Pocket Screw Strength

[Mel Jenkins]

I'm currently making up plans for a range box for a bulls-eye pistol competition.  The box will be made out of 1/2" or 3/4" plywood and I'm thinking of using pocket screws for assembly.  The question I have is will the pocket screws hold?  The weight of the box when fully loaded will be between 30-40 lbs with most of the weight bearing on the lid and bottom when being carried.  Additionally, it is not uncommon for these boxes to be accidentally knocked off the shooting bench or blown off by the wind so they do take some rough handling.  Here is the type of box I'm building, just not as fancy.

[Allan Hull]

Assuming you use the correct screw length for your project, you will have no problems. Add a little glue to your joints when assembling, and your box will be almost indestructable. i built a box to hold some of my tools, and it handles my full body weight without any problems.

[KregRep]

Hi Mel.  Kreg Screws should work perfectly for this application. That's because they are made from incredibly durable case-hardened steel, to ensure you get the strongest joint possible.  

Unlike basic dry-wall screws with wedge-shaped heads prone to splitting wood, Kreg screws feature large flat heads designed to seat firmly in the bottom of the pocket holes. This dramatically improves overall joint strength and prevents the wood from splitting.

The most important part of choosing the right screw for your application is selecting the correct screw length. We suggest using the screws lengths shown in the chart below when joining alike material thicknesses, such as 3/4" to 3/4".
The fully-threaded design of most standard screws can actually push workpieces apart as they are being tightened down. But the unique design of Kreg screws eliminates this problem and pulls the joint tightly together. 

Additionally, Kreg screws are available in two different thread styles, both of which feature a self-tapping tip. This allows the screw to drill its own hole while being driven, eliminating the need to pilot drill the adjoining workpiece, and preventing your wood from splitting. 

Learn everything you need to know about Kreg Screws on our website.