Alternative Screws

[ralph somack]

Any feedback on using drywall screws instead of the much more expensive Kreg screws? I have tried a few and they seem to hold pretty well. Are there any other screws that can be recommended?

[Jesse McNew]

For some jobs, drywall screws will work sufficiently. Kreg screws will hold tighter without pulling further into the pocket hole. If you are worried about price, you might want to consider buying in bulk. I picked up a box of 1,000 1¼" Kreg screws online for about 1/3 of the price per screw in the 100 pack locally.

[ralph somack]

Thanks for the tips. Probably makes sense to use Kreg screws when they are available. I guess in a pinch you could compensate by using glue too.
Ralph

Jesse McNew said:

For some jobs, drywall screws will work sufficiently. Kreg screws will hold tighter without pulling further into the pocket hole. If you are worried about price, you might want to consider buying in bulk. I picked up a box of 1,000 1¼" Kreg screws online for about 1/3 of the price per screw in the 100 pack locally.

[Dale Stagg]

Drywall screws are very weak compared to pocket hole screws. If really wanting to use another screw, you can go to http://www.mcfeelys.com/ and find the screws you want. I use the Kreg screws and buy in larger boxes as indicated above. If you are wanting strength, stay away from drywall. They are hard and brittle for much woodworking.

[Bob Farmer]

I wouldn't use any other screw than a Kreg. The cost difference is relatively small, and their screws are far superior to anything else I've ever found.

1) self-tapping tip reduces chances for splitting
2) deep square drive never strips out
3) very hard steel; i've never had one break off in the hole (the frustration from having this happen even once with another screw will have you thinking as I do almost immediately)
4) they have a screw for everything. I usually use the standard screws, but they have blue coat for outdoor stuff and even stainless steel ones if you really need that.
5) threads only go up 1/2 the screw. this prevents the screw from pushing the two workpieces apart.
6) (maybe the most important) kreg screws have a flat bottom head which creates a solid joint and prevents splitting. This is a major difference Kreg has over many others.

Just my $0.02. After drilling thousands of holes, i've always had very good luck with Kreg screws, and not so much with others I've happened upon. I buy in bulk, so the prices are pretty good.

[Robert J Guidry Sr]

I just recently bought the Kreg Jig Jr., but I have another pocket hole jig from another source for many years, not reccomended.
As to your question, the taper head on the drywall will split the wood as you tighten them, especially if you are joining plywood, MDF or other composites. Also the phillips head is less reliable and less forgiving than square drive.

I have purchased screws from Grizzley for years that are comprable, but limited in sizes.

[Rod Lowell]

Hi, Jesse,
I am starting a Teardrop project (Mike's Weekender). My question is: did you use pocket holes to add to the 4x8 plywood? I will be making a 9 1/2 to 10 ft long side wall. Kreg suggests to use pocket holes every 4 inches or so.
Your project looks great...keep up the good work.

Jesse McNew said:

For some jobs, drywall screws will work sufficiently. Kreg screws will hold tighter without pulling further into the pocket hole. If you are worried about price, you might want to consider buying in bulk. I picked up a box of 1,000 1¼" Kreg screws online for about 1/3 of the price per screw in the 100 pack locally.