, I have the framing nailer out so I do use nails, but there are times when I want to just do something small and run a few screws in and be done.

So, what are you guys/girls using for construction screws ?

 

[alexb2000]

I use Spax, Timbertech, or Simpson as required.

I have tested ringshank coated framing nails since they are so much faster than screws and I found them to be extremely hard to pull out. I would like to see Mike Holmes compare them to screws.

BTW- If I see anyone using drywall screws for anything but drywall they are permanently gone from my job. Guys willing to save a dollar by using **** fasteners cannot be trusted.

 

[NUTTSGT]

I use Spax, Timbertech, or Simpson as required.

Like these ?

http://www.homedepot.com/p/SPAX-10-...Pack-4101020500756/202041016?N=5yc1vZc2blZ1bj

Where do you generally buy your screws ? Big box store, local lumberyard or a specialty place like Fastenal ?

 

[alexb2000]

Yes, exactly. I usually by them at HD because I haven't found anyone that has better deals on them.

Try the Spax pan head screws for things like plywood you want to remove later. Makes for a nice install.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Thanks, I'll have to check them out more when I get back over there.

 

[Woodtick]

http://www.grkfasteners.com/index.php/en/products
I use the R4,cabinet, and finish/trim versions.I get these at a local lumberyard.A bit pricey, but a great product.Their driver bits are outstanding also....they last longer than any other bit I've used.I also get the Torx construction screws at Menards.

 

[GYPSY400]

Where do you generally buy your screws ? Big box store, local lumberyard or a specialty place like Fastenal ?

Around here, it is much cheaper to buy screws from a local lumberyard by the pound, rather than a BB Store by the 100..

Also it's too bad the USA hasn't caught on to the best screw design ever! Working on automotive would be a lot easier.



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[lynnbilodeau]

X2 on the ringshanks. I like them for framing, but you better be darn sure they are where you want them, and that the assembly is permanent. If there is any chance I might be taking things apart, quality screws are the way to go.

While I admit to using drywall screws where I shouldn't on occasion, when I couldn't find the right product, I prefer the spax. I like to use a square drive bit.

 

[Jackfre]

I've been using the GRK screws for over 20 years. I was working a trade show years ago and a fellow in another booth had the GRK line and was sampling them. I buy the home center brands when I'm out but the GRK's are the best. I sometimes use drywall screws, but prefer the GRK type. Torx or square drive win in my book

 

[CTyankee]

http://www.grkfasteners.com/index.php/en/products
I use the R4,cabinet, and finish/trim versions.I get these at a local lumberyard.A bit pricey, but a great product.Their driver bits are outstanding also....they last longer than any other bit I've used.I also get the Torx construction screws at Menards.

Another vote for GRK. After using these, even square drives seem primitive. We've been using screws for construction on a regular basis for years...Boxes and boxes of them....Even available in SS..

 

[Zrexxer]

I use Spax and GRK. Neither are inexpensive, but I'm much happier once I quit trying to get by with cheap screws.

 

[stage20]

how are sctructural screws rated against a nail shear wise? i try and use nails, because i know they are rated for shear. if i educated myself on the strength of screws i may find them easier to use on future projects.

 

[kluckfab]

I like grk, spax are alright as long as you don't get Phillips heads.

 

[kerryt1]

I generally use deck screws, the coated self-countersinking ones. I will use stainless ones sometimes also. prefer the ones with Torx heads.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Good information, keep it coming guys.

 

[LB-1911]

how are sctructural screws rated against a nail shear wise? i try and use nails, because i know they are rated for shear. if i educated myself on the strength of screws i may find them easier to use on future projects.

Info concerning SPAX® you may find informative;

APPLICATIONS
http://www.spax.us/en/applications.html#.VKAuZl4AA

FAQ'S:
http://www.spax.us/en/faqs.html#.VKAuiV4AA

 

[LB-1911]

Good information, keep it coming guys.

Head to Menards -
http://www.menards.com/main/storeLo...86445519999999&longitude=-82.9501558&filters=

You'll find a varied assortment of several previously mentions brands and there is a 15% off "Bag Sale" in effect through the 4th of Jan.

