How deep into the wood should a screw go?

Post by c***@gmail.com
Just a quick question and forgive me if it annoys you, how deep into
the wood should a screw go? A 1/3 of the width of the wood? 2/3s?
Thanks and many regards.

Wouldn't that depend on the thickness of the wood? Wouldn't it depend
on what is being attached? I can't think of any "one size fits all"
answer to your question.

Dave

Joe Barta

2006-02-25 01:00:13 UTC

Post by c***@gmail.com
Just a quick question and forgive me if it annoys you, how deep into
the wood should a screw go? A 1/3 of the width of the wood? 2/3s?

The correct answer is "deep enough".

All depends on what you're screwing to what. You're looking for a one
size fits all answer and there is no such thing.

Joe Barta

George E. Cawthon

2006-02-25 01:27:46 UTC

Post by c***@gmail.com
Just a quick question and forgive me if it annoys you, how deep into
the wood should a screw go? A 1/3 of the width of the wood? 2/3s?
Thanks and many regards.

You mean thickness? The standard solution is the
screw should be 3 times as long as the thickness
of wood piece it hold. Often not an option.

Maybe you are asking how deep can you screw it
without a bulge in the wood. If so, and you drill
pilot holes, the screw tip should stop about 1/8"
to 1/4" from the wood surface that is visible and
to be finished.

Leon

2006-02-25 02:48:54 UTC

Post by c***@gmail.com
Just a quick question and forgive me if it annoys you, how deep into
the wood should a screw go? A 1/3 of the width of the wood? 2/3s?
Thanks and many regards.

Most screw manufacturers say 1/3 of the screw in the top piece, 2/3's of the
screw in the bottom piece.

Bruce Barnett

2006-02-25 02:55:18 UTC

Post by c***@gmail.com
Just a quick question and forgive me if it annoys you, how deep into
the wood should a screw go? A 1/3 of the width of the wood? 2/3s?

There is no single answer.

Some times when I want to mount a flat board to a faceplace for my
lathe, I use 1/2" #10 screws and shorten/sharpen them so the strength
increases while the requirement for penetration decreases. (This was
for a design where the side with the screw holes is never seen). The
shorter the penetration - the more usable wood I end up with.

I can give an example where the longer the screw - the better.

--
Sending unsolicited commercial e-mail to this account incurs a fee of
$500 per message, and acknowledges the legality of this contract.

c***@gmail.com

2006-02-25 03:27:10 UTC

Post by Bruce Barnett

Post by c***@gmail.com
Just a quick question and forgive me if it annoys you, how deep into
the wood should a screw go? A 1/3 of the width of the wood? 2/3s?

There is no single answer.
Some times when I want to mount a flat board to a faceplace for my
lathe, I use 1/2" #10 screws and shorten/sharpen them so the strength
increases while the requirement for penetration decreases. (This was
for a design where the side with the screw holes is never seen). The
shorter the penetration - the more usable wood I end up with.
I can give an example where the longer the screw - the better.

Argh I'm new to woodworking, I don't know the terminology, so bear with
me please.

I'm making a freestanding shelves unit. I'm using shelf boards that are
sold per piece, and then I'm using two rather thick and long pieces of
timber (I think it was 5cm x 8cm x 2.4m) so that I would make it stand
upright and then fit the shelves on it. To do that I'll be using those
L-shaped pieces of metal. Two for the two pieces of timber to make it
stand and not fall on its face, each one of them (the metal L-shaped
things) will be ~30cm, facing away from the wall - the shelves will be
standing against the wall but not attached to it. Then I'll use smaller
pieces of those L-shaped metals to attach the shelves to the long
pieces of timber.

My question really is about the two long pieces of timber, when I
attach the L-shaped metals to them on which the shelves will rest (and
will be screwed, but I know I'll just use 12mm screws for those because
the shelves will be 20mm and will rest on the metal anyway), how deep
into the long pieces of timber should the screws go to make sure the
shelves don't fall off, and how long should I choose the screws to be?
Should they go a 1/3 of the way in, or 2/3s?

