Screws for plywood

[drillman88]

Ive been asked (honored) by a freind to build a set of shoe racks for a local shelter for homeless and abused children.For frugalities sake I was going to build these from decent quality plywood and use screws in certain areas to strengthen the joints.This may sound strange but I hardly ever use plywood or mdf usually I work with solid wood and use decking or wood screws when needed.I have some kreg pocket screws I was planning to use.Will these work well or is there a better option for plywood?
Thanks for your help

[jackellis]

Unless they're going to be used for seats, glue will be more than adequate, especially if you avoid plain butt joints.

OTOH, pocket hold screws are strong enough to attach face frames to plywood carcases, so I think they will be fine for your application.

[drumpriest]

There are different types of pocket screws, broken down to fine and coarse threaded. For plywood you'll want to use coarse threads, the fine threads for for use in hardwoods. They are nice and strong where you can hide them, or if you just don't care about the looks.

[Uncle Cracker]

I imagine you're just gonna use the pocket screws to make T-joints and the like, right? Actually using pocket holes in plywood don't work too well... at all... nohow...

Coarse thread drywall screws are an option as well, because the heads will pull in flush with the surface better than pocket screws.

Screwin' and gluein' works the best, particularly if you won't need to take them apart later.

[cabinetman]

I imagine you're just gonna use the pocket screws to make T-joints and the like, right? Actually using pocket holes in plywood don't work too well... at all... nohow...

Coarse thread drywall screws are an option as well, because the heads will pull in flush with the surface better than pocket screws.

Screwin' and gluein' works the best, particularly if you won't need to take them apart later.

I agree with this wholeheartedly. If screws are to be used they should be countersunk and just bumped in tight, not driven in. Using pilot holes, coarse thread screws will work in all substrates. There are differences in the performance of different brands of screws, and those from the big box stores may not be appropriate for the procedure or the material.

If the parts are accessible and fit well, just gluing and clamping is sufficient. For a less visible form of fastening, coarse thread square drive trim screws leave a very small hole, about the size of a 8d finish nail.
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[drillman88]

Thanks guys,
Im still in the planning stage right now .I was going to use screws and glue and make strong joints and add cleats underneath the shelves as well.I am planning to rabbit /dado the solid wood face frame and glue and screw this on. It will be painted so I can cover the screw holes.I am more concerned about strength and longevity than looks.I know these will probably be used hard the older store bought ones are falling apart.
I hadn't thought about trim screws these should work well for the attaching the face frame to the ply.