I've been wondering if I can substitute other pan head screws for Kreg screws since I've seen some recommendations for different brands. My situation is a bit tricky because I live in Australia, and my options are pretty limited. Is there anything special about pocket hole screws that I should be aware of before using generic ones?
4 Answers
Yes, you can use different screws, but pay attention to a few details. Look for a washer head or something similar with a wide flat surface. Getting the lengths right is key too. Also, check the length of the unthreaded part of the shaft—it's important that the screw doesn't engage the first piece. And ensure you’ve got a long driver, as you’ll need to work from a shallow angle. I personally found some SPAX screws that fit the dimensions well and use a T20 drive.
You definitely can use other screws, but there are a few important things to keep in mind. Make sure the threads don’t run all the way down the screw shaft. Pocket hole screws don’t have threads near the head, which is crucial for pulling the boards together properly.
It’s just a screw, right?
Absolutely, you can use different screws! I had to find a substitute for some 2” exterior screws when Kreg was out of stock. I’ll check back tomorrow and tell you what brand I ended up using!
Not quite! There are many screw designs for different purposes. Using a screw with full threads is a no-go, especially since the unthreaded part is important for pocket holes.