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The correct size, length, and gauge of best wood screws for table legs can be difficult to determine when building woodworking projects. Adding other factors such as the type of wood, screw material, lateral vs. shear forces, and the presence of pilot holes only complicates the issue. Fortunately, there are some general guidelines you can follow that will help you purchase and use the correct type of wood screws for table legs.
According to: thesprucecrafts.com
Common Sizes Wood Screws for Table legs
Common sizes wood screws for dining table legs
All sizes, except for gauges, are in inches.
- Head-bore size refers to the diameter of the table screws head.
- Shank-hole size refers to the diameter of the smooth part of the table screws above the threads.
Length, Gauge, and Pilot Holes
Understanding a few basic principles behind the technology of wood screws will take you a long way toward knowing which type of screw to choose.
- Length: Wood screws must be long enough to hold the two boards together securely. If the screws are too short, they may not adequately hold the boards together. If they are too long, they will piece through to the other side.
- Thickness (gauge): Wood screws must be thick enough to grab onto the two boards. If the screw is too thin, it may pull out of the wood. If the table screws is too thick, it may split the wood, rendering it useless.
- Pilot holes: Drilling a pilot hole in hardwoods with a regular bit or with a countersink bit before driving the screw is usually a good idea. Hardwoods such as oak or walnut are inclined to splitting, but softwoods such as pine or cedar are less prone to splitting.
Wood screws gain power by friction and by the pressure of wood fibers gripping the threads. When you cut away fibers and remove them, a pilot hole can reduce the grip of the wood around the screw threads, thereby lessening the holding power of the screw.
What are the Best Wood Screws?
What screws to use for table legs
Here are some popular and trusted wood screw brands:
GRK Fasteners
Known for their innovative designs and self-drilling features, GRK Fasteners offer high-performance wood screws that reduce splitting and provide excellent holding power.
SPAX
SPAX screws are well-regarded for their durability and versatility. They come with unique thread designs that allow for faster installation and superior holding capabilities.
Simpson Strong-Tie
This brand is known for its construction and woodworking products, including high-quality wood screws. They offer a wide range of options suitable for various applications.
FastenMaster
FastenMaster produces wood screws designed for fast and secure installation. They offer screws with anti-splitting features and specialized coatings for outdoor applications.
Kreg
Kreg specializes in pocket-hole joinery systems, and their screws are specifically designed for use with their jigs. These screws provide strong connections for woodworking projects.
DeckMate
If you're looking for wood screws for outdoor projects like decking and fencing, DeckMate offers screws with weather-resistant coatings to prevent rust and corrosion.
Which Screw and Material to Choose for Your Project
In the world of screws, there are various options to consider depending on your specific needs and requirements. Let's delve into the different types of screw heads, materials, and sizes to help you make an informed decision for your project.
Types of Screw Heads
Phillips Head
The Phillips head was once the go-to choice when using a screwdriver. However, with the prevalence of cordless drill/drivers and pocket drivers, other options have emerged. The Phillips head is still reliable but may be prone to bit slippage and metal stripping.
Quadrex Head
The Quadrex head combines the square (Robertson) and Phillips head designs. It offers a larger surface area and allows for higher torque application, making it an excellent choice for driving-intensive tasks like framing or deck building.
Torx or Star Drive Head
The Torx or star drive head provides efficient power transfer between the driver and screw. It minimizes wear on the bits, making it ideal when working with a large number of screws. These heads are often referred to as "security fasteners" and are commonly used in schools, correctional facilities, public buildings, as well as automotive and electronic manufacturing.
Sheet Metal or Panhead
Sheet metal or panhead screws are useful when the fastener does not need to be flush with the material. With a wider head and thread that extends the entire length, these screws are great for joining wood to other materials, including metal.
Choosing the Right Material
Consider whether the table screws will be used indoors or outdoors:
Indoor Use
For indoor projects, you can opt for less expensive zinc screws or select materials and coatings based on visual appeal.
