Framing Matters

by Chris A. Paschke, CPF GCF

IEA Newsletter - Wax-On, September 2011

"Screws"

I realize understanding hardware is something all framers should already have a grasp of, but there is nothing wrong with a few tips and a little basic terminology for clarification.

Screws fall into a category of hardware correctly known as fasteners. Since nails and tacks can pull out of wood for lack of grip, the threading of a screw can hold much more secure. That said, there are some of the same issues with screws that were covered in my May 2011 column "Off With Their Heads" when discussing screw eyes. In soft wood—pine, reconstituted wood, MDF--threading may create sawdust rather than grabbing wood grain which allows a stressed screw to pull out with time and gravity. Screws can also stress the sides of the frame where they are inserted by weakening wood narrow frames, so multiple screws and steel hangers should be used.

Shaft Weight or Gauge

Though the professional numbering system for fasteners may be rather confusing--based on dimensions and threading--smaller screws have been simplified by an industry number designation preceded by the # sign. These numeric sizes are shaft diameters that have been standardized based on sizes commonly in use in the hardware market. These do not show a number of threads-per-inch designation and run from #0 through #15, with #0 the smallest and #15 the largest. In framing #4, #6 or #8 are most common, with #3 and #10 occasionally needed (photo 1).

photo 1

Top row: Round head #8x3/4";

Pan head #6x1/2", #6x3/8"; Flat head #6x5/8".

Bottom row: Round head 4x5/8", 4x1/2", 4x3/8";

Flat head 4x3/4", 4x5/8" 4x3/8";

Round head tiny #3x1/4"

Types of Fasteners

For our purposes screws are identified and selected by shaft # (#3, #4, #6, #8); category (Wood, Metal, Machine); head style (Flat head, Pan head, Round head); and drive (Phillips, Slotted, Combination). Wood screws have a smooth shank at the top with a tapered point for easy insertion. Metal screws—aka sheet metal screws--are fully threaded head to point. By selecting fully threaded shafts there is more bite to the screw for use in framing (photo 2). Though there are many head styles with flat head, pan head, and round head being most common for framing. Flat head screws are chosen when countersinking so the head is flush with the wood surface leaving nothing protruding (photo 3). Round head screws have a domed shape, while pan head screws have a slightly rounded head with short vertical sides (see photo above). Pan head or round head are most common for D-rings, D-straps and steel plate hangers.

photo 2

Wood screw with no threads at top (L),

metal screw is threaded full length(R).

photo 3

Flat head machine screw

countersunk to be flush

with back of float frame.

Drive configurations are numerous but straight slotted, Phillips and combination are shown here. Slotted drive is traditional and what is installed with a standard flat screwdriver. The combination drive—aka cross slot--was originally designed for the Phillips screwdriver and some of the foreign screws are still of this design, where only a Phillips type screwdriver should be used. Hardware purchased out of Canada often has the combination drive pattern.

photo 4

Slotted drive, pan head (L),

Combination drive, pan head (C),

Phillips drive, flat head (R).

Matching the correct screw shaft #, head, and drive can greatly simplify installation. Phillips seem less likely to slip than a slotted screw and tiny #3 round head screws best hold a small sawtooth hanger. The smaller #4 and #3 Phillips head often require a smaller PH#1 screwdriver or electric driver tip for installation rather than the usual PH#2. Using too large of a driver may strip the drive head. Stocking twelve different sizes of screws may sound like a lot until you realize that there are four different shaft weights with a variety of lengths and drive patterns…all of which do serve a specific need.

END

For additional information on framing basics visit http://www.DesignsInkArt.com/library.htm or email me at chris@DesignsInkArt.com. There is a special section in the library for all past IEA Framing Matters articles from Wax-On!

Chris Paschke, CPF GCF

Designs Ink

785 Tucker Road, Suite G-183

Tehachapi, CA 93561

661-821-2188