Hey everyone! I'm working on my first woodworking project, which is a simple riser for a bookshelf using 2x4 pine boards from Lowe's. I'm just connecting the pieces with butt joints and glue since it's mostly decorative and won't be seen by anyone except my wife and me.
I've learned a lot so far, but I've run into a problem: several #8 screws I've been using keep breaking, often at the point where the threaded part meets the head. In one case, a screw snapped while it was fully in place, which was a hassle. Just recently, another one broke while I was driving it in, but luckily, I can still remove it.
I'm curious about what could be causing this. I wonder if the knots in the wood are part of the issue, or if the screws are just low-quality. Am I using the drill wrong? Maybe my pilot holes aren't deep enough? I've been trying to pick clean pieces of wood, but knots are tricky to avoid. This process has been so enjoyable though, and I even dream of milling my own lumber someday. Any beginner tips would be appreciated!
3 Answers
It sounds like the screws could be part of the issue. Cheap screws often break easily. You should also check if the drill bit you’re using for pilot holes is the right size. Using a counter-sink bit can help create a clean entry point for your screws, and make sure your bit is the correct diameter—too narrow and the screws may struggle going in.
What specific screws are you using for your project? Sometimes, the choice of screws can greatly impact the outcome, especially when you're working with wood that has knots.
I’m using #8 2-1/2 inch zinc flat Phillips wood screws, straight from Lowe's. They’re the Hillman brand.
Make sure your drill has a clutch feature, and if it does, are you using it properly? It can prevent over-driving the screws, which might help with breaking.
Yes, I set my clutch to engage before the screw goes all the way in and I’m careful to adjust it to maintain control as I drive the screw.
You might want to look at using drywall screws instead; they’re often more robust!