When it comes to fasteners, Particle Board screws rule as king in the woodworking realm. Typically, these fastening devices are used to connect one piece of wood to another by providing a clamping force that sturdies and strengthens a joint. Particle Board screws are also used to attach hardware, locks, hinges, and other objects to wood.
There are many different screw types, but when it comes to woodworking only certain types are applicable. Particle Board screws have an aggressive thread that allows them to grab and hold the wood stock. However, there are many differences between them, such as the gauge, head type, length, and drive type of each screw.
The Drive Types
Phillips Drive screws dominated the industry for many years and are still popular in woodworking. However, there are two other types you may not be as familiar with - the Square Drive and Combination Square/Phillips Drive, or the Combo Drive. These drives are gaining great momentum in woodworking shops across the planet. The Combo Drive has both the Square and Phillips Drive embedded, so you can use either type of driver to get it into the wood. Quickscrews recommends driving these screws with a Square Drive and, if necessary, removing them with the Phillips Drive.
In many woodworkers’ opinions, the Combo Drive is superior to the traditional Phillips Drive because it better resists stripping out. This is because the drive of the tool grips the drive of the screw more securely and does not slip out.
The Head Shapes
Generally speaking, Particle Board screws will usually have one of the three leading head shapes: Pan or Round Washer, Flat, or Oval.
The Pan or Round Washer Head screws have a flat underside with a rounded top. This style is typically used to affix thin objects to a larger piece of lumber.
Flat Head screws are made to fit into a tapered or countersunk recess, such as the holes found in hinges, and, if applied properly, sit flush on the surface. They are also used for attaching two pieces of wood together in applications in which it is necessary that the head sits flush or slightly below the surface of the wood.
Oval Head screws are a combination of the previous screw types mentioned. They have a tapered bottom, like the Flat Head, but the top is slightly rounded, like the Pan or Round Washer Head. They are typically used with exterior mounted hardware for a decorative look.
The Thread Gauge
The thread diameter is what determines the gauge of the screw. Put simply - the thicker the screw is, the larger the gauge is going to be. Usually, Particle Board screws can be found with a gauge as small as #6, which is a bit thicker than 1/8 of an inch. Under normal circumstances, you can locate up to a #12 gauge in most retailers, which is just under 1/4 inch in thickness. Once screws reach larger than #14 gauge they typically become listed according to their imperial sizes, which begins at 5/16 inch.
If you are looking for screws with a gauge smaller or larger than the norm, specialized outlets, such as Quickscrews, have a wider range of sizes. Quickscrews in particular carries screws that range in size from #4 to #14 diameters. Along with a wider range of gauge sizes, Quickscrews also offers their fasteners at a better price than those you would find in a hardware store.
The Length of the Screw
Another major difference between Particle Board screws is their length. On Quickscrews’ online store, you will find screws that vary from ½ inch in length up to 6 inches. This is going to be dependent on the actual gauge of the fastener as well.
Some Things to Consider Before Purchasing Particle Board Screws
Typically, Particle Board screws are constructed of hardened steel. There are other materials used though, such as brass and stainless steel. Some of these have a coating that helps ward off corrosion, but keep in mind that certain types of wood can be stained by this coating.
When working with super dense hardwoods, it is recommended to pre-drill a pilot hole or create a countersink before installing any Particle Board screws. Not doing so could cause the lumber to crack, which will cause create complications further down the line. However, Quickscrews offers screws with special features, such the Type 17 Auger Point and their Quickcutter line with a Double Type 17 Auger Point, designed specifically for driving into hardwood species without a pilot hole. They also provide screws with self-countersinking Nibs under the head, eliminating the need to create a countersink before installing the screws.
When choosing screws, be sure to use one that is as long as possible without poking through the backside of the stock. Under normal circumstances, the best choice is a screw that will go through 75%-85% of both pieces of wood together when fastened. This creates the strongest connection between the two wood pieces without defacing them.
Lastly, if you use a Flat Head screw, be sure that you do not use a tip wider than the screw or one that is too lose. This will end up marring the head of the fastener and stripping the drive.
This article was written as a joint effort between the Quickscrews Staff and woodworking blog writer Ted Leger.