 

[Notgrownup]

When growing up in Canada Robertson heads where a lot more prevalent, they don't seem to have taken off in the U.S. Now I see a lot of the Torx popping up, some don't like them but I think they are the best. If you use the correct size bit it is so easy to use.
When I worked for Crouse Hinds Canada they gad just bought Arrow Hart, now all known as Cooper wiring devices, they had all Robertson screws or Robbie's on the wiring devices, the had a promoption going on that was called, Be a safe "Driver" with Arrow Hart.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Info concerning SPAX® you may find informative;

APPLICATIONS
http://www.spax.us/en/applications.html#.VKAuZl4AA

FAQ'S:
http://www.spax.us/en/faqs.html#.VKAuiV4AA

This is what I love about this place.

 

[starquestMM]

I just bought some Spax for the first time but haven't used them yet. I did try bending one and it bent to a 90 degree just fine. The "construction screws" Menards sells are usually to brittle to bend like that.

I am building some shelves to hold heavy items (transmissions, blocks etc). I built the shelving frames in place using a nailer and plan to put one Spax screw into each joint to help hold it together (tension).

 

[7thDimension]

I like using the deckmate brand coated decking screws, they come in red and yellow with a t-25 torx head at home depot... You can also get them in stainless.

 

[ggielen]

I used torx deck screws when I remodeled my house and built my garage. For the sheathing I used both nails (for shear) and screws (because they never pull out). I just like the added comfort of knowing things are overbuilt. I used a lot of these, but I buy the 25 lb buckets:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Deck-Mate-10-2-1-2-in-Star-Flat-Head-Wood-Deck-Screws-5-lb-Pack-735002/202308665

It's my policy to buy in bulk for these type of consumables, it has saved me money because buying smaller packs always ends up being to little, and that's another run to the store + worse pricing because the volume is smaller. And now, in any project in the future, I always have some screws around.

I will go out of my way to use torx too. The frustration factor of other types (philips, posidriv, or heaven forbid, flat) is just too high. Particularly drywall screws seem to be weak and strip out easily, the day I find torx drywall screws I will be a happy man.

 

[kbs2244]

I have used the black, "brittle", "dry wall" screws for years.
I have never had one fail due to shear.
I like them for their semi-permanent function.
It is a real pain to remove a well driven nail, but you can "unscrew" easily.

That said, if it is never going to be taken apart, the ease and speed of an air nail gun is heard to beat.

 

[Steevo]

My #1 most used general purpose screw is a #8 truss head.
I have them in 3/4", 1", 1-1/4" and 1-1/2" in stock at all times.

Home Depot usually has them on the shelf.

 

[AndrewDouglasBird]

I used torx deck screws when I remodeled my house and built my garage. For the sheathing I used both nails (for shear) and screws (because they never pull out). I just like the added comfort of knowing things are overbuilt. I used a lot of these, but I buy the 25 lb buckets:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Deck-Mate-10-2-1-2-in-Star-Flat-Head-Wood-Deck-Screws-5-lb-Pack-735002/202308665

I use the same screws for building things out of 2x4's. I've even gone as so far as to reuse them several times, taking them in and out. I drive them with my Makita 18V driver and they go in like butter. I think I usually get the 3" ones though.

 

[Strouty]

I use the coated deck screws, I know the torx head probably drive more securely, but honestly with the impact drivers I don't have many problems with the #2 phillips. They do not break easily and because of the coating I do not worry about them for my outdoor contraptions.

I would also like to say I am not a professional, but I can buy a big pail at home depot and not have to worry about running out.

I would also like to say that I am never using regular drywall screws again, I will always used the galvanized. The shop does get damp and I can see some of the heads starting to rust under the mud. It really ticks me off when I see **** like that, especially knowing for a few extra dollars I would not have any issues.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Stay away from true drywall screws, except for hanging drywall ! They break easily.

I use a lot of the Grip Right Gold screws but I prefer Grip Right Gray screws for 2by constructions.

The Simpson Structural-Connector screws are great for joist hangers. Make sure to use the correct size and length. Good, but pricey !

