Screws and 1/4 ply walls

[dglenn1960]

Miriam,

Are you using a variable speed drill (hopefully yes)? If so you really just need more practice.

Suggestions would be to stop short of setting the screw and use a screwdriver (I often do this on sensitive joints). And I normally hand-tighten after using the drill on important joints as well (get a much better torque feel with your hand vs. the drill).

Another suggestion would be to pre-drill (and countersink) before driving the screws (use one of the combo drill/countersink bits). This would give you a better overall result as well (and makes it easier to stop at the correct depth/place). I did all my 1/4 attachment this way (in fact nearly all screws in my tear are countersunk) as luan is very touchy when trying to power set a screw.

[Miriam C.]

I have the only hidden bed frame in town with counter sunk screws.
I am still practicing cause I am heavy handed with the countersink too.

Hand setting them might not be a bad idea. There won't be too many.

Thank you very much
Aunti M

[Roly Nelson]

Miriam, you asked about fastening 1/8" plywood on the roof. I can share with you how I did it on mine. I installed the first layer with the good side down, simply glued and nailed the dickens out of it with cement-coated box nails. (they hold so well, you pull the heads off trying to get them out). I nailed all edges and cross members while holding the plywood down tight with ropes streached over the top from front to back.

Next, the upper layer of 1/8" was installed good side up, and simply glued to the first layer, edges and cross members using panel adhesive, liquid nails, etc. I did the same rope trick and nailed the edges down with coated nails. The ends of the roof sheets, at their butt joints were covered with a thin strip of wood (since the whole thing is wood) and with liberal coats of varnish, it has held up well for over 3 years. The roof edge-nails can be covered with trim members, but mine has a husky laminated hunk of pine covering all nails (and mistakes). Good luck.

Roly, removing US flags from the tear, after the the July 4th Parade.

[Miriam C.]

Hi Roly'
Thanks for sharing how you made that beautiful woody. We just love it. Get the biggest kick outa showing people the picture.
I nailed a subfloor with coated sinkers and needed to get one out. Ended up cutting it off.

Got the flag in. (our entire neighborhood had a flag out.)
Miriam

[oklahomajewel]

Hey Miriam.... kinda late piping in, but here's for what it's worth.

I have 1/4" walls, and the supports on the door are 1x2's.
I screwed from the outside w/ 3/4" deck screws I believe. I have had no problem with them coming thru on the 'inside' of a support peice. Only in a place or two did it start to poke , but that was where my countersinking went too deep.


SLOW , good advice, wish I 'd had sooner. Don't try to screw them in too quick !

Julie

[Miriam C.]

Thanks Julie.
I guess some things don't get slower as I age. I found I was pushing the countersink too. I am trying to do a lot of the inside stuff while I wait out the lumber issues. I am getting lots of practice. I tried to find smaller deck screws and couldn't. Perhaps I need to look when I have more time. YMBBATD
Looking forward to Sept.
Aunti M

[bledsoe3]

Miriam, Have you considered buying a cordless drill with a clutch. It will limit the amount of torque your drill will apply no matter how fast you go.

[EZ]

Miriam, Have you considered buying a cordless drill with a clutch. It will limit the amount of torque your drill will apply no matter how fast you go.

A drill with a clutch is a must if you are going to be consistent. I have a cheap Ryobi from Home Depot that is 14 volt and with 2 batteries and was about $40. I can't seem to kill it no matter how bad I abuse it.

I fastened my top skin using adhesive (Liquid Nails) and nails from the air nailer. Unfortunately in my haste to get the stuff nailed while bending it I shot a nail right through some of my wiring. Connected it and poof, blew a fuse. Thank goodness the wiring was for one existing light and another that wasn't installed yet. I can run something internal for the existing light and forget the other one. I was depressed but oh well. Just don't get carried away......

Ed

[Miriam C.]

Bledso, you would be amazed at what I have considered buying. Do you know Sears has a drill with a dial on it for the type of screw you are going to use. Has a speed dial too. $99. Might make a great Christmas present cause I am going to run out of money if I keep buying tools.

Ez
Maybe I can sneak in a little Newbie wiring tip. Plan your wires on a sheet of paper. One sheet should have all your wood and wiring together.

Never plan to put your wires where your nails and screws are going.

If you forget things draw them out lightly on your wood. Just don't forget to erase them.

Thanks guys.
Miriam

[Todah Tear]

Miriam,

I have been using various sizes of the Lath screw as well have have been please with them not going all the way through the wood. Plus, they look good too. They have a rivet, finished look to them once in place. I get mine from Lowes (The package doesn't have "lath" on it though, but they look like the one in the picture.) Also, I have been using the self-drill type of screw that has the same phillip head as the latch. These are really helpful in areas where I normally would have to bear down really hard to get the screw to penetrate or otherwise drill a pilot hole first. The self-drill screw's tip "drills" a path for it which makes it go in with ease.

Todah

[stedi]

Miriam,
a drywall screwgun will automatically stop driving once the preset depth is reached. available at hd, lowes, tool king etc.
regards,
steve

[Roly Nelson]

Ah yes, Ed, the old drive a screw thought the wiring, trick. Been there, done that. I even took pics of all of the routered out members with the wires in them before installing the plywood. Nevertheless, the reading light over the pillows never would work, must have cut the wire in half. Had to surface wire it after-the-fact. At any rate, the picture trick did work out pretty well with only one mistake. The old mind seems to forget exactly where the wires are after the plywood covers things up.

Roly.