Steve I have been recovering from total knee replacement surgery and am now 6 weeks out and recovering nicely. During these past 6 weeks I made some life changing decisions regarding how I wanted to spend my retirement. At 72, I have a few more productive years left before I decide to turn my law practice over to my son. But not being able to predict the future, I wanted to start now to develop my skills as a woodworker so that I can fill my retired days doing something useful. During my recovery I found sleeping to be almost impossible at times and have often pulled out my iPad and watched woodworking videos. Yours are some of the most enjoyable ones I have found. You manage to convey necessary skills in a way that is both entertaining and insightful. There may be more skilled woodworkers out there, more elaborate shops, better equipment, and so forth but few channels convey the warmth, humor, and I think, the general caring about the craft as does yours. Keep up the great work. It may not bring about world peace but you may bring about some inner peace among us mere mortals. Yes I have enrolled in your weekend woodworker course and look forward to the day I can get back in my shop and stand on two good legs. Thanks again.
At 62 I started a few years ago and now everyone in the family has had me do or help with a project or two, I am having a great time and it is very rewarding.
Michael Richardson I know this is an older video, and you may never see this reply, but I just wanted to say God bless you. I respect you older dudes, and comments like yours is getting rarer by the day. America, and the other parts of the world as well, are losing the ability to be kind to one another. It makes me feel good when I see someone genuinely express themselves in a positive way. Hope you’re doing better.
I'm so glad to see this comment from a Mature Person (*grin*). I, too, am retired. I was forced into it because of a health emergency, so I had not "prepared" myself with a hobby or passion to carry me through whatever time I have left. I am now 65. Recently, I stumbled on these videos, and suddenly I had found my passion! Although my father was an expert carpenter/handy-man (his father was a millwright in the lumber industry), he never passed his knowledge on to me. I pestered and pestered, and followed him around like a puppy, but...I was "just a girl" and "had no reason to know all that stuff". Sadly, my brothers seem to share that bias. So I, too, am forever grateful to Steve for empowering me to make stuff. I'm no longer terrified of power tools, am beginning to see how things work, and this channel is opening up a new world to me. I used to call this knowledge "Guy Magic", because it seemed to me it was something guys just knew, intuitively. I know better now. Steve explains clearly, and doesn't talk down to me. And he doesn't care that I'm "just a girl." LOL!! Hooray for Mere Mortals!!!!
@@deb7986 I'm glad you shared your thoughts. I have sons that are too young to be around power tools but my plan is to teach them as much as I can before my demise. Your post expanded my intentions and now I want to share with my wife. She's much younger than I and also has a better memory. lol . Besides, it would be nice to share one more thing of interest between us. I'm not sure she's even interested but I'm going to entertain it and see where it goes.
As I remember from some conversations during my engineering degree. Phillips head screws were made for automotive applications to prevent workers from overtightening parts. The idea was that the head would strip before the fastener could be over tightened preventing parts from cracking.
Anything that American car companies to do to save a tenth of a cent is embraced here. They didn’t think that way post WWII until Nixon opened up China in 1972. If your old enough to remember, think about cars of that era. Now think about every damn thing we buy today. Where’s it made?
Excellent video, this helped me out a lot. I'm a fairly educated guy generally, but I never did a woodshop class unfortunately. At the same time, it's unbelievable how far I'm getting already because of videos like this.
I can't tell you how many different sizes of screw I have from the first project I ever made. I had no clue what I was doing, nor what I needed. I am stubborn and determined, so I don't like asking for help, but in this instance I really needed it. So I asked my boss, "what kind of screw do I need?" and his first question to me was "what are you making(meaing what material I am using?". He pointed me in the right direction and informed me of the star bit. I now have a much better understanding of what is needed from this video. Thank you so much!
TIP: The distance between head and shank can be used to close the space between two wood parts. If length is long enough to pass threads to other wood, it starts pulling the other one
I always use Robertson screws here, must be a Canadian thing. I remember my dad doing cabinet work and throwing away the slot or phillps screws and using #1 Robertson screws, this was way back in the 60s. Fantastic videos you have , real pro for sure.
Retired industrial electrician in Toronto and Never had a Canadian manufactured robertson screw head strip or break using thousands over the years running conduit or fastening chain for lighting the chinese crap screws in assembly kits are absolute crap and easily strip
I'm about 8 months into woodworking and still had no idea what to choose at the hardware store if I wasn't following someone else's project plans. Thank you for posting such great videos that explain all of this!
Hey, Ace employee here (recognized that fastener section in an instant lol) and man was this video fantastic to learn from. The big the big that resonated with me is the difference between hardware and Home stores, because our boss makes sure that we either have some solid knowledge on something or know exactly who to call on shift who knows what they're doing. End of the day, a lot of us are retail people, not hardware experts but any decent hardware store isn't going to keep an employee who won't learn and who isn't actively trying to learn. They're just making the customer's life harder and wasting everyone's time.
At 4:20 talking about nails: One other negative about nails is if you have to remove them. What a PITA. The T-25 screws you discuss is all I use in my woodworking projects. Great video!
Just an outstanding channel. Cut to the point, give real facts, and clearly indicate when you are having an opinion. As a 47 year veteran engineer, you hit the mark directly on center, and I also agree with you on this screw topic. I am a displaced US citizen, living in retirement in the Philippines. I had 49 one cubic meter boxes shipped here from the states, and have to admit, the SPAX or specialty screws were in several of my boxes, since I knew here, I was not likely to find good screw options. It is a poor country and only the cheapest of fasteners are available and as you say, cause more problems than they solve. Broken off heads are a constant problem. Some of the wood I have to work with, "matamban" being most prevalent here in my small island, is dense and as heavy as osage orange wood, but white. You pre-drill that or learn how to dig out broken screws. Thanks for your channel and I am subscribed and will be watching. Your glue up tips (glue also imported since here there is almost NO available good glues) are invaluable to me. I have not use the proper glue methods until now, watching some of your repairs. I now know why some of my repairs did NOT hold up. Problem solved... Thanks.
This is now one of the few of my most favorite channels on RUclips! You are an engageing speaker getting to the point BONUS you make me laugh and no prevented many DIY project disasters around my house! Really thank you for explaining the basics the way you do so that I can wrap my brain around something as small & simple screw!
I'm late to the party, but I have to say your explanations and videos are among the best for beginner/intermediate woodworking. Others tout big fancy expensive tools and jigs and really don't do a great job of explaining the why's behind what they do, it's more or less just watching someone do it. The time you take to explain the process and details of your pieces and topics is a huge help and a true enlightenment to the world of woodworking.
Steve... out of ALL the woodworkers on You Tube you are simply the easiest to understand and you present your information the best. Keep up the great work..!
I love that Steve is open about that this is his opinion and his own recommendations. When researching for a project, you are never going to read one manual and then make whatever you are going to make. You look for various explanations and then choose the information that best suits your project. This video was well made and I learned a lot, thank you.
That's a great point in general. When people are reluctant to be specific and biased (people..., bias is not evil, it's necessary and everyone has thousands of bias's, without them what would you wear, eat etc??!) it's so much harder to get good information. This can be because of sponsors or afraid of hurting someones feelings or a host of other reasons. When people are honest and direct the world is a better place. It's just too bad that our media, celebrities and national news outlets bully people into conforming with narratives. Thank you for a salient and actually deep point.
Oh my God! Im a single mom and have done DIY projects on my home for years now. I love it! But i have say the screw aisle in my local home improvement store IS overwhelming! I often wondered what the difference was for each type of screw but felt dumb in asking... you made this so easy to understand... so thank you, thank you, thank you! God Bless 💋
First one of your vids I’ve seen. One of the best instructional videos I’ve seen on ANY subject! Focused (ie, on topic), thorough for the intended audience, efficiently presented without seeming rushed, and very relatable for this woodworking novice. I always thought camming out when driving Phillips screws was due to my own inexperience and have been very frustrated with ruined heads and driver tips. I also definitely relate to and appreciated your comment re: big box hardware chains. Locally, we have lost a smaller community store and will soon have a Home Depot and Lowe’s right next to each other! Thanks for a great vid!
So I finally broke down and tried some SPAX screws. After getting over the idea of using .04 per piece screw I bought a box. Steve you were right. They are without doubt the best screws I have ever used in my wood working. I have always used drywall screws for all the reasons you mentioned and have had they snap off from time to time. I will not be going back to drywall screws again. Thanks for the great advice..!
I learned just about everything taught in this video the hard way. The fact that you are using Ryobi drills validates my tool choice. I bought a set with the batteries and they are worth their weight in gold. They are reasonably priced and TOUGH. As many times as I have dropped my drill from the top of a ladder and it keeps on going. Since I've purchased the original set, I've added more tools. I love my Ryobi set. SUBSCRIBED!
Just a note, if not already mentioned, The robertson screw and the square are two different drive types. The Robertson from Canada has a tapered shape while the square is true and straight. Robertsons taper allows the screw to stay on the driver better. If you put a Robertson driver in a square head it will fit loose, conversely the square will likely jam or not fit in the robertson. Side note if Robertson and Ford had come to an agreement you would likely not have the Phillips at all but... there you have it.
