using drywall screws

[mezmo]

i don't use drywall screws for anything but drywall as they are far to brittle
and will easily snap - especially the head - even when using them for drywall-
if they are over torqued or their strength is exceeded.

The thicker construction screws are fine, no matter their length. The main
problem with them is stripping the head slots/cross if you don't pay attention
to the angle the bit meets the screw head with or don't watch the torque setting.

Using screws with a cordless drill is the main way i use to construct things
now. It seems easier and with less effort. If you just use screws to hold things
together, and not glue them as well, [depends on what you are building] that
also gives you the option of disassembling what you have built if it is not
needed/wanted anymore and using the wood for other projects/purposes. I've
done that frequently.

Cheers,
Norm/mezmo

[rowerwet]

being a boat builder first, I believe any fasteners are an entry point for rot and disaster. I built a fastenerless td, the whole box is glued together with PLpremium construction adhesive using the chine-log method of building. not only is polyurethane tough enough to take the wood with it when ripped apart, it still has a little flex to it, and it is water proof.
I use drywall screws by the dozen to hold everything together while gluing, and then take them all out the next time and fill the holes with more PLpremium. Unless I suddenly end up with enough money to build with marine epoxy Poly adhesive works for me.
other than the 6 bolts holding the box onto the trailer, I have a few treated deck screws with that star pattern drive holding the bottom of the wall to the deck, and I really think they aren't needed.
The best book I've found explaining how to build boats, which I applied to building my TD, is http://www.amazon.com/Ultrasimple-Boat- ... 0071477926 written by the guy who designed the boat in my avatar, the plans are free on the internet.