Outdoor Use
Outdoor screws require protection against corrosion from moisture and temperature changes. The best options are silicon-coated bronze or stainless steel screws, which offer superior durability and longevity.
Selecting the Right Size
Two key factors to consider when choosing the size of your screws:
Length
The screw should penetrate at least half the thickness of the bottom material. As a general rule, aim for a depth of 3/4" into a 2 x 4 or equivalent.
Diameter or Gauge
Screws come in various gauges, typically ranging from 2 to 16. In most cases, a #8 screw will suffice for general purposes. For thicker or heavier materials, consider using #12-14 screws. For fine woodworking, #6 screws are often the best choice.
Lateral vs. Withdrawal Loads
Wood screws need to have enough thread driven into the receiving stock to hold fast. The length of the thread that is inserted into the receiving board is dependent on the forces, either lateral or withdrawal, that will be applied to the boards after they are in use.
- Lateral loads: If the forces will apply lateral pressure, also known as sheer pressure, consider using a thicker screw than you might otherwise choose. This is the type of pressure where two boards attached flat to each other are subjected to a sliding motion. Kitchen wall cabinets screwed to wall studs is one example of lateral or sheer pressure.
- Withdrawal loads: If the forces will apply pressure that wants to pull the boards straight apart, called withdrawal pressure, be sure that ample screw threads are inserted into the receiving board. Always try to get at least 1 to 1 1/2 inches of thread into the receiving board. This assumes, of course, that this length of the table screws will not poke through the opposite side of the board. In the event that you need shorter screws to prevent this problem, you'll need to compensate by driving more screws.
Utility Screws vs. Steel Screws
Screws designed for fastening wood come in two basic forms: steel or stainless steel wood screws, or utility screws (generally known as deck screws).
Utility screws are the workhorses of framing carpentry and outdoor woodworking projects. They are available in different types of steel, sometimes corrosion-resistant metals designed to stand up to the chemicals in treated lumber; and they are normally sold by length.
Steel or stainless steel wood screws have thicker bodies and are typically used for precision woodworking and indoor furniture. When you buy wood screws, they are identified both by their length and also by their gauge, which refers to the thickness of the screw shaft. Larger gauge numbers indicate screws with thicker shafts. While utility screws are typically #8 or #10 gauge, steel wood screws are available in a much wider selection of gauge diameters.
Wood Grain Orientation
The number and length of screws that are used will depend on the grain orientation of the receiving board. As a general rule, screws needed for attaching two boards across the grain do not need to be as long as when screws are inserted into end grain. When screwing into the end grain, aim for at least two inches of thread in the board.
As a general guideline, you can use #8 diameter deck-type screws for most utility tasks. Use 1-1/4 inch screws for basic tasks where strength is less of an issue or when attaching two 3/4-inch-thick boards across the grain. Keep some 2 1/2-inch deck screws for screwing into end grain, plus some stronger 3-inch screws for attaching into end-grained boards, or when a little extra added power is needed. Finally, if there will be a lot of sheer strength needed, you can opt for some 1/4-inch diameter lag screws.
No matter whether inserting screws into end grain or cross-grained boards, many experts and skilled do-it-yourselfers always opt to drill pilot holes with a special countersink pilot bit. This type of bit drills a small-diameter hole into the length of the screw shaft, with a wider counter-sink portion that will allow the head to be sunk flush with the surface of the wood.
By considering the different screw head options, materials, and sizes, you can confidently select the right screws for your specific project. Remember to prioritize factors such as strength, durability, visual appeal, and the intended use (indoor or outdoor) to ensure the success and longevity of your construction or woodworking endeavors.
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Selecting the correct size wood screws for table legs is a crucial step in your furniture-building journey. With the right screws, your table legs will be secure, stable, and ready to support whatever you place on top of them. So, go ahead and create beautiful, long-lasting furniture with confidence.