I have been a “McGyver” builder/ creator forever. But I have been looking for these layman speak explanation on screws and woodworking. THANK YOU! New Subscriber 🥳
First time I've watched Steve Ramsey. I was planning to just watch the basics, but he's so entertaining that I watched the whole video. His style reminds me of Bill Nye the Science Guy, fun and informative.
Pro tip: not all phillips slots are made equal so keep a few phillips bits and try them out on the specific screw you're about to use. If you can hold the screw by the tip horizontally with the bit inserted in it and it doesnt fall off, that fit is as good as a star type screw and as log as you know how to use a drill properly it wont slip off
I really like the dry wall screws. I keep 1.25" , 1.5' , 2.0" & 2 .5" on hand all of the time. I always drill pilot holes and counter sinks. I exclusively work in pine, 2x4 or 23x32 plywood. I've never had a breakage problem. Dry wall screws are cheap, And the bigger thread size seems to grip better. The Phillips Head does occasionally break down. A square or star head would be better. I'll keep my eyes open for them.
A life of disassembling things, I didn’t think about this topic much until I started stripping the heads of cheap wood screws. I’ve since moved to the GRK star-drive screws, and have been super happy with them. I wish I’d known about them sooner for woodworking.
I am very obsessed with wood working and this channel gives me... well.......................... great, awesome, and fascinating tips. If I had not found out about this channel, I would be in misery.
Great video! Last time I was at Home Depot. I asked the older gentleman next to me if he had an insight on helping me pick out screws, and he just sighed and said, "honestly I have no idea." Thanks for making this video and helping inform the public!
This dude is a real-life Phil Dunphy... and it's awesome! Thank you so much for the information shared on this channel. Really enjoying the lessons in each video!
Hi Steve, being a single mom and having to do much on my own...I must say your videos incredibly rookie friendly and are a delight!!! I’m a big fan! I must ask!!!! Please please please make a video about a rolling buggy or something a adult can play with down the driveway. My daughter has a rolling buggy and she always wants me to play but I’m not sure where to start!
A helpful and timely piece. As a Canadian and amateur wood worker for the last 6 decades, let me applaud you on your comments about Phillips heads and Robertson heads. I refuse to use Phillips heads under any conditions except the most dire emergencies. I further confirm that I can hardly believe that they continue to be used at all in the US and elsewhere in the world. I've never used the ' star ' heads you advocate. Without having tried them, I would have assumed them to be little better that Phillips, but I'm willing to take your word that they're better. I've also used deck screws and their trumpet shaped heads, and find them perfectly acceptable, and their colour can often add a pleasant decorative effect. I prefer to use combined drill and countersink combination tools, and occasionally an ordinary drill followed up by a specialized countersink tool, where I need to be concerned about the precise penetration depth of the screw tip. Finally, you might consider doing a presentation on the use of a hand brace rather than a power drill when driving and releasing wood screws. It gives you precise control to avoid wood splitting, as well as being useful in tight spots, when the ratchet facility is used.
To think if Robertson hadn't been ripped off by a couple of Poms last century (or was it the one before), he would likely have licensed his screw to Henry Ford and the Robertson screw would be the Phillips of today. An absolute tragedy IMO.
@@josephking6515 I totally agree with the sentiment of what you're saying. But I think a couple of your statements need checking. I don't think you can blame the Poms for this one [ it would have been the XX century ]. Lay the blame on Henry Ford. Robertson would have been happy [ delighted ! ] to license Ford. What Ford demanded was for Robertson to sell him the patent outright. Robertson refused, and the rest, as they say, is History.
@@crustyoldfart Robertson had licensed the the screw for a British company to use. The two owners put the company into bankruptcy so they didn't have to pay the license fee and then started another company and tried using the screws without a license. As I understand it that was a bit of legal trickery at the time. Robertson took them to court and spent a lot of money thwarting their scheme. When the opportunity with Ford came along he was extremely wary of losing control of his _baby_ so walked away from Ford. It is the two Poms I blame because without their deception and dishonesty I believe Robertson was gun shy of licensing his screws. That's the story I know which may have parts that are not correct since it was drawn from the Internet. I believe Ford wanted good terms but I wasn't aware he wanted to buy his patent but not really surprised. He was not a very nice person. I have never used a Robertson screw but from all I have read and heard from those who have it seems so superior to the phillips and one day I will find a supplier near me and nab some.
@@josephking6515 Thanks for the heads up on the story of the Poms and their double-dealing. I guess the moral of the story is that here once again is an example of how lawyers can thwart [ dick around with ] the ambitions of honest men. Regarding Robertson's decision not to sell his patent : I think he realized that if he sold the patent to Ford, that was a one-shot deal, and would prevent him from getting a potentially huge income from wood screws, etc. So basically it was just a good business decision. Unfortunately for us all today, Phillips managed to get the inside track and established himself in the US before Robertson could. The whole Ford/Robertson/Phillips story is how Might too often triumphs over Right. Today the auto industry has patented a design which is clearly just a variant of the Robertson, which means we all have to stock up on yet another set of drivers. BTW I hope you find a convenient source for Robertsons soon. I assume you are in Oz ? And best wishes from a former Pom !
@@crustyoldfart Yeah, bloody trapped in Oz and the only up side is I get to see many of them crying when the All Blacks beat the -Wannabees- Wallabies year, after year, after year. Thank you for adding the Henry Ford info to the story. It is most appreciated. Hope you are in a place that has an excellent climate and not "four seasons in one day" Melbourne. Officially summer and the gas heating has been on for the last two days. 🥶
I really like this guy. Honest, clear, helpful, beginner information with plenty of reality checks and humour. I don't subscribe to much but I subscribe to Steve Ramsey. Great channel.
my immediate thought on clicking this video was "who makes a 13 minute video on screws" and then i saw your comment and realized my whole life is a lie...
Thank you! Excited to start the course. I came here to see if I could use regular star point screws for pocket holes but now I see that I can't. I love the star point!
They seem to be used in metal components, i see them alot in electronic devices. Like in a computer itll have a designated hole and itll hold the motherboard and other things in place, usually small af and get lost in a blink of an eye.
@@worldofwisdom617 In case English is your second language, the part that makes it a joke is the double meaning of the word "point". Point could mean "a sharp tip" or it could mean "purpose."
TRX VLOGGER TOTALLY AGREE! Who the f*ck thinks it's a good idea to continue making them? In my opinion EVERY screw should be made star drive. Then you'd only need about 5 commonly used sizes of star bit drivers for everything, as opposed to the canvas bag I have with seriously a hundred driver bits (2 or 3 each of like 40 different driver bits: flat heads, star drive, Phillips, hex head concave, hex head conVEX, square drive...Then 5 sizes for each one). It's ridiculous.
If you don't like them, just don't use them. We should give people the freedom to use whatever they want that is not dangerous. I will give you 2 examples of use: 1) Everytime my screw head wears, I can Dremel a slot so that I can use it again. 2) Another case is when you use screw inside a hole, so there is no chance that screw driver will slip away. And slot headed screws last very long. Also, they're cheap to manufacture. If you produce 1 million products per year with 10 screws each, with automated machines, that absolutely matters.
I really like this series of videos (which glue, wood finishing, screws). They are really handy for a novice like me. Thanks man for sharing this tips.
Steve I always thought Phillips head was the way to go until I watched your video! Omg start drive screws rock!!!! Did a huge garage build the past few days and LOVED EM! I’m sold! Thanks for the advise!!!!
Yes! More basics videos! Your the ONLY knowledgeable person on RUclips who makes them with amazing quality editing/content. I think we can all agree. Well except the trolls of course. But anyway, I’m getting started in all this woodworking and made your BMW. I love it & use it all the time. But these basics videos is what helps me not waste money buying inferior or incorrect sundries and tools. Thanks Steve!
Actually just more videos in general. I have stopped watching every channel except you and ChrisFix. And you both have been too busy to post lately. Which is totally fine. I’m glad your making this channel work for you. Just miss the content is all . Keep it up!
I don’t disagree with anything you said, but you may be interested in The Essential Craftsman. He even has a different video about different types of screws, if you’re interested.
Art, I doubt the man would be mad for recommending "see jane drill". She is EXCELLENT. A great teacher with a vast knowledge. Easy to watch and though I've been in the trades 50+ years I learn something every time I watch one of her videos.
people argue about wearing masks and safety with the covid virus, which can kill you, I doubt generally which screw you use can kill you, unless you have your ceiling fall on your head, since you used the wrong screw. So people will argue about anything, some people just like to hear themselves talk.
Awesome video! I'm a retired electrician, 40 years... but I'm falling in love with woodworking! I feel like a 1st year apprentice and that's just fine. I really enjoyed this video, great info! BE SAFE, GOD BLESS!🇺🇲🙏❤
I enjoyed the way he explained the use of screws in woodworking. It was thorough and clear about the pros and cons of which screws to use in woodworking. Great video 📸!
I am SO glad that my investment in GRK and Spax screws looks like a good one. I also prefer the Star/Torx drive, so now I am validated by an expert. Since I am validated, can I get free parking? I guess your humor is better than mine too. Thank you for the screw video, you nailed it but with a twist.Fasten-ating!