I should say that I'll be using the shelves for books, so I expect that
they'll have to bear some weight.

Many regards and thanks.

Post by Bruce Barnett
--
Sending unsolicited commercial e-mail to this account incurs a fee of
$500 per message, and acknowledges the legality of this contract.

bent

2006-02-25 07:10:29 UTC

---<| screws are measured from the very pointy end of the tip to the flat
end on the fartherest side
---|) screws are measured from the very pointy end of the tip to the flat on
the underside. Same with machine screws, and lag bolts I believe.
generally in 1/8" increments, so don't bother looking
I constantly trim the ends off with a dremel for max penetration. Tip
rarely matters. Pre-drill is often needed
the deeper the better, esp. in end grain, mdf, particle board. I'm not
happy if I'm more than .020" away. About a 7 pieces of paper.
In machine screws fine threads are stronger than coarse, e.g nf>nc.
when push comes to shove, add more depth rather than force width
wood screws come in numbers #8 is commonestly, 6, 10,12, 4, 14. smaller is
smallerestly
simialry sizes use like screwdrivers
they come in silver, gold and black
Gold ones snap, esp. the small ones. Don't use these.
Black ones rust. Don't use these either.

----== Posted via Newsfeeds.Com - Unlimited-Unrestricted-Secure Usenet News==----
http://www.newsfeeds.com The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! 120,000+ Newsgroups
----= East and West-Coast Server Farms - Total Privacy via Encryption =----

bent

2006-02-25 07:43:24 UTC

when they get longer the increment changes to 1/4", then 1/2". Don't look
for those.

The length of the unthreaded shoulder just undre the head is designed
according to an ancient recipe of a max of 1/3 third the shank length or a
minimum of n inches or whatever. Don't look. Sometimes it is better to buy
a shorter screw with more thread. Don't ask. and definelty don't ask about
washers.

The radius on the underside of the head of machine screws is controlled to a
very high tolerance also. In metal to metal contact m/c screws should have
calculations made such that enough threads are engaged so that the tensile
strength breakage point is converely supplemenatry.

The coefficient of friction, µ, of a titanium and carbon or low allow steel,
but not corrosion resistant steel between a nut and a bolt is .08 (+/-20%)

----== Posted via Newsfeeds.Com - Unlimited-Unrestricted-Secure Usenet News==----
http://www.newsfeeds.com The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! 120,000+ Newsgroups
----= East and West-Coast Server Farms - Total Privacy via Encryption =----

Leon

2006-02-25 14:36:38 UTC

Post by bent
---<| screws are measured from the very pointy end of the tip to the flat
end on the fartherest side
---|) screws are measured from the very pointy end of the tip to the flat
on the underside. Same with machine screws, and lag bolts I believe.
generally in 1/8" increments, so don't bother looking
I constantly trim the ends off with a dremel for max penetration. Tip
rarely matters. Pre-drill is often needed
the deeper the better, esp. in end grain, mdf, particle board. I'm not
happy if I'm more than .020" away. About a 7 pieces of paper.
In machine screws fine threads are stronger than coarse, e.g nf>nc.
when push comes to shove, add more depth rather than force width
wood screws come in numbers #8 is commonestly, 6, 10,12, 4, 14. smaller
is smallerestly
simialry sizes use like screwdrivers
they come in silver, gold and black
Gold ones snap, esp. the small ones. Don't use these.
Black ones rust. Don't use these either.

Take a look here for good screws and a wealth of information that may be
contrary to your terminology and way of thinking.

Jim K

2006-02-26 17:49:19 UTC

Post by bent
simialry sizes use like screwdrivers
they come in silver, gold and black
Gold ones snap, esp. the small ones. Don't use these.
Black ones rust. Don't use these either.

Color really nothing to do with material a scew is made of. You can
get black and gold steel or black and gold aluminum and the black
steel and black aluminum will behave quite differently. You have to
check for the material they are made from. Stainless steel is less
likely to rust than galvanized steel and both are less likely to snap
than an aluminum or brass screw.

