Special Screws for Melamine Particle Board

[JimD]

Anybody try the special screws sold for melamine particle board? I've always just used drywall screws but I decided to buy a starter kit of 100 screws and caps + the special drill bit from McFeelys and give it a try. I cut a very shallow dado at connections so I can glue the particle board but I want the screws to hold well too. Drywall screws have worked OK but I decided to give the special screws a try.

The project is a cabinet for over my son's washer and dryer. I like the cost of melamine as well as it's durability. I'll put a face frame on it to help with strength. The face frame will be painted white as well the flat panel doors (overlay like his kitchen). I will also put a hanging rail on the top and bottom for attachment and to help prevent deflection.

Jim

[cabinetman]

Drywall "type" screws do work well...a coarse sharp threaded flat head phillips screw. Installing them can make a difference how effective they become. I use a pilot/countersink bit. I use a cordless VSR drill to drive them at the slow speed, as they have more torque at slow speeds than a corded drill.

When the screw comes to close to tight, bumping the trigger to tighten is better than just driving at speed, which heats the screw, and can snap off heads. This method also prevents over spinning which renders the screw ineffective.

.

[Tom Slick]

Comfirmat screws do work well in particle board but any coarse thread screw will get the job done if you are using some type of joint.

[thrytis]

I've used those screws, probably the exact same set from McFeelys, with shallow dadoes and glue for a large bookshelf for toys. It is still very solid after several years of use.