As a Canadian I find it funny how uncommon Robertson screws are in the States. Pretty much every type of screw is common in Robbie #2 up here. Except drywall screws.
One of the earliest, fiercest patent wars ever. Ford defined everything in this country, and had the audacity to require that Robertson sign the rights to his screw patent over to Ford for use in the Model T. Robertson said no, the US went one way and Canada went another. And now hopefully with my generation not tied to nostalgia projects, cruciform screws can go the way of the dodo.
great channel Steve! about Philips screws: the screwdriver is designed to slip out to prevent over tightening. This was designed like that to make sure that assembly line workers all tighten the screw to a common standard, without having to use a Torque Gauge. The Japanese have a screwdriver standard developed for their industry that does exactly the opposite: it is designed to wedge into the screw and tighten it strongly, without slippping. This works well when you tighten and also untighten. / It's very handy to have in the shop, if you need to undo philips screws that were tightened too tightly. it is called JIS screwdriver, and you can order them from Amazon / Ebay.
I used grk screws to hang my cabinets and they were great. I also used them to build my workbenches and my house is essentially held together by them. Never used spax but I’ll have to give them a try. T25s saved my life.
Is pozidrive (PZ rather than PH) not common in the States? In the UK these are the most common screws I think, they engage a lot better than the traditional Phillips screws. You don't see so many torx screws here though I'm sure you can get them, we sometimes use them at work with the little pole in the middle of the head which are described as security screws. One thing I've never really understood is how some screws you need to drill a hole to avoid splitting the wood and others are advertised as not needing a pilot hole and you can drive them straight in with no splitting. They must both push the wood apart a bit when they go in and no material comes out of the hole?
torx screws are readily available in the uk, but not so much in b&Q/homebase, try online screwfix or toolstation. some screws have a split tip which cuts the wood fibres rather than just pushing them apart. in reality the big difference is what you're putting the screws into. in general softwoods dont need a pilot hole. but hardwoods, you are likely to need a pilot hole for the thread, a clearance hole for the shank and a countersink for the head. try driving a screw into oak without a hole and you'll find out.
They are not common in the US and people confuse them with Philips screws.... That doesn't help as a Philips bit will ruin a pozi-drive screw and the bit. Besides, IMHO Torx screws are better, although small ones found on German cars (esp timing belt covers) are the bane of mechanics everywhere.
I really wanna find but i my try's dont give befeits. One year ago i use drill screws (wood type) 8 cm long 4,5 mm dia to connenct 2 really old forniture one on bottom and on on top with great 3mm thick plate. They so good i dont need ani pre drilliong. This screws has really interesting shapes the and is like triangel and on 2 line cutted . So you can notice from a far it is not a normal scerw but working whit it is really good.
i guess Im asking the wrong place but does anyone know of a tool to log back into an Instagram account..? I was dumb lost the account password. I appreciate any assistance you can offer me.
This was a great overview. I kept thinking that there's a wood shop teacher somewhere who's going to make this an assigned viewing for homework. It covers the basics well, but doesn't hammer the point home.
Very detailed and thorough video! When it comes to screws, I've had two life changing discoveries. First one was finding out that some "Phillips screws" aren't actually Phillips screws, but Pozidriv instead. Using Pozidriv (PZ) bits for Pozidriv screws and Phillips (PH) bits for Phillips screws helps a lot. Seconds one was the Torx screw. Oh boy! I don't remember what I was making, but I do remember the feeling when I noticed how great Torx screws are!
In fact, pozis are EXCELLENT when driven with a proper pozi driver. They almost never cam out and accept a little more angle to be driven at (whereas Torx angle is mostly fixed). Dont mean to bash on torx, they are my prefered system, but pozis can be really good in tight spaces.
There's another one that looks just like Phillips but the taper angles are a little different. This is called JIS for Japanese Industrial Standard. Most of the stuff that comes out of Asia now is using this fastener and a Phillips head just doesn't get a good bite on it at all. If you're having this issue, it's well worth investing in some JIS drivers.
@@Dogeek I think the reason why PH PZ and flatheads are still used is because one screwdriver fits almost every size, while Torx need an exact size driver.
I work in home remodeling doing pretty much everything. I can attest to everything this man has said. Get the 1¼ star bit screws. Get the T25 sized ones. T25 being the bit that fits it. T30 and T20 is a bit harder to find if you're big box shopping.
The Philips flat head was designed to be aerodynamic when building planes (that could go faster/caused less turbulence than protruding screws). A Philips head can't overtighten as much, since the driver will pop out. This is by design, for the reason they didn't want to damage the aircraft. This trait is also good for other materials, such as a drywall. I love Pozi and Torx even more, but I wouldn't want a pozi or torx dry wall screw.
@@Ivarposthumus Yeah, some drywall "guns" have fancy clutch mechanisms to prevent overdriving the screw, but you can get a really simple self-stopping bit for when you aren't a drywall contractor. It's a Philips with a collar that will stop forward motion when it comes to the drywall. As the bit continues to drive the screw the screw pulls away from the bit and the camming action pushes the driver away with a perfectly sunk screw.
Just wanted to point out that flat head screws (or I guess slotted) are better in certain applications, aka when they get massive they are far better than any of the others, easy to drive in, and can cut a new slot if needed. You might not see them much in woodworking, but I just put together some parts for a steam engine and was working with 3/4 inch sized heads, and I wouldn't want any other than the flathead. That said they do really suck in the small size.
This takes me back 30 years +. I went to my local hardware shop to buy some rawl bolts to attach wooden battons to a wall. The battons were 4 x 2 so I was looking for 4 inch bolts to do the job. The shop had 3 inch bolts. It was a 20 mile round trip to the nearest "big D.I.Y. " store. When I explained that the bolts were a bit short, the shop owner looked at me as if I had asked him " what is the best flavour ice-cream" to eat when doing D.I.Y. "countersink it". Such a simple solution but beyond me back then. You can't beat the service and experience from local hardware shops and yet Amazon & Ebay sank them all
What i love about your videos is that you arnt flashy and just so informative! I feel like its worth the whole 14 minutes unlike other vids that waste a lot of time! Love it thanks for the help
For those wondering a screw has a certain type of thread that has a much larger pitch than a bolt. A bolt has a machine thread which can come is different variation. A machine screw is a bolt but with threads all the way up the shank. A bolt will have a half threaded half shank.
^This. A machine screw has a machine thread that goes all the way to the head, and the head is not a hex. If it has a head you would drive with a wrench or socket, it's a bolt. And if it then has a tapered thread similar to a wood screw, it's a lag bolt. A machine thread with a toolless pan head and a square underneath is a carriage bolt.
Quick rule for 'defining' what is a screw and what is a bolt: BOLT - A fastener that works by meshing its threads with a threaded receptacle. (either a nut or a pre-tapped/threaded receptacle/hole) ~Bolts ONLY work when used with ANOTHER or SPECIFIC receptacle that matches its threads ~(this includes Machine 'screws', tho I'd have to research why this type of bolt is even called a 'screw' as it is NOT one.) SCREW - Works by using its threads to 'pull' two pieces of material together without the need for any type of prepared or threaded receptacle, and works as an independent fastener. (pre-drilling doesn't count as 'necessary' for a screw to do its job) Screws can be used to hold one piece of material to another, in instances where different materials need attaching, and one piece does NOT utilize the function of the threads, as in the plexiglass to wood example Steve showed in this video. The partial threaded screw 'pulled' the plexiglass to the wood, and the threads held it together, while the unthreaded upper part of the screw left no damage to the plexiglass being attached. So.... I now await arguments, LoL! (tho, they better be GOOD ones, because this simple rule pretty much sums it up! :))
@@tobiasgorgen7592 Oh golly! I believe I got it from an engineering student, back in my college days, like, almost 40 yrs ago. I do recall talking to one of my professors about it at some point, and to various professionals over the years, as I'm a Master Mechanic and I also do finish carpentry and furniture making. I've always liked the simplicity of the description as it clarifies the difference easily. I'm a bit of a nerdy type that likes random info, LoL Screw = grabbing threads Bolt - threads to threads
@@LizFromDecencyUnited it is definitely a great explanation. Definitely more understandable than the the definition in eurocode en 1995 Thats the European code for timber construction. Thanks for the comment and the response
Hey! Just wanted to add a distinction about square drive VS Robertson, Robertson drive bits are tapered near the end so a number 2 square drive is actually slightly larger than a number 2 Robertson screw. In Canada, this leads to a lot of frustration with so-called Robertson screws not fitting real Robertson bits, or vice-versa. Robertson is actually a trademark, so the best way to find a Robertson bit is to look for the trademark symbol. The square drive was made in the US in response to Robertson patenting the tapered square bit, getting rid of the taper in order to avoid patent infringement. The taper actually makes a big difference though, and non-magnetized Robertson bits can actually hold Robertson screws so you don't need a hand holding it to start driving it.
You can also tell pozidrive screws from the brutal stripping they get when someone who doesn't realize tries to turn them with a Phillips driver. If you have the right bit, they're great.
