I've been using McFeeiy's #6 and #8 Robertson headed screws to good effect for decades. They are usually impact driven with the benefit of some kind of screw lube. I typically work with red and white oak, sometimes poplar. I do like the use experience of the few Torx screws that I've used. Thank goodness we have something other than Phillips for our work.
I've always had very good luck with the Hillman screws. I always drill an appropriately-sized pilot hole and always lube them with soft bee's wax. Very, very rarely have I had any kind of trouble with them. (I will admit that I do have a serious philosophical and ethical problem with buying and using chicom-made screws [or chicom-made anything else...], but – for whatever it's worth – that is about all that is available in the local big box/hardware stores.)
And I will freely admit that I have not used any of the other brands mentioned in this blog: I've found something that works for me, so no immediate need to go looking for something else/"better".
I thought for a moment that LAP had been taken over by Mills and Boon.
I first discovered the existence of self drilling screws as hex-headed roofing screws. Carpenters here in the Philippines prefer them to twist-shanked roofing nails as being both more secure and faster to drive: providing you are paying and they can borrow your electric drill.
Now I notice more and more of the screws I buy are intended to be self drilling with tips that vary from a needle-pointed bradawl to the shape of a platipus's bill.
(Mills and Boon was/is aBritish publisher of what were known as "Bodice Rippers").
Since we both love a good screw, and the tip makes all the difference. If you ever come across Rothoblaas KKF AISI410, you should try them. What I really like is that it’s very difficult for an overzealous apprentice to bury the head too deep.
I've been using McFeeiy's #6 and #8 Robertson headed screws to good effect for decades. They are usually impact driven with the benefit of some kind of screw lube. I typically work with red and white oak, sometimes poplar. I do like the use experience of the few Torx screws that I've used. Thank goodness we have something other than Phillips for our work.
Those are good...but not easily available to me here.
Screw head cam-out always torques me off and I pitch a fit.
Interesting.
I've always had very good luck with the Hillman screws. I always drill an appropriately-sized pilot hole and always lube them with soft bee's wax. Very, very rarely have I had any kind of trouble with them. (I will admit that I do have a serious philosophical and ethical problem with buying and using chicom-made screws [or chicom-made anything else...], but – for whatever it's worth – that is about all that is available in the local big box/hardware stores.)
And I will freely admit that I have not used any of the other brands mentioned in this blog: I've found something that works for me, so no immediate need to go looking for something else/"better".
They ALL work great with a pilot hole. But a self-drlling screw shouldn't require a pilot hole.
Megan, have you tried Robertson screws?
Robertson drive, yes, the brand, no. (Not available at the HD, Lowe's or Ace.)
I thought for a moment that LAP had been taken over by Mills and Boon.
I first discovered the existence of self drilling screws as hex-headed roofing screws. Carpenters here in the Philippines prefer them to twist-shanked roofing nails as being both more secure and faster to drive: providing you are paying and they can borrow your electric drill.
Now I notice more and more of the screws I buy are intended to be self drilling with tips that vary from a needle-pointed bradawl to the shape of a platipus's bill.
(Mills and Boon was/is aBritish publisher of what were known as "Bodice Rippers").
Since we both love a good screw, and the tip makes all the difference. If you ever come across Rothoblaas KKF AISI410, you should try them. What I really like is that it’s very difficult for an overzealous apprentice to bury the head too deep.
No doubt whatever you use is good, Marc. But those aren't available down at the corner store.