C&S

2006-02-25 11:06:00 UTC

Post by c***@gmail.com
Argh I'm new to woodworking, I don't know the terminology, so bear with
me please.
I'm making a freestanding shelves unit. I'm using shelf boards that are
sold per piece, and then I'm using two rather thick and long pieces of
timber (I think it was 5cm x 8cm x 2.4m) so that I would make it stand
upright and then fit the shelves on it. To do that I'll be using those
L-shaped pieces of metal. Two for the two pieces of timber to make it
stand and not fall on its face, each one of them (the metal L-shaped
things) will be ~30cm, facing away from the wall - the shelves will be
standing against the wall but not attached to it. Then I'll use smaller
pieces of those L-shaped metals to attach the shelves to the long
pieces of timber.
My question really is about the two long pieces of timber, when I
attach the L-shaped metals to them on which the shelves will rest (and
will be screwed, but I know I'll just use 12mm screws for those because
the shelves will be 20mm and will rest on the metal anyway), how deep
into the long pieces of timber should the screws go to make sure the
shelves don't fall off, and how long should I choose the screws to be?
Should they go a 1/3 of the way in, or 2/3s?
I should say that I'll be using the shelves for books, so I expect that
they'll have to bear some weight.
Many regards and thanks.

Better questions bet better answers. That is a much better question.

20 or 22mm. Go as far as you can without coming out the other side.

Wood screws have a tapered profile and their bite come from the thread (or
depth there of). Since the very tip of the screw (the first 4mm (1/4'")or
so) is narrow the threads can't be to deep and it can't get much bite. What
I am saying is that the 1st 1/4" of screw doesn't give you any significant
holding power.

If your screw is 2 inches (5cm) long that's not really significant, if your
screw is 10mm, that's nearly half your screw.

As others have said, it's tough to comew up with a simple rule.

Guess who

2006-02-25 14:39:55 UTC

Post by c***@gmail.com
how deep
into the long pieces of timber should the screws go to make sure the
shelves don't fall off, and how long should I choose the screws to be?
Should they go a 1/3 of the way in, or 2/3s?

You are getting people all mesed up about a handful of screws for
God's sake. Do 2/3 and forget it. If they don't work your project
was doomed for failure from the start; 1/3 wouldn't work if 2/3
wouldn't. Make an adult decision.

J T

2006-02-25 07:48:41 UTC

Fri, Feb 24, 2006, 4:35pm (EST-3) ***@gmail.com doth query:
Just a quick question and forgive me if it annoys you, how deep into the
wood should a screw go? <snip>

All the way.

JOAT
If you have something to say, raise your hand.
Then shove it in your mouth.

bent

2006-02-25 19:01:34 UTC

actually everything about any screw you can buy is predetermined. I read
Machinerys Handbook. There are pages upon pages of indexes on everything
you could want to know. Its a book about a book. Then its a book. There
are no surprises in fasteners. Its just easier if you can just pick up one
screw that ain't gonna do it and if you have a basic knowledge you can count
the ways to get where you are going. You can shop at HD without moving your
feet. But the calculations! You ask. It gives. Before you can ask. Its
not big onn wood though, there is a bit of info. I'm not looking.

----== Posted via Newsfeeds.Com - Unlimited-Unrestricted-Secure Usenet News==----
http://www.newsfeeds.com The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! 120,000+ Newsgroups
----= East and West-Coast Server Farms - Total Privacy via Encryption =----

bent

2006-02-25 19:14:23 UTC

whats really intersting though isn't recognising that there is a 1/2"
unthreaded shoulder on all screws from e to f lengths, 3/8" before, 3/4"
after, none here, etc. but being about to recognize where the potential
breaks are. Where logic makes a U-turn - it is natural - I sold screws for
a while. This Q isn't rocket science. But you bettter beieve that it is.
You could literaly spend the rest of your life gathering info - and yes, you
would need a genius IQ just to even think about it.

----== Posted via Newsfeeds.Com - Unlimited-Unrestricted-Secure Usenet News==----
http://www.newsfeeds.com The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! 120,000+ Newsgroups
----= East and West-Coast Server Farms - Total Privacy via Encryption =----

Brian Henderson

2006-02-28 22:51:38 UTC

Post by c***@gmail.com
Just a quick question and forgive me if it annoys you, how deep into
the wood should a screw go? A 1/3 of the width of the wood? 2/3s?