Two notes: 1. Yes, Philips screw head was designed to cam out, and to do that at a specific torque, but stay centered on the fastener. This helps in quick assembly as the driver does not jump out in a random direction and mar the surface, but still cams out in a predictable and easily detected manner. It was an important factor back when electric drills/drivers did not have an adjustable clutch and fasteners were made of lower quality steel, resulting in snapped screw heads. It's less important now, as you can set your cordless drill to cam out internally at a given torque and advances in metallurgy allow very strong fasteners to be mass-produced cheaply. 2. There absolutely definitely should be a note on Pozidriv heads and how they differ from Philips. They were designed to *not* cam out (at least, not until a much higher torque is achieved) when a Pozidriv driver is used, but can still be driven with Philips bits if necessary. HOWEVER, the reverse is absolutely not true. Using a Pozidriv driver on a Philips head is a very efficient way to destroy both and get frustrated at a mediocre result. Being able to tell the difference and remember it at all times is very important as Philips and Pozidriv screws and drivers are both prevalent and often mixed by people who think they're the same thing.
Remi the screw myster. Doling out the knowledge. Kidding aside....Thank you for that though. I learned more in your two notes then the last five trips to JTube.... combined. Cheers m8
One thing I recently learned is you have to be aware of the sheer strength and codes when doing stairs. Something like a drywall screw has way more draw strength than a nail but it's sheer strength sucks. That's why they either use nails or lag bolts on stair treads. And deck screws instead of nails on a flat surface like a deck
I bought a bunch of lumber today for two projects I have planned. I was so excited I forgot to buy wood screws. Now I'm glad I didn't. I'll look for the star drive multipurpose screws instead. Thanks as always Steve
This was great. Thanks! I have also learned that the smooth collar section on the wood screws can be taken advantage of in order to help the boards seat together better, especially if you don't have enough clamps. By drilling a pilot hole through the boards you ensure alignment and then by drilling a second larger pilot hole in the top board, big enough for even the threads to pass through, you ensure that the top piece does not begin to climb up the screw away from the bottom piece. Sometimes in order to tighten them together you end up stripping the wood and the fastener isn't as secure or tight as you may need.
"if you are able to go to a hardware store...." oh F yes, I can vouch for this, I asked my big box store how I can fix hardwood floors in my grandmothers house and they told me to just screw it in, I did that and discovered concrete joists, I went to a tool store that stocks mostly tools, no lumber or anything else, doesn't even do kitchens and the sales Clerk told me as soon as I said "my screw got stuck and it's stripped" "how old is the house? oh, yea, that's concrete joists... what you should do is pre drill then screw down but you won't get all the squeaking out" Sounds like one was a carpenter and the other other is just a sales clerk, and I don't think the big box store was a carpenter...
Not always the case though, I think you were unlucky, I work in B & Q a big box shed like your home depot, I am an ex tradesman and most of us on the hardware and building department are ex trades people, I advise customers about every aspect of home maintenance, and they keep coming back, even some trade guys find my tips useful because at my age I have wider knowledge based on long experience...
@@BirdmanNorfolk you must be an exception to the rule. I loath these big stores. Uninterested, uneducated, unskilled, unhelpful sales clerks. I am 61 with quite a bit of DIY experience.
@@datacoherence9559 well, we are a bit different, we are a smaller store, only 50 staff, most of us enjoy our work and like helping and advising customers based on our own extensive experience, the core of the shopfloor staff have been with the company a number of years, and a large part of the reason for this is we like working with each other, and compliment one another's experience, you won't tend to find the same in very large diy warehouses, as they tend to have a higher staff turnover, fewer experienced people, mainly just people who are looking for something better or more in line with their interests, you should also bear in mind it's not a well paid job in retail, and we have a lot to put up with, especially nowadays with the extra strain of the Covid situation and all the rules attending it, the staff you dealt with were probably feeling that strain, and we don't have much choice in the matter, you cannot work from home in our jobs, most can't or won't be furloughe'd, and we are taking a risk with our health and that of our families every day we go in, so my apologies if you didn't get the service you deserve, but there are two sides to everything, if I hear of anyone being dissatisfied in my store, then I always aim to improve the situation, even our younger staff are very good generally, and if they are not confident of the answer they will always willingly find you someone experienced, and then stay with us while we explain so they can learn...
Thank you for the time you spent to explain the importance of the types of screws used for each material and the pros and cons of each. I appreciate it very much
I spend the last one hour looking for a good video which explains in a nut shell on screws(these common items). It was a very good video which explained all points. Tx
As a Canadian, i prefer robertson bits for regular screws, but like torx on the larger GRK structural screws, the ones that replace lag screws and bolts. The torx head is extremely good at not camming out, but I don’t have that problem with regular sized screws, especially when using an impact driver.
I think the idea of wood workers using a lot of nails comes from non-wood workers basically only seeing house framing where they do use a lot of nails.
Lucid Moses some of the best furniture built in antiquity used nails, and the tradition carries through til today. the proper nail is the key, as is the case with screws. cut nails are superior in areas where dynamic forces come to play. screws will actually break where a nail will bend.
Tim, I'm not sure how that had anything to do with what I said. Are you thinking that people that are not into wood working all go around investigating how antiquate furniture was made? That they somehow miss the majority of stuff built without nail. Including the best furniture as nails where considered a mark of poor craftsmanship and was basically used by the walmart's of it's day. Personally I would think that if they are not into wood working that that would be a good indication that... well.... They are not into wood working. Also, Break vs Bend has nothing to do with nail/screw. That has to do with the material. It's Strength, Hardness and sheer force. Sure it's common for nails to use softer materials but you buy based on what you need.
Thank you for the video on screws. I used star screws on my project. Thanks to you. I will never use anything but star screws from now on. They are great no problems at all. Thank you Thank you Thank you.
![Noob To Max With DRAGON REWORK In Blox Fruits [FULL MOVIE]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/LnBMOinoOvA/mqdefault.jpg)
Steve I have been recovering from total knee replacement surgery and am now 6 weeks out and recovering nicely. During these past 6 weeks I made some life changing decisions regarding how I wanted to spend my retirement. At 72, I have a few more productive years left before I decide to turn my law practice over to my son. But not being able to predict the future, I wanted to start now to develop my skills as a woodworker so that I can fill my retired days doing something useful. During my recovery I found sleeping to be almost impossible at times and have often pulled out my iPad and watched woodworking videos. Yours are some of the most enjoyable ones I have found. You manage to convey necessary skills in a way that is both entertaining and insightful. There may be more skilled woodworkers out there, more elaborate shops, better equipment, and so forth but few channels convey the warmth, humor, and I think, the general caring about the craft as does yours. Keep up the great work. It may not bring about world peace but you may bring about some inner peace among us mere mortals. Yes I have enrolled in your weekend woodworker course and look forward to the day I can get back in my shop and stand on two good legs. Thanks again.
At 62 I started a few years ago and now everyone in the family has had me do or help with a project or two, I am having a great time and it is very rewarding.
Michael Richardson
I know this is an older video, and you may never see this reply, but I just wanted to say God bless you. I respect you older dudes, and comments like yours is getting rarer by the day. America, and the other parts of the world as well, are losing the ability to be kind to one another. It makes me feel good when I see someone genuinely express themselves in a positive way. Hope you’re doing better.
I'm so glad to see this comment from a Mature Person (*grin*). I, too, am retired. I was forced into it because of a health emergency, so I had not "prepared" myself with a hobby or passion to carry me through whatever time I have left. I am now 65. Recently, I stumbled on these videos, and suddenly I had found my passion! Although my father was an expert carpenter/handy-man (his father was a millwright in the lumber industry), he never passed his knowledge on to me. I pestered and pestered, and followed him around like a puppy, but...I was "just a girl" and "had no reason to know all that stuff". Sadly, my brothers seem to share that bias.
So I, too, am forever grateful to Steve for empowering me to make stuff. I'm no longer terrified of power tools, am beginning to see how things work, and this channel is opening up a new world to me. I used to call this knowledge "Guy Magic", because it seemed to me it was something guys just knew, intuitively. I know better now. Steve explains clearly, and doesn't talk down to me. And he doesn't care that I'm "just a girl." LOL!! Hooray for Mere Mortals!!!!
This entire thread makes me smile.
@@deb7986 I'm glad you shared your thoughts. I have sons that are too young to be around power tools but my plan is to teach them as much as I can before my demise. Your post expanded my intentions and now I want to share with my wife. She's much younger than I and also has a better memory. lol . Besides, it would be nice to share one more thing of interest between us. I'm not sure she's even interested but I'm going to entertain it and see where it goes.
As I remember from some conversations during my engineering degree. Phillips head screws were made for automotive applications to prevent workers from overtightening parts. The idea was that the head would strip before the fastener could be over tightened preventing parts from cracking.
Anything that American car companies to do to save a tenth of a cent is embraced here. They didn’t think that way post WWII until Nixon opened up China in 1972. If your old enough to remember, think about cars of that era. Now think about every damn thing we buy today. Where’s it made?
Excellent video, this helped me out a lot. I'm a fairly educated guy generally, but I never did a woodshop class unfortunately. At the same time, it's unbelievable how far I'm getting already because of videos like this.
