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What Are Deck Screws?
Deck screws designed specifically for use in wood and primarily for decks as the name suggests; have a deep wide coarse thread that is set at the proper angle to ensure a secure long lasting hold while reducing splitting and cracking.
Features of a deck screw
- Type-17 (auger type) cutting tip to aid in the installation into wood and composite decking by cutting its way into the lumber without walking.
- Bugle heads or 90 degree flat heads that allow the screw to depress the wood surface, sit flush, and countersink themselves into hard or soft woods.
Steps to installing a deck screw
- It's always recommended to test the deck screws with the chosen edge distance on a scrap board before installation to make sure the screws will not split the board.
- Pre-Drill the ends of the board to avoid the possibility of splitting .
- Beware of Knots! Knots in wood are extremely hard, if the screw encounters a knot it will most definitely snap or strip the head.
- Press down on the back of the drill to apply force and drive the deck screw straight down into the board.
- Drive the deck screw until the head is flush or slightly deeper than the board.
- *Caution* Do not over torque once the head is flush, this will cause the deck screw to snap.
Wood Screw Pilot Hole Sizes
| Screw Size | Hard Wood | Soft Wood |
|---|---|---|
| #2 | 1/16" Drill Bit | 1/16" |
| #3 | 5/64" | 1/16" |
| #4 | 5/64" | 1/16" |
| #5 | 3/32" | 5/64" |
| #6 | 7/64" | 3/32" |
| #7 | 7/64" | 3/32" |
| #8 | 1/8" | 7/64" |
| #9 | 9/64" | 1/8 |
| #10 | 9/64" | 1/8" |
| #12 | 5/32" | 9/64" |
| #14 | 11/64" | 5/32" |
| #16 | 3/16" | 11/64" |
| #18 | 7/32" | 13/64" |
