Ok so the size of the
head (the flat part on top of the screw) is important because you need to
purchase the corresponding screw bit in the same size. That takes care of the
top of a screw now the length and width still need to be addressed.
For the length of the screw add the size of the wood pieces
together. So say you have a 2x4 (always
take off 1/8 inch off the width because no wood is exact)and you are attaching
it to a piece of ½ inch plywood. Now if you look at a 2x4 it is actually a
little less than 2 inches long, when stood up on one side and closer to 1 and 3/8”
on the other side and 4 feet long. So if you are standing it up on the 2” side,
then add 2 inches and ½ inch for the plywood piece together. Making it 2&1/2
inches together, then get screws that are 2”&1/4”, long so that the screw
will not go through the other side. Personally to play it safe I don’t buy a
screw that is longer then my one piece plus half the width of my thinner piece
together. That way If I do accidently counter sink (screw my screw in past the
surface of the wood) I am still safe. Try not to countersink unless asked for
in a project or the screw may poke out the other side of the wood. We will discuss width in a minute. So now you
know how to pick out screws and screw bits.
But there is still the matter of drill bits. Typically if
you are buying normal typical wood screws I suggest 1/8” drill bit. It gives
you just enough of a pilot hole (the small hole you need to puncture wood
before putting something bigger into it, such as a screw, nail or larger bit)
For bolts you want to drill a pilot hole first then follow up with your drill
bit that is approximately; ¼” smaller
than the width of the bolt you are using. This helps ensure a tight fitting
bolt or screw and stops the wood from splintering or splitting. If you forget to drill your wood will
probably spilt or crack. Don’t be surprised if your wood “bleeds a bit” this is
when moisture comes out of wood while screwing in the screws especially if it
is treated wood. The type of wood you
choose or material in general may require the use of a special bit like a
diamond bit to “cut through” tougher materials. Always ask your Lowes if a
special drill bit is required. Also make sure the drill is always held at 90
degrees. Otherwise the drill bit can easily break. If a splinter of wood or
drill bit hits you it could potentially cause damage especially to the eye, so
legally I am obligated to tell you to wear protective eye glasses.
A little talk about wood, the most commonly used material
for projects: Figure out what type of wood you want for you project, tell your
sales guy at the hardware store (like Lowes) what it is being used for and ask
if it needs any further protection, example always paint mdf
( it will turn to mush if it gets wet or if your kid spills grape juice
on it) Outdoor applications require the wood to be treated or cedar, cedar is
nicer looking, more money and it needs to be sealed. And always bring a tape
measure and a notebook with your measurements and a pen with you to Lowes. Always get complete plans and price out your
materials before starting a project, or you may spend a lot more then you
bargained for. Unfortunately sometimes buying it from Walmart (china) is
cheaper than building it yourself. But if you want to make something specific
and you need a custom contractor you probably want to take a crack at it, if
that is, you have made a few things successfully. Well good luck handywoman.
P.S. If you strip a
screw and it’s already all the way in the wood not much you can do. You can use
a crowbar and pry the pieces apart if it is 2 2x4s. Those you can reuse as long
as you don’t mind the hole left in the wood or if the hole won’t be seen,
because you are ripping the screw out of the wood. If the screw is half way out
of the wood you can use pliers to unscrew the screw the rest of the way out. If
you have striped a screw in a 2x4 and a piece of mdf or plywood and it is all
the way in, you need to leave it in there and try to work around or start over
because if you pry them apart you will ruin the plywood or mdf. Hope this
helps, good luck my friend!