I can't tell you how many different sizes of screw I have from the first project I ever made. I had no clue what I was doing, nor what I needed. I am stubborn and determined, so I don't like asking for help, but in this instance I really needed it. So I asked my boss, "what kind of screw do I need?" and his first question to me was "what are you making(meaing what material I am using?". He pointed me in the right direction and informed me of the star bit. I now have a much better understanding of what is needed from this video. Thank you so much!
TIP: The distance between head and shank can be used to close the space between two wood parts. If length is long enough to pass threads to other wood, it starts pulling the other one
I always use Robertson screws here, must be a Canadian thing. I remember my dad doing cabinet work and throwing away the slot or phillps screws and using #1 Robertson screws, this was way back in the 60s.
Fantastic videos you have , real pro for sure.
Retired industrial electrician in Toronto and Never had a Canadian manufactured robertson screw head strip or break using thousands over the years running conduit or fastening chain for lighting the chinese crap screws in assembly kits are absolute crap and easily strip
I'm about 8 months into woodworking and still had no idea what to choose at the hardware store if I wasn't following someone else's project plans. Thank you for posting such great videos that explain all of this!
Hey, Ace employee here (recognized that fastener section in an instant lol) and man was this video fantastic to learn from. The big the big that resonated with me is the difference between hardware and Home stores, because our boss makes sure that we either have some solid knowledge on something or know exactly who to call on shift who knows what they're doing.
End of the day, a lot of us are retail people, not hardware experts but any decent hardware store isn't going to keep an employee who won't learn and who isn't actively trying to learn. They're just making the customer's life harder and wasting everyone's time.
Please excuse the punishment, but you hit the nail on the head. ❤
I started work at a chain hardware store and I work with the screws department. This video shed a bit of light. Thanks!
At 4:20 talking about nails: One other negative about nails is if you have to remove them. What a PITA. The T-25 screws you discuss is all I use in my woodworking projects. Great video!
Just an outstanding channel. Cut to the point, give real facts, and clearly indicate when you are having an opinion. As a 47 year veteran engineer, you hit the mark directly on center, and I also agree with you on this screw topic. I am a displaced US citizen, living in retirement in the Philippines. I had 49 one cubic meter boxes shipped here from the states, and have to admit, the SPAX or specialty screws were in several of my boxes, since I knew here, I was not likely to find good screw options. It is a poor country and only the cheapest of fasteners are available and as you say, cause more problems than they solve. Broken off heads are a constant problem. Some of the wood I have to work with, "matamban" being most prevalent here in my small island, is dense and as heavy as osage orange wood, but white. You pre-drill that or learn how to dig out broken screws.
Thanks for your channel and I am subscribed and will be watching. Your glue up tips (glue also imported since here there is almost NO available good glues) are invaluable to me. I have not use the proper glue methods until now, watching some of your repairs. I now know why some of my repairs did NOT hold up. Problem solved... Thanks.
This is now one of the few of my most favorite channels on RUclips! You are an engageing speaker getting to the point BONUS you make me laugh and no prevented many DIY project disasters around my house! Really thank you for explaining the basics the way you do so that I can wrap my brain around something as small & simple screw!
I'm late to the party, but I have to say your explanations and videos are among the best for beginner/intermediate woodworking. Others tout big fancy expensive tools and jigs and really don't do a great job of explaining the why's behind what they do, it's more or less just watching someone do it. The time you take to explain the process and details of your pieces and topics is a huge help and a true enlightenment to the world of woodworking.
Steve... out of ALL the woodworkers on You Tube you are simply the easiest to understand and you present your information the best. Keep up the great work..!
I can't tell you how much time I spent googling types of screws and never finding anything as concise and informative as this video. I'm hooked!
I love that Steve is open about that this is his opinion and his own recommendations. When researching for a project, you are never going to read one manual and then make whatever you are going to make. You look for various explanations and then choose the information that best suits your project.
This video was well made and I learned a lot, thank you.
That's a great point in general. When people are reluctant to be specific and biased (people..., bias is not evil, it's necessary and everyone has thousands of bias's, without them what would you wear, eat etc??!) it's so much harder to get good information. This can be because of sponsors or afraid of hurting someones feelings or a host of other reasons. When people are honest and direct the world is a better place. It's just too bad that our media, celebrities and national news outlets bully people into conforming with narratives. Thank you for a salient and actually deep point.
Oh my God! Im a single mom and have done DIY projects on my home for years now. I love it! But i have say the screw aisle in my local home improvement store IS overwhelming! I often wondered what the difference was for each type of screw but felt dumb in asking... you made this so easy to understand... so thank you, thank you, thank you! God Bless 💋
Hi
I missed a kiss.Hahahahaaha Lol.just jokink
First one of your vids I’ve seen. One of the best instructional videos I’ve seen on ANY subject! Focused (ie, on topic), thorough for the intended audience, efficiently presented without seeming rushed, and very relatable for this woodworking novice. I always thought camming out when driving Phillips screws was due to my own inexperience and have been very frustrated with ruined heads and driver tips. I also definitely relate to and appreciated your comment re: big box hardware chains. Locally, we have lost a smaller community store and will soon have a Home Depot and Lowe’s right next to each other! Thanks for a great vid!
I WORK at a hardware store. This is some good advice and knowledge for me to help out homeowners and construction workers. Thank you.
Lot to learn 😊
So I finally broke down and tried some SPAX screws. After getting over the idea of using .04 per piece screw I bought a box. Steve you were right. They are without doubt the best screws I have ever used in my wood working. I have always used drywall screws for all the reasons you mentioned and have had they snap off from time to time. I will not be going back to drywall screws again. Thanks for the great advice..!
Wow, answers to questions that I didn't even realize I had.
Same here. I always thought Philips screws were the best and stars were only for machines.
Me too. This channel my encyclopedia for woodworking! Thanks Steve
I learned just about everything taught in this video the hard way. The fact that you are using Ryobi drills validates my tool choice. I bought a set with the batteries and they are worth their weight in gold. They are reasonably priced and TOUGH. As many times as I have dropped my drill from the top of a ladder and it keeps on going. Since I've purchased the original set, I've added more tools. I love my Ryobi set. SUBSCRIBED!
Just a note, if not already mentioned, The robertson screw and the square are two different drive types. The Robertson from Canada has a tapered shape while the square is true and straight. Robertsons taper allows the screw to stay on the driver better. If you put a Robertson driver in a square head it will fit loose, conversely the square will likely jam or not fit in the robertson. Side note if Robertson and Ford had come to an agreement you would likely not have the Phillips at all but... there you have it.
I have been a “McGyver” builder/ creator forever. But I have been looking for these layman speak explanation on screws and woodworking. THANK YOU! New Subscriber 🥳
The ONLY YT channel I watch on normal speed, you pack so much into every minute. Every other channel I watch on 1.25 speed comfortably. Great stuff.
First time I've watched Steve Ramsey. I was planning to just watch the basics, but he's so entertaining that I watched the whole video. His style reminds me of Bill Nye the Science Guy, fun and informative.
Steve's nothing like bill nye. Steve actually knows what he's talking about. =)
@@jamesanthony8438 When i saw there was one reply, i was crossing my fingers for an educated person. Thank you!
Steve is the go to guy for lots of woodworking stuff. I have picked up a lot of good stuff watching him.
He's wacky alright 😂!
Hahaha!
I’ll text back in about
Pro tip: not all phillips slots are made equal so keep a few phillips bits and try them out on the specific screw you're about to use. If you can hold the screw by the tip horizontally with the bit inserted in it and it doesnt fall off, that fit is as good as a star type screw and as log as you know how to use a drill properly it wont slip off
yeah , because its pozidrive screw, dude such a pro that he doesnt know the difference between pozidrive and phillips.
I really like the dry wall screws. I keep 1.25" , 1.5' , 2.0" & 2 .5" on hand all of the time. I always drill pilot holes and counter sinks. I exclusively work in pine, 2x4 or 23x32 plywood. I've never had a breakage problem. Dry wall screws are cheap, And the bigger thread size seems to grip better. The Phillips Head does occasionally break down. A square or star head would be better. I'll keep my eyes open for them.
A life of disassembling things, I didn’t think about this topic much until I started stripping the heads of cheap wood screws. I’ve since moved to the GRK star-drive screws, and have been super happy with them. I wish I’d known about them sooner for woodworking.
I am very obsessed with wood working and this channel gives me... well.......................... great, awesome, and fascinating tips. If I had not found out about this channel, I would be in misery.
Slotted Screws: "Basically, they suck" - Couldn't agree more.
I restore early 1900's trollys professionally and slotted screws are horrible even worse are brass slotted screws.
your all wrong!
@@patrickphillips7009 You're*
@@patrickphillips7009 YOU'RE* wrong...
The Brown RAT or torx
Finally, I’m no longer screwed. I now know which screws to use. Great video thank you very much.
Thanks for the primer. When I need to make a house repair I usually go with whatever screw or nail I have hanging around. Until now that is 🏠
Great video! Last time I was at Home Depot. I asked the older gentleman next to me if he had an insight on helping me pick out screws, and he just sighed and said, "honestly I have no idea." Thanks for making this video and helping inform the public!
I work in the building supply and hardware business and I say not only areyour videos informative but a easy for a newbie or training. Well done.
