What type of screws

[zootroy]

I am looking to buy some screws to attach a tabletop to a frame. I am using buttons to allow for movement. What is the best type of screw for this job. The top is hard maple. I am drilling pilot holes, but I still want something that can hold up to some torque.
I bought a box of wood screws (zinc plated) from Lowes and they broke very easily.

Also, If anyone has a good source?

TIA
Jason

[Tom Slick]

www.mcfeelys.com sells high quality screws. I haven't had any issues using sheet metal screws in maple, but that is sacralige of course.

[drumpriest]

Jason, I used figure 8 fasteners for my desk, and they just came with screws, but depending upon the length, you might wanna consider kreg screws. They've been great for me, in Oak and Rock Maple.

[DonHo]

I'm no expert but I'd use fine thread dry wall screws.

DonHo

[wreckwriter]

The best quality screws, in my opinion, can be had at boat stores, West Marine, Boat US, etc. Top grade stainless, far better than big box stores carry.

[Tom Miller]

I second the McFeely's recommendation (take it from two Tom's, they're great!) I get the #8 yellow zinc steel, but they have lots of other choices.

I don't think I'll ever use a "wood" screw again. (Tapered drill bits? I don't think so!)

I also keep a stock of Phillips head deck-style screws on hand in all sizes from 3/4" to 4" long. But the McFeely's are beefier, with a stronger head.

Regards,
Tom

[mschrank]

I'm no expert but I'd use fine thread dry wall screws.

DonHo

Beware of using drywall screws for woodworking. They aren't a particularly strong screw. They're not designed for high torque, which makes sense (you don't want or need to torque a drywall screw...if you did, it would break through the paper).

I figured this out when using drywall screws (all I had left) to finish up the last couple of boards on a deck. Figured they'd hold until I could replace them with something better. But half the heads popped off as I "drove them home," and several others popped off later.

[jnesmith]

Another vote for http://www.mcfeelys.com/subcat.asp?sid=235

[zootroy]

Thanks everyone,
Looks like i'll be shopping at McFeely's.
I appreciate the info.
Jason

[Stick]

I second the McFeely's recommendation (take it from two Tom's, they're great!) I get the #8 yellow zinc steel, but they have lots of other choices.

I don't think I'll ever use a "wood" screw again. (Tapered drill bits? I don't think so!)

I also keep a stock of Phillips head deck-style screws on hand in all sizes from 3/4" to 4" long. But the McFeely's are beefier, with a stronger head.

Regards,
Tom

Funny, isn't it? I've never even SEEN Phillips head deck screws, nor would I ever want to! All our screws up here are Robertson (square drive) except drywall screws.

[WayneJ]

I used sheet metal screws on the last one I did. Worked fine, 1/2 in screws and made my own figure 8s from 1/8 flat stock.
Wayne

[zootroy]

Got my order from McFeelys yesterday and I have to say that I may never use a non-square head screw again. Very slick. Thanks all for the advice.

[kmk]

PM me and will mail you nice article on screw types and selection. square drive
screws are the best. They have stainless steel version if you need them for exterior project. I was about to order at McFeelys and found out that local Rockler also carries them. So, I got from there. I am using these on a big cabinet installation project and very happy. You can also buy caps for them.

[AlanJ]

Funny, isn't it? I've never even SEEN Phillips head deck screws, nor would I ever want to! All our screws up here are Robertson (square drive) except drywall screws.

Peter Robertson, who patented an efficient way to to make square head screws was a Canadian. He couldn't get penetratoin in the US market because he insisted on retaining control over the technology, and not licensing the manufacture (presumably to US industry). That's why Canadians have been lucky to not get stuck with philips drive screws like Americans have.

[JeremyM]

I have to admit, I've never ordered from McFeeley's. However, I have spent my life using square-headed screws. I grew up using them in floor repairs. Why? 'Cause that's all we could get in 4" screws for a floor.

My opinion is that I don't see what all the fuss is about. Maybe it's because we don't predrill holes when doing floor repairs, but I have stripped out more than my fair share of square heads. I'm just not a raving fan of them.

Now, as far as strength, stay far, far away from drywall screws for your woodworking. I use them all the time when we are working on concrete forms. But that's because they are cheap and available, not due to an amazing strength.

Just a plugged nickel of opinion.