Depends on what you're screwing, what kind of wood you're using and
how strong it has to be. For a joint that doesn't need to be very
strong, you'll need less "grab" than a joint that's load bearing.
Screwing into soft wood is different than screwing into hard wood.

The only real answer is "deep enough to do the job".

Jay Pique

2006-03-01 01:23:52 UTC

Post by Brian Henderson

Post by c***@gmail.com
Just a quick question and forgive me if it annoys you, how deep into
the wood should a screw go?

The only real answer is "deep enough to do the job".

I agree. Whenever I screw I bury the wood entir...err...forget it.

JP

jboisver

2021-05-05 20:45:02 UTC

A good rule of thumb is that the screw should drive through to about half the thickness of the bottom piece. So a 1" thick piece being screwed to a 2" thick piece should have a 2" screw

--
For full context, visit https://www.homeownershub.com/woodworking/how-deep-into-the-wood-should-a-screw-go-83202-.htm

DerbyDad03

2021-05-05 21:29:45 UTC

A good rule of thumb is that the screw should drive through to about half the thickness of the bottom piece. So a 1" thick piece being screwed to a 2" thick piece should have a 2" screw.

I need to hang some 1/4” luan on a 6 x 12 beam. I guess I need a 6” screw.

Oh...wait...the bottom piece will be the luan. I only need a 1/8” screw.

k***@notreal.com

2021-05-06 00:33:05 UTC

On Wed, 5 May 2021 14:29:45 -0700 (PDT), DerbyDad03

A good rule of thumb is that the screw should drive through to about half the thickness of the bottom piece. So a 1" thick piece being screwed to a 2" thick piece should have a 2" screw.

I need to hang some 1/4 luan on a 6 x 12 beam. I guess I need a 6 screw.
Oh...wait...the bottom piece will be the luan. I only need a 1/8 screw.

A 1/2" screw for 1/4" material is bad enough.

Markem618

2021-05-06 01:10:52 UTC

Post by k***@notreal.com
On Wed, 5 May 2021 14:29:45 -0700 (PDT), DerbyDad03

A good rule of thumb is that the screw should drive through to about half the thickness of the bottom piece. So a 1" thick piece being screwed to a 2" thick piece should have a 2" screw.

I need to hang some 1/4 luan on a 6 x 12 beam. I guess I need a 6 screw.
Oh...wait...the bottom piece will be the luan. I only need a 1/8 screw.

A 1/2" screw for 1/4" material is bad enough.

How about "just few nails to tack it in place till the glue dries" for
the luan.

k***@notreal.com

2021-05-06 01:32:32 UTC

Post by k***@notreal.com
On Wed, 5 May 2021 14:29:45 -0700 (PDT), DerbyDad03

A good rule of thumb is that the screw should drive through to about half the thickness of the bottom piece. So a 1" thick piece being screwed to a 2" thick piece should have a 2" screw.

I need to hang some 1/4 luan on a 6 x 12 beam. I guess I need a 6 screw.
Oh...wait...the bottom piece will be the luan. I only need a 1/8 screw.

A 1/2" screw for 1/4" material is bad enough.

How about "just few nails to tack it in place till the glue dries" for
the luan.

How about not using luan on a ceiling.

DerbyDad03

2021-05-06 01:50:01 UTC

Post by k***@notreal.com
On Wed, 5 May 2021 14:29:45 -0700 (PDT), DerbyDad03

A good rule of thumb is that the screw should drive through to about half the thickness of the bottom piece. So a 1" thick piece being screwed to a 2" thick piece should have a 2" screw.

I need to hang some 1/4” luan on a 6 x 12 beam. I guess I need a 6” screw.
Oh...wait...the bottom piece will be the luan. I only need a 1/8” screw.

A 1/2" screw for 1/4" material is bad enough.

Tom Silva suggests...