I love that you made fasterners fascinating! I'm a newbie and I always learn a ton from your videos.
This dude is a real-life Phil Dunphy... and it's awesome! Thank you so much for the information shared on this channel. Really enjoying the lessons in each video!
Hi Steve, being a single mom and having to do much on my own...I must say your videos incredibly rookie friendly and are a delight!!! I’m a big fan! I must ask!!!! Please please please make a video about a rolling buggy or something a adult can play with down the driveway. My daughter has a rolling buggy and she always wants me to play but I’m not sure where to start!
A helpful and timely piece.
As a Canadian and amateur wood worker for the last 6 decades, let me applaud you on your comments about Phillips heads and Robertson heads. I refuse to use Phillips heads under any conditions except the most dire emergencies. I further confirm that I can hardly believe that they continue to be used at all in the US and elsewhere in the world.
I've never used the ' star ' heads you advocate. Without having tried them, I would have assumed them to be little better that Phillips, but I'm willing to take your word that they're better.
I've also used deck screws and their trumpet shaped heads, and find them perfectly acceptable, and their colour can often add a pleasant decorative effect.
I prefer to use combined drill and countersink combination tools, and occasionally an ordinary drill followed up by a specialized countersink tool, where I need to be concerned about the precise penetration depth of the screw tip.
Finally, you might consider doing a presentation on the use of a hand brace rather than a power drill when driving and releasing wood screws. It gives you precise control to avoid wood splitting, as well as being useful in tight spots, when the ratchet facility is used.
To think if Robertson hadn't been ripped off by a couple of Poms last century (or was it the one before), he would likely have licensed his screw to Henry Ford and the Robertson screw would be the Phillips of today. An absolute tragedy IMO.
@@josephking6515 I totally agree with the sentiment of what you're saying.
But I think a couple of your statements need checking. I don't think you can blame the Poms for this one [ it would have been the XX century ]. Lay the blame on Henry Ford.
Robertson would have been happy [ delighted ! ] to license Ford. What Ford demanded was for Robertson to sell him the patent outright. Robertson refused, and the rest, as they say, is History.
@@crustyoldfart Robertson had licensed the the screw for a British company to use. The two owners put the company into bankruptcy so they didn't have to pay the license fee and then started another company and tried using the screws without a license. As I understand it that was a bit of legal trickery at the time. Robertson took them to court and spent a lot of money thwarting their scheme. When the opportunity with Ford came along he was extremely wary of losing control of his _baby_ so walked away from Ford. It is the two Poms I blame because without their deception and dishonesty I believe Robertson was gun shy of licensing his screws.
That's the story I know which may have parts that are not correct since it was drawn from the Internet. I believe Ford wanted good terms but I wasn't aware he wanted to buy his patent but not really surprised. He was not a very nice person.
I have never used a Robertson screw but from all I have read and heard from those who have it seems so superior to the phillips and one day I will find a supplier near me and nab some.
@@josephking6515 Thanks for the heads up on the story of the Poms and their double-dealing.
I guess the moral of the story is that here once again is an example of how lawyers can thwart [ dick around with ] the ambitions of honest men.
Regarding Robertson's decision not to sell his patent : I think he realized that if he sold the patent to Ford, that was a one-shot deal, and would prevent him from getting a potentially huge income from wood screws, etc. So basically it was just a good business decision.
Unfortunately for us all today, Phillips managed to get the inside track and established himself in the US before Robertson could.
The whole Ford/Robertson/Phillips story is how Might too often triumphs over Right. Today the auto industry has patented a design which is clearly just a variant of the Robertson, which means we all have to stock up on yet another set of drivers.
BTW I hope you find a convenient source for Robertsons soon. I assume you are in Oz ? And best wishes from a former Pom !
@@crustyoldfart Yeah, bloody trapped in Oz and the only up side is I get to see many of them crying when the All Blacks beat the -Wannabees- Wallabies year, after year, after year. Thank you for adding the Henry Ford info to the story. It is most appreciated. Hope you are in a place that has an excellent climate and not "four seasons in one day" Melbourne. Officially summer and the gas heating has been on for the last two days. 🥶
I really like this guy. Honest, clear, helpful, beginner information with plenty of reality checks and humour. I
don't subscribe to much but I subscribe to Steve Ramsey. Great channel.
Totally love the GRK and Spax for just about everything I can. I'm so done with Phillips-drive and lots of other cheaper fasteners.
This is the best education I've ever had on screws.
I just watched a 13 minute video about screws...
and now I want to rush out and buy a box of high tech screws... 🤔
ziggzagg, make sure they are bluetooth enabled, they can tell you if they are properly seated depending on your use.
No ragrets
You're screwed.
my immediate thought on clicking this video was "who makes a 13 minute video on screws" and then i saw your comment and realized my whole life is a lie...
Instantly loving this guys vibe!
Thank you! Excited to start the course. I came here to see if I could use regular star point screws for pocket holes but now I see that I can't. I love the star point!
What's the point of machine screws. They have no point.
I'll see myself out now.
EX0stasis damn, you got me there
They seem to be used in metal components, i see them alot in electronic devices. Like in a computer itll have a designated hole and itll hold the motherboard and other things in place, usually small af and get lost in a blink of an eye.
@@worldofwisdom617 **whoosh**
My comment was a joke, but thanks for trying to be helpful with a thoughtful answer. :D
@@worldofwisdom617 In case English is your second language, the part that makes it a joke is the double meaning of the word "point". Point could mean "a sharp tip" or it could mean "purpose."
Used for machines maybe?
Slot head screws need to be illegal!
I see a petition forming
They are awesome for strength in the head. You can reef on them and if you strip a head on any screw you can grind a flat head into them
TRX VLOGGER TOTALLY AGREE! Who the f*ck thinks it's a good idea to continue making them? In my opinion EVERY screw should be made star drive. Then you'd only need about 5 commonly used sizes of star bit drivers for everything, as opposed to the canvas bag I have with seriously a hundred driver bits (2 or 3 each of like 40 different driver bits: flat heads, star drive, Phillips, hex head concave, hex head conVEX, square drive...Then 5 sizes for each one). It's ridiculous.
Show me that petition and i will totally sign it!
If you don't like them, just don't use them. We should give people the freedom to use whatever they want that is not dangerous.
I will give you 2 examples of use:
1) Everytime my screw head wears, I can Dremel a slot so that I can use it again.
2) Another case is when you use screw inside a hole, so there is no chance that screw driver will slip away. And slot headed screws last very long.
Also, they're cheap to manufacture. If you produce 1 million products per year with 10 screws each, with automated machines, that absolutely matters.
I really like this series of videos (which glue, wood finishing, screws). They are really handy for a novice like me. Thanks man for sharing this tips.
Can’t believe how much i needed to see this video. Thank God i randomly came across it!
Steve I always thought Phillips head was the way to go until I watched your video! Omg start drive screws rock!!!! Did a huge garage build the past few days and LOVED EM! I’m sold! Thanks for the advise!!!!
Using this as study help for my woodwork exam at the end of the month, thanks man
Yes! More basics videos! Your the ONLY knowledgeable person on RUclips who makes them with amazing quality editing/content. I think we can all agree. Well except the trolls of course. But anyway, I’m getting started in all this woodworking and made your BMW. I love it & use it all the time. But these basics videos is what helps me not waste money buying inferior or incorrect sundries and tools. Thanks Steve!
Actually just more videos in general. I have stopped watching every channel except you and ChrisFix. And you both have been too busy to post lately. Which is totally fine. I’m glad your making this channel work for you. Just miss the content is all . Keep it up!
Give Jay Bates a try
Ok
I don’t disagree with anything you said, but you may be interested in The Essential Craftsman. He even has a different video about different types of screws, if you’re interested.
Art, I doubt the man would be mad for recommending "see jane drill". She is EXCELLENT. A great teacher with a vast knowledge. Easy to watch and though I've been in the trades 50+ years I learn something every time I watch one of her videos.
"Yup, screws, people will argue about screws."
Sums up the loudest egos on the internet.
people argue about wearing masks and safety with the covid virus, which can kill you, I doubt generally which screw you use can kill you, unless you have your ceiling fall on your head, since you used the wrong screw. So people will argue about anything, some people just like to hear themselves talk.
Screw you.
fr , screw ppl anyway XD
Well, screw them
Awesome video! I'm a retired electrician, 40 years... but I'm falling in love with woodworking! I feel like a 1st year apprentice and that's just fine. I really enjoyed this video, great info! BE SAFE, GOD BLESS!🇺🇲🙏❤
I enjoyed the way he explained the use of screws in woodworking. It was thorough and clear about the pros and cons of which screws to use in woodworking. Great video 📸!
I am SO glad that my investment in GRK and Spax screws looks like a good one. I also prefer the Star/Torx drive, so now I am validated by an expert. Since I am validated, can I get free parking? I guess your humor is better than mine too.
Thank you for the screw video, you nailed it but with a twist.Fasten-ating!
As a Canadian I find it funny how uncommon Robertson screws are in the States. Pretty much every type of screw is common in Robbie #2 up here. Except drywall screws.
I went to Robertson 4 years ago!