My #1 most used general purpose screw is a #8 truss head.
I have them in 3/4", 1", 1-1/4" and 1-1/2" in stock at all times.

Home Depot usually has them on the shelf.

I have a good selection of #8 and #10 pan head screws simply because my local fastener store does NOT stock truss head ! I'll have to look for them next time I am at HD !



When buying any fasteners, buy as large of a quantity that you can afford and have a place to store !

 

[AceofSpad3s]

I use T25 deckmate screws, wish I could just find cheap ones because I do not need any coating, and what ever is in my junk bin.

 

[600SL]

I use Deckmate for just about everything wood.

 

[Notgrownup]

I will probably use T25 deckmates to install my wall OSB boards.

 

[wssix99]

Through the construction of my ICF house, I've had the occassion to use all sorts of screws for different things. (Wood to wood, wood to plastic, faux wood to plastic, etc...)

My experience has been that the drywall and gold screws break easly.

After trying out what the building supplies, the Orange Satan, and other home stores sell, we've exclusively landed on two screws we use for most everything.

For countersunk screws, the coated deck screws that Menard's sells (Grip-Fast) are hands-down the best. (the coating is tan-ish) The coating will drive smoother/easier than a gold or drywall screw and you can use them outside. (The benefits from the coating are worth the extra expense for inside use.) We've (the Mrs. and I) have also found that the Grip-Fast heads engage the screw bits wonderfully and we have 10X fewer stripped screws/bits with this brand over what the other stores sell.

My #1 most used general purpose screw is a #8 truss head.
I have them in 3/4", 1", 1-1/4" and 1-1/2" in stock at all times.

Home Depot usually has them on the shelf.

^ For screws we don't counter-sink, these have worked great for us. HD also sells a similar screw that uses a star drive bit, which holds the head/bit a lot better.

I've used the SPAX before, but the cost is pretty high. The Menard's Grip-Fast screws will work just as well, unless you need a special screw material.

 

[Moose02]

I use my girlfriend when my wife is not around have not broken one yet

 

[Hillyard]

I generally use deck screws, the coated self-countersinking ones. I will use stainless ones sometimes also. prefer the ones with Torx heads.

I started using torx and will never go back. Seconded.

 

[404]

I use my girlfriend when my wife is not around have not broken one yet

Best to get multiple GFs so you don't wear out the drive receptacle.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I use Deckmate for just about everything wood.

You Deckmate guys have DEEP POCKETS !

 

[theoldwizard1]

I use a lot of the Grip Right Gold screws but I prefer Grip Right Gray screws for 2by constructions.

The Grip Right Gold screws are approximately #10. The Grip RIght Gray screws have an epoxy like coating and are approximately #12.

 

[carterbeauford]

building a small pole barn type shop and have used nothing but 4" Timberloks and a 5/16" Milwaukee impact bit. they sure eat up impact driver batteries.

 

[BearsFan315]

I agree with the Torx heads of Anything Else...
used them a few years back to build some benches for the local Soccer club, and will never look back. Keep a Bulk Pack of Various Lengths for most anything I do Wood.

 

[Ebenbayer]

Generic: Basically coated exterior screws (Deck type) 1"-3" depending on application. I tried square and star head but with impact drier philips works just fine and I hate switching project rhythm to use a different bit.

My "go to" though is timberlok; I order mine online from McFeelys (http://www.mcfeelys.com/5-16-x-2-1-2-timberlok-landscape-screws-black-epoxy-coated-steel-hex-washer-head-hex-drive-qty-500-3ujx7.html), in many lengths. Hex head never slips, and they have a ton of surface area. you can pull a few 2x6"'s right into line no problem and longer ones are great for 6x6" beams.

I have built a fe structures over the past few years... and I have never used a nail. theoretically everything could come back apart for disassembly with screws, and more importantly, everything stays VERY tight.

 

[rharman]

My #1 most used general purpose screw is a #8 truss head.
I have them in 3/4", 1", 1-1/4" and 1-1/2" in stock at all times.

Home Depot usually has them on the shelf.

Ditto. One of the few hardware things I buy the big box of. Use them for everything.