rickoman Posted August 12, 2011 Report Share Posted August 12, 2011 Maybe it's just me but it seems like the quality of wood screws from the box stores has hit a new low. Most are Zinc and I cannot count how many heads I have sheared off (in pre-drilled holes) using just my hand and a screwdriver. I am a big guy but I am not using excessive force, these screws are terrible. This sounds like a silly question but where do you buy your screws? What alloy do you prefer for jigs and general shop construction? --Rick 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mking1@sbcglobal.net Posted August 12, 2011 Report Share Posted August 12, 2011 I buy some at the hardware stores, some at woodworking supply stores, and some online. For screws that show I use brass (with pilot-hole pre tapped with a same size steel screw) or stainless steel screws all lubricated with wax. For hidden screws or for jigs and fixtures I use only square drive screws. To stop the damage to any type of screw head I make sure that I use a quality screwdriver that fits the slot correctly. To this end I have purchased a complete set of gunsmith screwdrivers as they have many more sizes (width and thickness) making it easier to find the best fit between the driver and the screw. Miles Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jHop Posted August 12, 2011 Report Share Posted August 12, 2011 I got kinda lucky... I'm raiding the stash my Grandfather accumulated before he passed. The most recent purchase was from Home Depot (I think) maybe fifteen years ago. So they are still of the "better" quality. However, when I run out of the jar full I've brought home, I tend to go to one hardware store near where my parents live. There is another one near an old address of my own, but they are more expensive. (Worth it, but when I'm buying a dozen screws, I'm going up with pocket change.) The only times I go to the big box DIY stores for screws is when I know I'm going to need more than 20. It's not cost effective enough for me to get the quality screws at hardware store prices. (plus there's always that chance they don't have enough.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikem Posted August 12, 2011 Report Share Posted August 12, 2011 For my most recent project, I used the highpoint kit from woodcraft (linked below) that I got free from one of their recent coupons that came in the mail. I am hooked. These by far are the best screws I have used in a long time. The project had over 60 screw joints, and there was not a single screw wasted. Everyone of them went in, no broken heads, no stripped heads (and there were a few that because of the angle of attack normally would have), and best of all the wood did not split at all. http://www.woodcraft.com/Product/2021194/33421/HIGHPOINT-XT-Square-Drive-Screw-Sampler.aspx 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skiback46 Posted August 12, 2011 Report Share Posted August 12, 2011 I also have had great luck with high points. After going though many screws screwing mdf and rock maple, I got their high strength ones (XT I think). They worked great till they rounded my cheap square drive bit. Luckily they have a hardened steel inserts square bit, which works great, and I doubt you could round that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woodhack Posted August 12, 2011 Report Share Posted August 12, 2011 I hear you Rick. The past few years the quality has been getting terrible. I've had good luck with McFeeleys. Wait for a sale and stock up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike M Posted August 12, 2011 Report Share Posted August 12, 2011 McFeely's is the place for me. I started out investing in 100 each of a couple of dozen sizes so I always have the right size screw handy. The 1$ shipping policy makes it reasonable to order replacements as I need them. I have yet to shear a head, even when I use an impact driver in hardwood. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
avalonwoods Posted August 13, 2011 Report Share Posted August 13, 2011 Somebody turned me on to McFeely's when I first started woodworking and I've never used anything else. They have the look, feel and strength of a high quality screw and, their catalog has so many different kinds of screws that you feel you have to slow down and take it page by page, it's actually quite a learning experience. So my vote is for McFeely's.http://www.McFeelys.com or to order a catalog: 1-800-443-7937. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nateswoodworks Posted August 13, 2011 Report Share Posted August 13, 2011 Another vote for McFeelys. I had a huge construction project several yrs ago where I needed over 3,000 square drive screws, I had 2 bad screws in all. if I would have bought them from around here it would have been more like 500-seriously!! I have been thinking about ordering a small amount of several different sizes to keep onhand since our local hardware stores quality is getting worse and worse. I normaly have 5 lenghts of #10 on hand for odds n end uses, I think I am going to let my supply run down and go for it. Thier bits are also great, I only wore out one on that whole project. Nate Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NBG Posted August 14, 2011 Report Share Posted August 14, 2011 I do not know how there are distributed in the US, but if you want really good screw and are ready to pay the price, Wurth (http://www.wuerth.com/web/en/wuerthcom/portalseite.php) makes very good ones. I use them when I'm assembling MDF furnitures, and try to use cheaper stuff for the rest. It's not that there specialised in MDF screw, they makes everything. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wilburpan Posted August 14, 2011 Report Share Posted August 14, 2011 I've ordered square drive screws from McFeeley's as well. But once I tried Spax screws, I've never looked back. I usually order them from McFeeley's, but my local borg started carrying them. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikeinma Posted October 12, 2014 Report Share Posted October 12, 2014 I am a new user and can't post to marketplace yet. I wanted to give everyone a heads-up that Woodcraft has a great clearance deal right now on the Highpoint XT Sampler. It is normally 19.99 but is on clearance for $8.05 and comes with two bits and a Snappy countersink bit as well! It seems like a nice assortment and a great deal for this price. I normally use GRKs but am going to give the Highpoints a try. Mike 50 #8 x 1-1/4" 35 #8 x 1-1/2" 30 #8 x 1-3/4" 25 #8 x 2" 2 #2 SQ x 2" Two-Piece Driver Bits 1 1/8" x 3/8" Make-It-Snappy Countersink - See more at: http://www.woodcraft.com/Product/152761/highpoint-xt-square-drive-screw-sampler.aspx#sthash.HZrJRCrt.dpuf 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beechwood Chip Posted October 12, 2014 Report Share Posted October 12, 2014 Thanks! I really like the Highpoint assortment. I think I'll stock up while they are on sale. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wdwerker Posted October 12, 2014 Report Share Posted October 12, 2014 Spax is good. When I need quantity I use FASCO. 1-800-422-4422 their screws are similar to the ones they carry at Wurth. I usually get square drive or combo heads for bigger screws, but Phillips is fine for the smaller stuff. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim Kohl Posted October 12, 2014 Report Share Posted October 12, 2014 I started using the local Fastenall for the same reason Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tim0625 Posted October 12, 2014 Report Share Posted October 12, 2014 My best friend is an outside sales guy for Fastenal. He's forgotten more than I know about all of this so all I have to do is describe the type of screw I need and he can give me the name so I can look it up of Fastenal.com. It's really easy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Z. Posted October 12, 2014 Report Share Posted October 12, 2014 From the "Expensive But Worth It Department": Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gilgaron Posted October 13, 2014 Report Share Posted October 13, 2014 You could try an impact driver if you don't mind the noise. It works well with the inexpensive Hillman group screws I have, whereas I can twist the head right off one of them with a bit brace chucked with a driver. I generally plug my screwholes so I don't worry too much about what I use, but maybe I'll try some of these mentioned here to see what I'm missing... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Garage CoffeeRoaster Posted October 13, 2014 Report Share Posted October 13, 2014 +3 on the spax. For around the house and shop I use star drive,deck screws. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rodger. Posted October 13, 2014 Report Share Posted October 13, 2014 I really like the kreg brand of screws, but you are stuck with pan head. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scholastica Posted October 19, 2014 Report Share Posted October 19, 2014 I'm so happy someone else noticed this besides me. I was working on a project this summer and I never damaged so many screws. I ended up buying an extractor kit! I wasn't doing anything different than on other projects so had to figure it was the screws. I hate to think that one day I'll have to order fasteners online. I work at the Big Orange Box and it seems ridiculous to have to work like this. (working at BOB as well as buying fasteners online) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
idfbts Posted September 15, 2015 Report Share Posted September 15, 2015 Hey fellas,I need to resurrect this thread.I'm developing a product and need about 10,000 #2 solid brass wood screws.Unfortunately it seems many companies don't make or carry one.I need a really good quality screw, and I agree with everyone's comments here, the stuff being made now is awful. Stripping, shearing, etc.I thought that link to Goulet specialties was my saving grace, but they don't make a #2 either.Can anyone help me out? I don't want to be stuck with cheap screws and customer complaints.Thanks in advance! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim L. Posted September 15, 2015 Report Share Posted September 15, 2015 Check Fastenal- they have #2 brass wood screws in various lengths. Also, Lee Valley has cut brass #2 screws if you want to pay a lot more. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
idfbts Posted September 15, 2015 Report Share Posted September 15, 2015 Check Fastenal- they have #2 brass wood screws in various lengths.Thanks, much appreciated. Are they high quality products over there? I'm really nervous about buying 10,000 and then having junk on my hands. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim L. Posted September 15, 2015 Report Share Posted September 15, 2015 I've used a lot of their machine screws and bolts, and they've all been high quality. I don't think I've ever tried their brass wood screws though- somebody else here may chime in with a better opinion. Maybe make a small order first and check them out?The cut screws at Lee Valley are high quality for sure- but you'll pay for it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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