One of the earliest, fiercest patent wars ever. Ford defined everything in this country, and had the audacity to require that Robertson sign the rights to his screw patent over to Ford for use in the Model T. Robertson said no, the US went one way and Canada went another. And now hopefully with my generation not tied to nostalgia projects, cruciform screws can go the way of the dodo.
@@jonathannetherton6727 Robertson screws are the best
Robertson screws are available in every American hardware store. They are NOT rare in the U.S. by any stretch of the imagination.
team Robertson!
You're just so funny and charismatic and the videos are highly informative. Instant subscribe.
Silverback Gorrilla right? I had the same thought
great channel Steve!
about Philips screws: the screwdriver is designed to slip out to prevent over tightening. This was designed like that to make sure that assembly line workers all tighten the screw to a common standard, without having to use a Torque Gauge.
The Japanese have a screwdriver standard developed for their industry that does exactly the opposite: it is designed to wedge into the screw and tighten it strongly, without slippping. This works well when you tighten and also untighten. /
It's very handy to have in the shop, if you need to undo philips screws that were tightened too tightly. it is called JIS screwdriver, and you can order them from Amazon / Ebay.
The best thing about Robertson screws is that you can put them on your screwdriver and they won't fall off. Plus they were invented in Canada.
I just picked up a box of Spax today. Changed my life!
I used grk screws to hang my cabinets and they were great. I also used them to build my workbenches and my house is essentially held together by them. Never used spax but I’ll have to give them a try. T25s saved my life.
Ok
Is pozidrive (PZ rather than PH) not common in the States? In the UK these are the most common screws I think, they engage a lot better than the traditional Phillips screws. You don't see so many torx screws here though I'm sure you can get them, we sometimes use them at work with the little pole in the middle of the head which are described as security screws.
One thing I've never really understood is how some screws you need to drill a hole to avoid splitting the wood and others are advertised as not needing a pilot hole and you can drive them straight in with no splitting. They must both push the wood apart a bit when they go in and no material comes out of the hole?
torx screws are readily available in the uk, but not so much in b&Q/homebase, try online screwfix or toolstation.
some screws have a split tip which cuts the wood fibres rather than just pushing them apart. in reality the big difference is what you're putting the screws into. in general softwoods dont need a pilot hole. but hardwoods, you are likely to need a pilot hole for the thread, a clearance hole for the shank and a countersink for the head. try driving a screw into oak without a hole and you'll find out.
Ian Atkinson in the Netherlands we use most pozidrive. But the torx screw is becoming more and more the standard.
Spax construction screws here use pozidrive. I get them at home depot
I enjoy your work Ian
They are not common in the US and people confuse them with Philips screws.... That doesn't help as a Philips bit will ruin a pozi-drive screw and the bit. Besides, IMHO Torx screws are better, although small ones found on German cars (esp timing belt covers) are the bane of mechanics everywhere.
Can't believe I'm just discovering this awesome channel--- super helpful content!!
I know right! Im not gonna lie, it makes me kinda pissy i didnt find him a few years ago.
@@Mrs.AD0099 I am loving the channel and his videos... I am new to woodworking and my head was spinning.
I really wanna find but i my try's dont give befeits. One year ago i use drill screws (wood type) 8 cm long 4,5 mm dia to connenct 2 really old forniture one on bottom and on on top with great 3mm thick plate. They so good i dont need ani pre drilliong. This screws has really interesting shapes the and is like triangel and on 2 line cutted . So you can notice from a far it is not a normal scerw but working whit it is really good.
I don't know, it looks like he's just screwing around on this channel.
i guess Im asking the wrong place but does anyone know of a tool to log back into an Instagram account..?
I was dumb lost the account password. I appreciate any assistance you can offer me.
2:09 are you saying you don’t use screws with the glue? Does that really hold things together?
This was a great overview. I kept thinking that there's a wood shop teacher somewhere who's going to make this an assigned viewing for homework. It covers the basics well, but doesn't hammer the point home.
Very detailed and thorough video!
When it comes to screws, I've had two life changing discoveries.
First one was finding out that some "Phillips screws" aren't actually Phillips screws, but Pozidriv instead. Using Pozidriv (PZ) bits for Pozidriv screws and Phillips (PH) bits for Phillips screws helps a lot.
Seconds one was the Torx screw. Oh boy! I don't remember what I was making, but I do remember the feeling when I noticed how great Torx screws are!
Torx is the way to go now, why use any other drive, when torx has all the pros and no cons ?
In fact, pozis are EXCELLENT when driven with a proper pozi driver. They almost never cam out and accept a little more angle to be driven at (whereas Torx angle is mostly fixed). Dont mean to bash on torx, they are my prefered system, but pozis can be really good in tight spaces.
There's another one that looks just like Phillips but the taper angles are a little different. This is called JIS for Japanese Industrial Standard. Most of the stuff that comes out of Asia now is using this fastener and a Phillips head just doesn't get a good bite on it at all. If you're having this issue, it's well worth investing in some JIS drivers.
Yep, i didn't know this until I was working on a Mukini carburetor. They're easy to damage too.
@@Dogeek I think the reason why PH PZ and flatheads are still used is because one screwdriver fits almost every size, while Torx need an exact size driver.
Wow after 13 minutes I finally know how to “Screw It”. Subscribed! 😀
Glad to see you! You've been missed! Great info!
I work in home remodeling doing pretty much everything. I can attest to everything this man has said. Get the 1¼ star bit screws. Get the T25 sized ones. T25 being the bit that fits it. T30 and T20 is a bit harder to find if you're big box shopping.
It's a bolt! No, it's a screw! No, it's a--- microjig maker of the GRRRiper
LOL! I actually want to see this. Is there such a thing as WWMM fan fic? Are we all Microjig promoters now?
hahaha nice!
Torx (star) has been a stardard in Finland for years now for almost every screwtype. Drywall screw is an expection for some reason.
The Philips flat head was designed to be aerodynamic when building planes (that could go faster/caused less turbulence than protruding screws). A Philips head can't overtighten as much, since the driver will pop out. This is by design, for the reason they didn't want to damage the aircraft. This trait is also good for other materials, such as a drywall. I love Pozi and Torx even more, but I wouldn't want a pozi or torx dry wall screw.
@@Ivarposthumus Yeah, some drywall "guns" have fancy clutch mechanisms to prevent overdriving the screw, but you can get a really simple self-stopping bit for when you aren't a drywall contractor. It's a Philips with a collar that will stop forward motion when it comes to the drywall. As the bit continues to drive the screw the screw pulls away from the bit and the camming action pushes the driver away with a perfectly sunk screw.
Same in Norway. Torx is standard.
We use essve screws in our company.
And we are using long bits on our screwmachines (hilti). Then the bit will not fall off and it's better to use in tight corners
Just wanted to point out that flat head screws (or I guess slotted) are better in certain applications, aka when they get massive they are far better than any of the others, easy to drive in, and can cut a new slot if needed.
You might not see them much in woodworking, but I just put together some parts for a steam engine and was working with 3/4 inch sized heads, and I wouldn't want any other than the flathead.
That said they do really suck in the small size.
This takes me back 30 years +. I went to my local hardware shop to buy some rawl bolts to attach wooden battons to a wall. The battons were 4 x 2 so I was looking for 4 inch bolts to do the job. The shop had 3 inch bolts. It was a 20 mile round trip to the nearest "big D.I.Y. " store. When I explained that the bolts were a bit short, the shop owner looked at me as if I had asked him " what is the best flavour ice-cream" to eat when doing D.I.Y. "countersink it". Such a simple solution but beyond me back then. You can't beat the service and experience from local hardware shops and yet Amazon & Ebay sank them all
What i love about your videos is that you arnt flashy and just so informative! I feel like its worth the whole 14 minutes unlike other vids that waste a lot of time! Love it thanks for the help
For those wondering a screw has a certain type of thread that has a much larger pitch than a bolt. A bolt has a machine thread which can come is different variation. A machine screw is a bolt but with threads all the way up the shank. A bolt will have a half threaded half shank.
Matthew Young except for lag bolts 😁
I’ve worked with bolts up to 2 inch diameter. With threads all the way up to the head. So you’re wrong
^This. A machine screw has a machine thread that goes all the way to the head, and the head is not a hex. If it has a head you would drive with a wrench or socket, it's a bolt. And if it then has a tapered thread similar to a wood screw, it's a lag bolt. A machine thread with a toolless pan head and a square underneath is a carriage bolt.
Lag bolts aren't really "bolts" though, more like giant wood screws.
Quick rule for 'defining' what is a screw and what is a bolt:
BOLT - A fastener that works by meshing its threads with a threaded receptacle. (either a nut or a pre-tapped/threaded receptacle/hole) ~Bolts ONLY work when used with ANOTHER or SPECIFIC receptacle that matches its threads ~(this includes Machine 'screws', tho I'd have to research why this type of bolt is even called a 'screw' as it is NOT one.)
SCREW - Works by using its threads to 'pull' two pieces of material together without the need for any type of prepared or threaded receptacle, and works as an independent fastener. (pre-drilling doesn't count as 'necessary' for a screw to do its job) Screws can be used to hold one piece of material to another, in instances where different materials need attaching, and one piece does NOT utilize the function of the threads, as in the plexiglass to wood example Steve showed in this video. The partial threaded screw 'pulled' the plexiglass to the wood, and the threads held it together, while the unthreaded upper part of the screw left no damage to the plexiglass being attached.
