Craig Allen Posted February 5, 2016 Report Share Posted February 5, 2016 I am building a couple of cabinets for my garage and was wondering if using wood screws into the end grain of plywood will provide any holding power? I am building European style and I am using dowels but I do not have clamps big enough to span the length so I was thinking I could use wood screws to help hold things while the glued dowels dry. The screws won't be seen so it seems like a better, well cheaper option than buying 5' clamps. The situation again, the side walls of my cabinets will be doweled to the top and bottom and I'm thinking of using wood screws to "clamp" the parts. Thanks in advance for your help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tpt life Posted February 5, 2016 Report Share Posted February 5, 2016 It is sometimes suggested that you pre drill to avoid splitting, and then put epoxy in the hole before inserting the screw. This can maximize your purchase. I think it is recommended this way because there is not great drawing capability. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drzaius Posted February 5, 2016 Report Share Posted February 5, 2016 If you use long screws & drill pilot holes the size of the screw root you should be OK Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dylder Posted February 5, 2016 Report Share Posted February 5, 2016 How thick of plywood and how many layers ... cheap construction grade stuff I would not screw into the ends. 3/4 with a lot of ply's and no voids should not be an issue (pre-drilling) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wdwerker Posted February 5, 2016 Report Share Posted February 5, 2016 Screws. Nails , staples etc hold things in place while the glue dries. Use plenty of glue and be careful to screw etc into the center of the ply when fastening to the edges. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek Posted February 6, 2016 Report Share Posted February 6, 2016 If you're using 3/4 ply and 1 1/2+ screws, it'll hold. Like the other guys said just remember to countersink first to avoid the plywood from splitting. Once you put the backs on the cabs, glue or no glue, those cabs aren't going anywhere except on the wall when you hang them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy Wright Posted February 6, 2016 Report Share Posted February 6, 2016 It will work. One suggestion is a small rabbet on the sides to help keep everything aligned. For extra long clamps, I use pipe clamps. I keep a few extra 2' and 3' sections of pipe and some couplings. If I need an 8' clamp I use two 3' pipes and a 2' pipe put together Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.