| CarolinaPilot |
| Ok, hang on. I am putting 5/4 deck boards, railings and balisters for a deck together. I am using #8 Phillip screws two inches long. What is the optimize size drill bit should I use to pre-drill holes to minimize splits/cracking? Thanks BIG time, D3. |
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| john802 |
| Use a 9/64 drill bit. |
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| CarolinaPilot |
| Thank you John802. |
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| jdeanski |
quote:
Originally posted by CarolinaPilot
I am using #8 Phillip screws two inches long.
You need to get "DeckMate" brand screws. They won't rust or corrode and come with a special bit to drive them. After you have stripped a few bits with regular screws you'll wonder why you didn't use DeckMates all along! Believe me, they are the ONLY way to go. |
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| Medic721 |
I second the recommendation for the deckmate screws. Didn't believe the difference until I tried them.
You won't regret it.
-Mike. |
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| john802 |
| Just remember that 'deckmate screw' comes in different color to match the decking materials. |
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| CarolinaPilot |
| Thanks guys for the excellent feedback. Does Lowes or Home Depot carry Deckmate screws? I went to each company's website and put in the term deckmate within the search "box" but did not get a direct hit. |
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| jdeanski |
quote:
Originally posted by CarolinaPilot
Thanks guys for the excellent feedback. Does Lowes or Home Depot carry Deckmate screws? I went to each company's website and put in the term deckmate within the search "box" but did not get a direct hit.
I bought mine at Home Depot. They may be exclusive to them. |
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| stlblues |
| I'm a contractor and build alot of decks, get or borrow a Quikdrive system, coallated screw gun, the the adapter, you can stand up and drive an average deck floor, 3 screws per joist, in less than an hour. it also has an adapter for drywall. Makes it extremely easy and quick. No pre drilling neccesary with wood or synthetic. |
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| CarolinaPilot |
Thanks stlblues,
I will check it out. What size hole would you predrill for a 3/8 x 7" lag screw? |
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| stlblues |
quote:
Originally posted by CarolinaPilot
Thanks stlblues,
I will check it out. What size hole would you predrill for a 3/8 x 7" lag screw?
I usually predrill those with a 1/4 spade bit, only through the header board and about 1" of the post, then drive it with an impact wrench. Snug it till it starts compressing the washer into the wood. |
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| CarolinaPilot |
| Makes sense, thanks for the help and insight stlblues. |
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