So.... I now await arguments, LoL! (tho, they better be GOOD ones, because this simple rule pretty much sums it up! :))
Where did you get that definition?
@@tobiasgorgen7592 Oh golly! I believe I got it from an engineering student, back in my college days, like, almost 40 yrs ago. I do recall talking to one of my professors about it at some point, and to various professionals over the years, as I'm a Master Mechanic and I also do finish carpentry and furniture making. I've always liked the simplicity of the description as it clarifies the difference easily. I'm a bit of a nerdy type that likes random info, LoL Screw = grabbing threads Bolt - threads to threads
@@LizFromDecencyUnited it is definitely a great explanation. Definitely more understandable than the the definition in eurocode en 1995
Thats the European code for timber construction.
Thanks for the comment and the response
The slot head section looks like a “seen on TV” commercial - “There’s got to be a better way!!”
Hey! Just wanted to add a distinction about square drive VS Robertson, Robertson drive bits are tapered near the end so a number 2 square drive is actually slightly larger than a number 2 Robertson screw. In Canada, this leads to a lot of frustration with so-called Robertson screws not fitting real Robertson bits, or vice-versa. Robertson is actually a trademark, so the best way to find a Robertson bit is to look for the trademark symbol.
The square drive was made in the US in response to Robertson patenting the tapered square bit, getting rid of the taper in order to avoid patent infringement. The taper actually makes a big difference though, and non-magnetized Robertson bits can actually hold Robertson screws so you don't need a hand holding it to start driving it.
Thanks Steve, the video is soooo helpful, since I am a newbie in the woodwork, and I need all the information from A to Z
What about pozidrive, cheers from uk.
You can tell a pozidrive screw by the lines it has in between the cross on the head of the screw.
You can also tell pozidrive screws from the brutal stripping they get when someone who doesn't realize tries to turn them with a Phillips driver. If you have the right bit, they're great.
Pozi is a slight improvement on Phillips that still has a higher risk of caming out than Torx or Robertson.
Two notes:
1. Yes, Philips screw head was designed to cam out, and to do that at a specific torque, but stay centered on the fastener. This helps in quick assembly as the driver does not jump out in a random direction and mar the surface, but still cams out in a predictable and easily detected manner. It was an important factor back when electric drills/drivers did not have an adjustable clutch and fasteners were made of lower quality steel, resulting in snapped screw heads. It's less important now, as you can set your cordless drill to cam out internally at a given torque and advances in metallurgy allow very strong fasteners to be mass-produced cheaply.
2. There absolutely definitely should be a note on Pozidriv heads and how they differ from Philips. They were designed to *not* cam out (at least, not until a much higher torque is achieved) when a Pozidriv driver is used, but can still be driven with Philips bits if necessary. HOWEVER, the reverse is absolutely not true. Using a Pozidriv driver on a Philips head is a very efficient way to destroy both and get frustrated at a mediocre result. Being able to tell the difference and remember it at all times is very important as Philips and Pozidriv screws and drivers are both prevalent and often mixed by people who think they're the same thing.
Remi the screw myster. Doling out the knowledge. Kidding aside....Thank you for that though. I learned more in your two notes then the last five trips to JTube.... combined. Cheers m8
One thing I recently learned is you have to be aware of the sheer strength and codes when doing stairs. Something like a drywall screw has way more draw strength than a nail but it's sheer strength sucks. That's why they either use nails or lag bolts on stair treads. And deck screws instead of nails on a flat surface like a deck
I bought a bunch of lumber today for two projects I have planned. I was so excited I forgot to buy wood screws. Now I'm glad I didn't. I'll look for the star drive multipurpose screws instead. Thanks as always Steve
U are the first amerikan that i see that really know all about screws. really well done. And i am a Master in Woodworking in Germany
This was great. Thanks!
I have also learned that the smooth collar section on the wood screws can be taken advantage of in order to help the boards seat together better, especially if you don't have enough clamps. By drilling a pilot hole through the boards you ensure alignment and then by drilling a second larger pilot hole in the top board, big enough for even the threads to pass through, you ensure that the top piece does not begin to climb up the screw away from the bottom piece. Sometimes in order to tighten them together you end up stripping the wood and the fastener isn't as secure or tight as you may need.
Been using star/torx exclusively for years now... never looking back
What do you want? A cookie?
@@FourDollaRacing give him two, he knows what hes doing
"if you are able to go to a hardware store...."
oh F yes, I can vouch for this, I asked my big box store how I can fix hardwood floors in my grandmothers house and they told me to just screw it in, I did that and discovered concrete joists, I went to a tool store that stocks mostly tools, no lumber or anything else, doesn't even do kitchens and the sales Clerk told me as soon as I said "my screw got stuck and it's stripped" "how old is the house? oh, yea, that's concrete joists... what you should do is pre drill then screw down but you won't get all the squeaking out"
Sounds like one was a carpenter and the other other is just a sales clerk, and I don't think the big box store was a carpenter...
Not always the case though, I think you were unlucky, I work in B & Q a big box shed like your home depot, I am an ex tradesman and most of us on the hardware and building department are ex trades people, I advise customers about every aspect of home maintenance, and they keep coming back, even some trade guys find my tips useful because at my age I have wider knowledge based on long experience...
@@BirdmanNorfolk you must be an exception to the rule. I loath these big stores. Uninterested, uneducated, unskilled, unhelpful sales clerks. I am 61 with quite a bit of DIY experience.
@@datacoherence9559 well, we are a bit different, we are a smaller store, only 50 staff, most of us enjoy our work and like helping and advising customers based on our own extensive experience, the core of the shopfloor staff have been with the company a number of years, and a large part of the reason for this is we like working with each other, and compliment one another's experience, you won't tend to find the same in very large diy warehouses, as they tend to have a higher staff turnover, fewer experienced people, mainly just people who are looking for something better or more in line with their interests, you should also bear in mind it's not a well paid job in retail, and we have a lot to put up with, especially nowadays with the extra strain of the Covid situation and all the rules attending it, the staff you dealt with were probably feeling that strain, and we don't have much choice in the matter, you cannot work from home in our jobs, most can't or won't be furloughe'd, and we are taking a risk with our health and that of our families every day we go in, so my apologies if you didn't get the service you deserve, but there are two sides to everything, if I hear of anyone being dissatisfied in my store, then I always aim to improve the situation, even our younger staff are very good generally, and if they are not confident of the answer they will always willingly find you someone experienced, and then stay with us while we explain so they can learn...
Happy Fox, you got that right! Most of the people in the Big Box Stores are dumber than a bag of hammers! lol
Best video ever! Takes away the confusion and intimidation of the screw aisle. 💚
Thank you for the time you spent to explain the importance of the types of screws used for each material and the pros and cons of each. I appreciate it very much
Well, this was 13 mins well spent before I went off to Home Depot to get screws for my wood project.
I finally know how to sort all the screws in my toolbox and which ones can be tossed!!
First time Subscriber. Great video but does anyone agree that you could be Bill Nye the Wood Guy.
I spend the last one hour looking for a good video which explains in a nut shell on screws(these common items). It was a very good video which explained all points. Tx
As a Canadian, i prefer robertson bits for regular screws, but like torx on the larger GRK structural screws, the ones that replace lag screws and bolts.
The torx head is extremely good at not camming out, but I don’t have that problem with regular sized screws, especially when using an impact driver.
looks like i got drywall screw, no wonder everytime i screw it in the head often broke
0:59 Start
1:47 Personal Favorite
7:05 Phillips Drive
7:57 Square Drive
8:19 Star Drive
9:15 Round Head
I think the idea of wood workers using a lot of nails comes from non-wood workers basically only seeing house framing where they do use a lot of nails.
Lucid Moses some of the best furniture built in antiquity used nails, and the tradition carries through til today. the proper nail is the key, as is the case with screws. cut nails are superior in areas where dynamic forces come to play. screws will actually break where a nail will bend.
Tim, I'm not sure how that had anything to do with what I said. Are you thinking that people that are not into wood working all go around investigating how antiquate furniture was made? That they somehow miss the majority of stuff built without nail. Including the best furniture as nails where considered a mark of poor craftsmanship and was basically used by the walmart's of it's day.
Personally I would think that if they are not into wood working that that would be a good indication that... well.... They are not into wood working.
Also, Break vs Bend has nothing to do with nail/screw. That has to do with the material. It's Strength, Hardness and sheer force. Sure it's common for nails to use softer materials but you buy based on what you need.
I think it comes from cartoons where nobody ever uses a screw
Jack, Yes, a fair point. Teaching them young ah.
Tim Mills i'm pretty sure the"best" antiques use amazing joinery techniques and you won't find a nail anywhere...
Thanks!
Thank you for the video on screws. I used star screws on my project. Thanks to you. I will never use anything but star screws from now on. They are great no problems at all. Thank you Thank you Thank you.
Hi Steve! Glad you’re back!! Greetings from The Netherlands!