Your Screwing Technique?

[mongers]

Yesterday I was taking apart one of the sheds, needed to recondition it, put new roofing-felt and found the 6-8 ft battens were secured by 8 or so 2" screws.

Damn what overkill for tiny pieces of wood, what's it going to be like taking the roof off, I thought; yet it transpired that was just held on by 6 screws fixed to a really weak central roof support, based on the above experience I'd have though the guy would have put literally dozens of screws in all over the place.

The other thing that puzzled me, was every screw was 'over-driven' into the wood by about 2-3mm, so the head was part buried by surrounding wood, is that a good idea, I'd have thought it would weaken the bond between the two pieces of timber.  What do you think?

So what's you policy on screw use when building something ? 

I can't help but thing the guy used a power tool and put so many screws in on the vissible outside of the shed and somewhat skimpt on the interior , because it looked like he was doing a lot of work to impress the customer. 

Personally, I'm less keen on screwing and more likely to hammer away at nailing things.   

[Monoriu]

I pay someone for these things.

[mongers]

I pay someone for these things.

I enjoy doing things that requires some physical effort and an amount of problem solving; a good all-round workout. 

[Grey Fox]

The other thing that puzzled me, was every screw was 'over-driven' into the wood by about 2-3mm, so the head was part buried by surrounding wood, is that a good idea, I'd have thought it would weaken the bond between the two pieces of timber.  What do you think?

It's exactly the opposite of what you thought.

[merithyn]

The other thing that puzzled me, was every screw was 'over-driven' into the wood by about 2-3mm, so the head was part buried by surrounding wood, is that a good idea, I'd have thought it would weaken the bond between the two pieces of timber.  What do you think?

It's exactly the opposite of what you thought.

I always thought the purpose of counter-sinking the screwheads was so that you could cover them, not to give the structure more stability.

[Brazen]

I don't screw, I have a machine to do that for me.

Seriously, every woman who sets up house alone should have a cordless drill/screwdriver combo.

[Malthus]

The other thing that puzzled me, was every screw was 'over-driven' into the wood by about 2-3mm, so the head was part buried by surrounding wood, is that a good idea, I'd have thought it would weaken the bond between the two pieces of timber.  What do you think?

It's exactly the opposite of what you thought.

I always thought the purpose of counter-sinking the screwheads was so that you could cover them, not to give the structure more stability.

Yup, my impression as well. Don't want screwheads sticking out.

[Grey Fox]

That might be it but I was always thought that it needs to go 2/3 of the way in(in wood). That's overkill for simply cover.

[garbon]

The last time I built something out of wood was a long time ago. I might have a drill but I don't frequently use it.

edit:

[Maximus]

Ideally you want to sink the screw to where the head is flush, but not so deep the head breaks through the fibers on the surface.

If you are going to fill the holes you may need it deeper though, depending on the filler.

[fhdz]

The other thing that puzzled me, was every screw was 'over-driven' into the wood by about 2-3mm, so the head was part buried by surrounding wood, is that a good idea, I'd have thought it would weaken the bond between the two pieces of timber.  What do you think?

As others have said, they should be flush unless they're going to be filled/covered with something.

Personally, I'm less keen on screwing and more likely to hammer away at nailing things.   

The nice thing about screws is that they're easily removable but provide considerable structure when they're in. Whether screws or nails are preferable really depends on the purpose of the thing you're trying to build, I'd say.

[PRC]

Counter sink screws, drill pilot holes for screws on finishing projects, always use Robertson screws and fuck Phillips.

[Grey Fox]

Counter sink screws, drill pilot holes for screws on finishing projects, always use Robertson screws and fuck Phillips.

Preach it, brother.

[fhdz]

Pilot holes are essential, unless you like wood that's split.

[Barrister]

Counter sink screws, drill pilot holes for screws on finishing projects, always use Robertson screws and fuck Phillips.

Amen Brother PRC!