Question about wood screws

[ars_lurker]

I am attempting to screw together pieces of QSWO and the bleeping zinc screws I got from the box store keep snapping off. I am drilling 5/32" shank holes and 9/64" pilot holes. I countersunk the heads as well. The screw sizes are #8x1 1/4".

So...

1. Are the pilot holes correct?
2. Should I buy some steel screws online?

Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.

Mike

[JoeyGee]

Have you tried waxing the screws first? I use a wax toilet ring to coat the threads before driving them.

[Uncle Cracker]

I use a beeswax stick from Woodcraft. Same principle, but is also good for miter slots and a few other things I wouldn't use a toilet ring for.

[ars_lurker]

Thanks for the suggestions. I will give the wax a try.

[LCHIEN]

I think you can also use like dishwashing soap (e.g. Joy) on the screws to allow them to turn more easily.

One ref I have says FOR #8 WOOD SCREWS to use pilot holes drilled with #35 (close to 7/64") drill for hardwoods and #48 (close to 5/64") drill for softwoods, that's quite a range. Oak being a hardwood, you should use closer to 7/64; if you are using 9/64ths then thats already larger than recommended, so the wax or soap should do the trick.

You could also use an impact driver.

[chopnhack]

Also from the pages of McFeelys in ref. to boat builders using brass screws, use a steel screw first to "form" the hole, back it out and replace. IMHO seems like a lot of work for what you want to do, but in case the lube doesn't work you have a way out w/o buying more screws.

[ars_lurker]

The wax did it! I now have an assembled bookcase. On to finish sanding, stain and poly. Hopefully I will have some pics for the completed projects forum by Sunday.

Thanks everyone!

[Scottw]

Same thing happened to me!

I just found this thread and I sure am glad! I didn't want to talk about my problem as I thought it was all my doing (still might be). I was trying to put together my cross cut sled with a red oak fence and I kept snapping the heads off of the screws. They were "Crown-Bolt" brand, #6x 1-1/4" from HD. I drilled the hole with a tapered bit and counter sink collar and thought I didn't go deep enough. I was using my power drill and on the third try I set the clutch way light, but as soon as it hit home it sheared off the head. Now I'm upset and I screw the next one in by hand (running out of places to drill mounting holes!!!), and sure enough the head comes right off!!!! The only thing satisfying about that 100 count pkg of crap, was the sound it made hitting the bottom of my trash can!
I haven't tried the wax trick yet but I would like input on what brands others have had luck with.
I already have an order written up for Square-X screws from Rocklers.

[ironhat]

Years ago, I couldn't find any soap or wax at hand but had a can of wheel bearing grease so I gave the screws a little dab. With the surface of the wood only 1/2" above the screw it olny took two weeks for the grease to migrate to the surface. It was only enough that it would't take stain and topcoat (as opposed to leaking out) but it was enough to ruin that part of the project. Wax ring, softened hand soap and liquid dish washing soap are all I use now. Sometimes I find that the liquid is too quickly pulled into the wood, like when I was lag bolting my deck.

[ars_lurker]

Scottw,
Once I put the wax on the junk screws, they went in fine. I did trash the rest of the box though and picked up some steel screws from Ace Hardware that are much stronger.
As far as wax, I used an toilet ring I had in the plumbing box. Ace had a small piece of beeswax by the screws for a buck or two if you prefer that.

I hesitated before posting this simple question (in my mind) hoping I would not get flamed, but no one on this board has ever been anything but polite and helpful to me.

[Bruce Cohen]

The Crown brand is sold at Home Depot (if I remember correctly from working there). I believe the name used to be CRAP, but thay changed it.

Bruce

[George Cole]

Try SPAX screws. A tad expensive but by "Ferd" they work great. Got them at Home Depot as well a the better upper end hardware stores, Wal Mart does not fit the upper end category.
George Cole

[jackellis]

I think you can also use like dishwashing soap (e.g. Joy) on the screws to allow them to turn more easily.

I've used liquid hand soap in the past with good success. However I recently read somewhere (Fine Homebuilding) that soap tends to attract moisture so wax might be better.

[Scottw]

ars_lurker,
I shouldn't have been afraid to tell my story either! I've never seen anything but positive things come out of the people on this board! I just wish that someday I can be of some help back, until then I'll just have to be a sponge and absorb all the info I can!
Thanks to all.
What quality of screws are available at Lowes? I don't have an Ace around here but we do have a Mom & Pop and I be t they have some good screws. Good reason to through them a bone anyways. Support the local little guys!

[George Cole]

ars_lurker,
I shouldn't have been afraid to tell my story either! I've never seen anything but positive things come out of the people on this board! I just wish that someday I can be of some help back, until then I'll just have to be a sponge and absorb all the info I can!
Thanks to all.
What quality of screws are available at Lowes? I don't have an Ace around here but we do have a Mom & Pop and I be t they have some good screws. Good reason to through them a bone anyways. Support the local little guys!

At Lowes I buy deck screws but the length is a problem for some projects. I still lean toward the SPAX screws from Home Depot or online from the woodworking mags.

George Cole