"e. To determine the appropriate size screw to use for a project,
take the thickness of the material being attached and pick a
screw that’s roughly 2.5x that."

https://www.thisoldhouse.com/21097189/how-to-decode-screws

Leon

2021-05-06 15:09:07 UTC

Post by k***@notreal.com
On Wed, 5 May 2021 14:29:45 -0700 (PDT), DerbyDad03

A good rule of thumb is that the screw should drive through to about half the thickness of the bottom piece. So a 1" thick piece being screwed to a 2" thick piece should have a 2" screw.

I need to hang some 1/4” luan on a 6 x 12 beam. I guess I need a 6” screw.
Oh...wait...the bottom piece will be the luan. I only need a 1/8” screw.

A 1/2" screw for 1/4" material is bad enough.

Tom Silva suggests...
"e. To determine the appropriate size screw to use for a project,
take the thickness of the material being attached and pick a
screw that’s roughly 2.5x that."
https://www.thisoldhouse.com/21097189/how-to-decode-screws

So a screw into 3/4" material attached to another 3/4" material should
be 1-7/8" long?

LOL

I replied to the first guy, but should have added not longer than 3
times the thickness of the material to be attached.

h***@ccanoemail.ca

2021-05-06 00:48:06 UTC

On Wed, 5 May 2021 14:29:45 -0700 (PDT), DerbyDad03

Post by jboisver
A good rule of thumb is that the screw should drive through
to about half the thickness of the bottom piece.
So a 1" thick piece being screwed to a 2" thick piece should have a 2" screw.

I need to hang some 1/4 luan on a 6 x 12 beam. I guess I need a 6 screw.
Oh...wait...the bottom piece will be the luan. I only need a 1/8 screw.

Good one.
... I guess that good-rule-of-thumb
was just pushed into the table saw blade ! :-)
John T.

Just Wondering

2021-05-06 00:55:19 UTC

Post by k***@notreal.com
On Wed, 5 May 2021 14:29:45 -0700 (PDT), DerbyDad03

I need to hang some 1/4” luan on a 6 x 12 beam. I guess I need a 6” screw.
Oh...wait...the bottom piece will be the luan. I only need a 1/8” screw.

Good one.
... I guess that good-rule-of-thumb
was just pushed into the table saw blade ! :-)
John T.

I never heard of any such rule of thumb. Up to a certain
point, I just want my screws short enough that their points
don't protrude. If the bottom piece is thick enough, I
shoot for a screw that's at least twice as long as the
top piece's thickness. So screwing two 1" boards together
I'd go for a 1 3/4" screw. Screwing a 1" board to a 2"
board, a 2" or 2 1/2" screw. IOW, I just try to apply
a little common sense.

k***@notreal.com

2021-05-06 01:34:58 UTC

Post by k***@notreal.com
On Wed, 5 May 2021 14:29:45 -0700 (PDT), DerbyDad03

I need to hang some 1/4 luan on a 6 x 12 beam. I guess I need a 6 screw.
Oh...wait...the bottom piece will be the luan. I only need a 1/8 screw.

Good one.
... I guess that good-rule-of-thumb
was just pushed into the table saw blade ! :-)
John T.

How do you hang sheetrock? 4/6" screws?

Markem618

2021-05-06 03:52:43 UTC

Post by k***@notreal.com
On Wed, 5 May 2021 14:29:45 -0700 (PDT), DerbyDad03

I need to hang some 1/4 luan on a 6 x 12 beam. I guess I need a 6 screw.
Oh...wait...the bottom piece will be the luan. I only need a 1/8 screw.

Good one.
... I guess that good-rule-of-thumb
was just pushed into the table saw blade ! :-)
John T.

How do you hang sheetrock? 4/6" screws?

Till the glue dries

k***@notreal.com

2021-05-06 16:37:32 UTC

Post by k***@notreal.com
On Wed, 5 May 2021 14:29:45 -0700 (PDT), DerbyDad03

I need to hang some 1/4 luan on a 6 x 12 beam. I guess I need a 6 screw.
Oh...wait...the bottom piece will be the luan. I only need a 1/8 screw.

