Metric wood screw dimensions explained

Metric wood screw sizes and why they beat imperial… The old imperial method of measuring screws by gauge makes little sense to some of us today, (like most imperial measurements) and the logic of their origins is known only to Wikipedia (he says smiling!). So, now we are getting to grips with the common sense of metric wood screw measurements. (Arguments against on a postcard to the usual address please!).  Right, so what do the numbers mean? Lets take a look at the packaging to start with… The basic info …

Quick Tip: Using Wall Plugs (Rawlplugs) in a Plastered Wall

Wall plugs need brick, block or concrete to hold well. Plaster just will not do, because it has minimal holding power. It’s usually way too soft you see. Sure, if the wall is plastered with hard cement render and thin skimming coats, you might get away with some light to medium loads, but generally the plastic plug needs to be pushed into the wall itself so it’s entire length is into a brick, a block or concrete etc. Why? Because the way a wall plug works and holds in place …

pilot clearnace countersink aounterbore holes explained

Screws Explained:

Screw Gauge, Metric, Size, Clearance Holes, Pilot Holes & Wall Plugs I’ve explained this screw data in an easy to understand table because I find manufacturers recommendations are often vague and general, I mean; why not be specific? I understand there’s a ‘range’ but why not give us the ‘ideal’ measurement, because mostly we have a choice? The table below shows you: Metric equivalents to imperial gauge. What size pilot hole to drill in timber substrates for the best screw grip. What size clearance hole to drill through the timber being fixed. …

Drywall screws and plasterboard

You just whiz drywall screws in and thats the job done isn’t it? No actually. I see drywall screws that have been driven much too far into the plasterboard (or sheetrock in the USA) all the time. Over-driving a drywall screw causes it to tear through the paper on the plasterboard, losing nearly all of its holding power in the process. Over-driving drywall screws also leads to more “popped” heads. This is where the filler over the drywall screw is pushed out by movement  as the house settles down and moves. …