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What is the best self tapping interior wood screw? Best exterior galvi wood screw? I need to keep an assortment of sizes on site and would love your opinions. Because I use a Makita hammer drill, I don’t tend to break off heads. Has anyone else been noticing that the points of FastTaps seem duller- harder to start? (And they are so expensive!) Looking the speed of insertion and relative cost.
Thanks, Karen
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Replies
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Golly gurl, make sure you turn the hammer feature off that Makita. That's no way to drive a screw. Back to the screw thing. Diff. things for diff jobs. The drywall screw is still numero uno for the multi purpose screw. More holding power and harder driving, maybe the greycote, sq. drive deck screw. Always carry an assmt of boxes/hundred in 6,8,10 and maybe some 12's by 3/4 to maybe 2. Several sizes of hex hd. tapcons (turn on that hammer feature). All fit in a couple of those tote boxes (7 by 16"). Carry these and you won't have to plan for every damn fastener. Don't forget to restock. best of luck.
*McFeely's Square Drive. Check them out and I think you'll find that they do very well. I believe their webstie is http://www.mcfeelys.com
*Hi Karen,A Makita hammer drill is hardly a good choice for driving screws. It would have a tendency to strip out. Have you used any of the numerous cordless drills or even screw guns, instead?Regarding screws, a million types of screws and 40 for each application. Whatever works for you. If I was only allowed one type, it would be drywall screws. There cheap and come in all sizes.Gabe
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Besides the basic assortment I keep a spare toolbox just for all the micscelaneous crap that 'you never know when you might need it'.
tiny nails, tie wire, brass screws, washers, etc.
coffee cans are too hard to rummage through.
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Particle board screws (Hi-Lo, lots of other names), for anything except drywall and decks. The best all purpose screw for anything with even a bit of wood in it, IMO.
*Karen- By far the best screws I've ever come across is the R4 series by GRK-Canada. I think they come in sizes from 1 1/2 to 4 1/2. Self-tapping, self-countersinking, and have a weatherproof coating. Most use a T-25 torx bit. Can drive the 4 1/2" screw right into oak 4x4. Never snapped one off or stripped one out before either. Use them for decks, cabinets, or about anything. Gold color makes them nice if they will be used in visible spots too. Kinda spendy- about $5/lb, but worth it.Mike.
*Geeez- must have been up too late at the belt sander races (that site's a hoot-do a search for belt sander drag racing). It's not a Makita hammer drill but an impact driver (rachets the screw down with less muscle needed). So, everyone swears by square drive heads?Anyone ever have luck buying a recon tool at discount tool depo.com? Prices look pretty good.Thanks for all your input.
*Karen,Drywall screws are hard to beat. they range in size from 1 inch to 3 inches and can do just about anything. they will snap off in hardwoods however so it is best to pre-drill. Galvanize type screws stink. The galv process makes the screw heads too soft and they always strip out. For outdoor projects use "grabbers" which is a drywall type screw, but has a ceramic coating applied to it so it won't rust. If you want something better, then go to a square drive stainless screw.For all around useage, a common, run-of-the-mill drywall screw is still the best bet.By the way, put your hammer drill away. A hammer drill is for drilling holes into masonry; not for driving screws into wood. Buy yourself a cordless drill. Buy one with plenty of torque settings; has a keyless chuck, variable speed trigger, easy reach button to change from forward to reverse, at least a 12 volt (minimum), and comes complete with battery charger and an extra battery. There are many good ones on the market today (DeWalt, Porter Cable, Makita). Check out the "T" handle style and the pistol grip style when buying. Buy the one that fits your hand the best and feels lightest.A cordless drill will do you more good than a corded screwgun (which is mainly for drywallers).Davo.
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Curious,
I love Deckmate screws sold by Home Depot. They're a combination square/phillips head.
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Karen,
Spaxx screws ( I get 'em from woodworker's supply) are self tapping and self countersinking. Try a scew gun for screws and save the hammer drill for nails.
Just screwin' around with ye, BB
*I see everyone telling her to put the hammer drill away. She's not using a hammer drill but an impact driver. There's a big difference between the two.Eric
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What is the best self tapping interior wood screw? Best exterior galvi wood screw? I need to keep an assortment of sizes on site and would love your opinions. Because I use a Makita hammer drill, I don't tend to break off heads. Has anyone else been noticing that the points of FastTaps seem duller- harder to start? (And they are so expensive!) Looking the speed of insertion and relative cost.
Thanks, Karen