Good one.
... I guess that good-rule-of-thumb
was just pushed into the table saw blade ! :-)
John T.

How do you hang sheetrock? 4/6" screws?

Till the glue dries

Wow! I don't want to be the next guy remodeling the place. I bet
you're going to hang wall paper on it too. ...and use Elmer's?

Markem618

2021-05-06 18:46:21 UTC

Post by k***@notreal.com
On Wed, 5 May 2021 14:29:45 -0700 (PDT), DerbyDad03

I need to hang some 1/4 luan on a 6 x 12 beam. I guess I need a 6 screw.
Oh...wait...the bottom piece will be the luan. I only need a 1/8 screw.

Good one.
... I guess that good-rule-of-thumb
was just pushed into the table saw blade ! :-)
John T.

How do you hang sheetrock? 4/6" screws?

Till the glue dries

Wow! I don't want to be the next guy remodeling the place. I bet
you're going to hang wall paper on it too. ...and use Elmer's?

Actually, a friend remodeled commercial office spaces, he used liquid
nail to attach 5/8" fire rated drywall to the steel wall studs.

As for the till the glue dries comment, you shooting for curmudgeon of
the year, or have you forgotten Norm of New Yankees Workshop.

k***@notreal.com

2021-05-06 18:57:04 UTC

Post by k***@notreal.com
On Wed, 5 May 2021 14:29:45 -0700 (PDT), DerbyDad03

I need to hang some 1/4 luan on a 6 x 12 beam. I guess I need a 6 screw.
Oh...wait...the bottom piece will be the luan. I only need a 1/8 screw.

Good one.
... I guess that good-rule-of-thumb
was just pushed into the table saw blade ! :-)
John T.

How do you hang sheetrock? 4/6" screws?

Till the glue dries

Wow! I don't want to be the next guy remodeling the place. I bet
you're going to hang wall paper on it too. ...and use Elmer's?

Actually, a friend remodeled commercial office spaces, he used liquid
nail to attach 5/8" fire rated drywall to the steel wall studs.

I suppose those who do commercial demo don't have the same problems as
residential.

Post by Markem618
As for the till the glue dries comment, you shooting for curmudgeon of
the year, or have you forgotten Norm of New Yankees Workshop.

Must I admit that I know anything about Norm?

Markem618

2021-05-06 19:04:43 UTC

Post by k***@notreal.com
Wow! I don't want to be the next guy remodeling the place. I bet
you're going to hang wall paper on it too. ...and use Elmer's?

Actually, a friend remodeled commercial office spaces, he used liquid
nail to attach 5/8" fire rated drywall to the steel wall studs.

I suppose those who do commercial demo don't have the same problems as
residential.

Post by Markem618
As for the till the glue dries comment, you shooting for curmudgeon of
the year, or have you forgotten Norm of New Yankees Workshop.

Must I admit that I know anything about Norm?

He would put a few brads in it till the glue dries.

The liquid nails was because of the jets flying into Ohare, the walls
would rattle more without it, it was done at the landlords request.

Demo was easy sawzall cuts every 4 foot, sledge at the bottom of the
wall, you get 4 x 8 wall section to the dumpster.

k***@notreal.com

2021-05-07 00:41:56 UTC

Post by k***@notreal.com
Wow! I don't want to be the next guy remodeling the place. I bet
you're going to hang wall paper on it too. ...and use Elmer's?

Actually, a friend remodeled commercial office spaces, he used liquid
nail to attach 5/8" fire rated drywall to the steel wall studs.

I suppose those who do commercial demo don't have the same problems as
residential.

Post by Markem618
As for the till the glue dries comment, you shooting for curmudgeon of
the year, or have you forgotten Norm of New Yankees Workshop.

Must I admit that I know anything about Norm?

He would put a few brads in it till the glue dries.

If you don't tell anyone that I EVER watched Norm, I'll say that I
knew that.

Post by Markem618
The liquid nails was because of the jets flying into Ohare, the walls
would rattle more without it, it was done at the landlords request.
Demo was easy sawzall cuts every 4 foot, sledge at the bottom of the
wall, you get 4 x 8 wall section to the dumpster.

as the roof collapses.

Just Wondering

2021-05-06 09:14:16 UTC

Post by k***@notreal.com
On Wed, 5 May 2021 14:29:45 -0700 (PDT), DerbyDad03

I need to hang some 1/4” luan on a 6 x 12 beam. I guess I need a 6” screw.
Oh...wait...the bottom piece will be the luan. I only need a 1/8” screw.

Good one.
... I guess that good-rule-of-thumb
was just pushed into the table saw blade ! :-)
John T.

How do you hang sheetrock? 4/6" screws?

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Fas-n-Tite-6-x-1-1-4-in-Bugle-Coarse-Thread-Drywall-Screws-1-lb/999996482
or
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Grip-Rite-6-x-1-1-4-in-Philips-Bugle-Head-Coarse-Thread-Sharp-Point-Drywall-Screws-1-lb-Pack-114CDWS1/100152392

Leon

2021-05-06 15:10:12 UTC

Post by k***@notreal.com
On Wed, 5 May 2021 14:29:45 -0700 (PDT), DerbyDad03

I need to hang some 1/4” luan on a 6 x 12 beam. I guess I need a 6” screw.
Oh...wait...the bottom piece will be the luan. I only need a 1/8” screw.

Good one.
... I guess that good-rule-of-thumb
was just pushed into the table saw blade ! :-)
John T.

How do you hang sheetrock? 4/6" screws?

LOL actually 6/4" screws.

Just Wondering

2021-05-06 17:18:24 UTC

Post by k***@notreal.com
On Wed, 5 May 2021 14:29:45 -0700 (PDT), DerbyDad03

I need to hang some 1/4” luan on a 6 x 12 beam. I guess I need a 6” screw.
Oh...wait...the bottom piece will be the luan. I only need a 1/8” screw.

Good one.
... I guess that good-rule-of-thumb
was just pushed into the table saw blade ! :-)
John T.

How do you hang sheetrock? 4/6" screws?

LOL actually 6/4" screws.

For 1/2" sheetrock, 5/4" (1 1/4") is fine.

https://www.ehow.com/info_12019939_size-screws-holding-drywall-ceiling.html
https://www.dogpile.com/serp?q=what+size+screw+for+1%2F2%22+sheetrock&sc=SaYQhKWFlggB00
https://www.thespruce.com/drywall-screws-comprehensive-guide-1822768
https://www.hunker.com/12190966/what-size-screw-do-i-use-with-12-inch-drywall

Puckdropper

2021-05-08 06:15:34 UTC

Just Wondering <***@jw.com> wrote in news:Y7HkI.25644$***@fx16.iad:
*snip*

Post by Just Wondering
Up to a certain
point, I just want my screws short enough that their points
don't protrude.

*snip*

YES! Especially you model railroaders out there. Please don't let that
point protude! Someone might have to maintain your work one day.

Screws are cheap and last forever if you don't use them. If you've got
space, buy 25-lb boxes of the sizes you use most and 5-lb boxes of the ones
you use less frequently. Have the right size on hand and you'll never have
to use the wrong one.

Puckdropper

k***@notreal.com

2021-05-08 17:02:20 UTC

Post by Puckdropper
*snip*

Post by Just Wondering
Up to a certain
point, I just want my screws short enough that their points
don't protrude.

*snip*
YES! Especially you model railroaders out there. Please don't let that
point protude! Someone might have to maintain your work one day.
Screws are cheap and last forever if you don't use them. If you've got
space, buy 25-lb boxes of the sizes you use most and 5-lb boxes of the ones
you use less frequently. Have the right size on hand and you'll never have
to use the wrong one.

I buy 25lb boxes (if available) of any sort of construction screw I
use. A 1lb box is something like $7, a 5lb box, $15. A 10 lb box is
$25 and a 25lb box $30. If I'm using a screw the chances are high
that I'll be using that size again.

I also have a box of ever length of #6 to 5/16 machine screw (up to 2"
or 4" depending on the size), flat and pan head (with the larger sizes
in hex head also). If the stores sold metric screws by the box I'd
have those too. I hate going to the BORG just for a screw (which they
probably don't have).

Leon

2021-05-06 15:04:07 UTC

Post by jboisver
A good rule of thumb is that the screw should drive through to about
half the thickness of the bottom piece. So a 1" thick piece being
screwed to a 2" thick piece should have a 2" screw.

Actually the rule of thumb is close to 2/3's of the thickness of the
bottom piece plus the thickness of the top piece.

1" on to 2", use a 2.25 ~ 2.5" screw.

In normal measurements where the 1x is 3/4" and the 2x is 1.5" use a
1.75" screw.

k***@notreal.com

2021-05-06 16:47:28 UTC

Post by jboisver
A good rule of thumb is that the screw should drive through to about
half the thickness of the bottom piece. So a 1" thick piece being
screwed to a 2" thick piece should have a 2" screw.

Actually the rule of thumb is close to 2/3's of the thickness of the
bottom piece plus the thickness of the top piece.

OK, again assuming the 6" wall and 1/2" sheetrock, you're going to use
4-1/2" screws? The electrician and plumber aren't going to like you.

Post by Leon
1" on to 2", use a 2.25 ~ 2.5" screw.
In normal measurements where the 1x is 3/4" and the 2x is 1.5" use a
1.75" screw.

DerbyDad03

2021-05-06 17:48:59 UTC

Post by jboisver
A good rule of thumb is that the screw should drive through to about
half the thickness of the bottom piece. So a 1" thick piece being
screwed to a 2" thick piece should have a 2" screw.

Actually the rule of thumb is close to 2/3's of the thickness of the
bottom piece plus the thickness of the top piece.

OK, again assuming the 6" wall and 1/2" sheetrock, you're going to use
4-1/2" screws? The electrician and plumber aren't going to like you.

If the electrician's and plumber's work is impacted by the hanging of
drywall, then it's their own fault. They missed a step.

Loading Image...

k***@notreal.com

2021-05-06 18:40:49 UTC

On Thu, 6 May 2021 10:48:59 -0700 (PDT), DerbyDad03

Post by jboisver
A good rule of thumb is that the screw should drive through to about
half the thickness of the bottom piece. So a 1" thick piece being
screwed to a 2" thick piece should have a 2" screw.

Actually the rule of thumb is close to 2/3's of the thickness of the
bottom piece plus the thickness of the top piece.

OK, again assuming the 6" wall and 1/2" sheetrock, you're going to use
4-1/2" screws? The electrician and plumber aren't going to like you.

If the electrician's and plumber's work is impacted by the hanging of
drywall, then it's their own fault. They missed a step.
https://i.ytimg.com/vi/LiO6RxYomJI/mqdefault.jpg

With 4-1/2" screws in a 6" wall there are going to be problems that
aren't the plumber's or electrician's fault. The rocker may not be
around to blame, though.

Clare Snyder

2021-05-07 04:05:28 UTC

On Thu, 6 May 2021 10:48:59 -0700 (PDT), DerbyDad03

Post by jboisver
A good rule of thumb is that the screw should drive through to about
half the thickness of the bottom piece. So a 1" thick piece being
screwed to a 2" thick piece should have a 2" screw.

Actually the rule of thumb is close to 2/3's of the thickness of the
bottom piece plus the thickness of the top piece.

OK, again assuming the 6" wall and 1/2" sheetrock, you're going to use
4-1/2" screws? The electrician and plumber aren't going to like you.

If the electrician's and plumber's work is impacted by the hanging of
drywall, then it's their own fault. They missed a step.
https://i.ytimg.com/vi/LiO6RxYomJI/mqdefault.jpg

A few sheet-rockers found out the hard way not to cover Merv's
boxes!!! After a few weeks on a project using his magnet box finder
and keyhole saw to find the hidden boxes and numerous warnings he
resorted to the Estwing box finder. When they had to replace repair
about 14 sheets of drywall in a single house they learned how to cut
their drywall to keep the boxes open!!! (a subdivision of 35 or so
good sized homes)

Leon

2021-05-07 19:24:32 UTC