can you use kreg screws in MDF particle board?

[charles rivers]

Has any one used Kregg for securing MDF particle board?  If so, which type of screw holds best and do you have any  tips about using the kreg products with MDF and/or any problems with the durability of the joint?

 

thank you

[Ben Hidalgo]

I'm building a hutch and the back board is 1/2 MDF with 1" screws to my 1x4 pine and some glue

[John Schaben]

I'm not a big fan of screws going INTO MDF, although many do that. Attaching MDF to pine should be OK using coarse thread screws. In either case I would still use glue. In my experience, MDF likes to "erupt" around the screw entry point which will make for a loose joint.

[Ben Hidalgo]

I used fine thread

[Rick]

Ken, having a missing screw or two is not as bad as being all screwed up.

Ken Darga said:

Rick,

NOPE---I leave the screws installed and in-place.

I don't want customers to learn I have a ''screw missing''.

[Steve Osterday]

I've used pocket screws in MDF with and without glue. They work fine. Just use the coarse screws.

[Eric Busby]

Kinda wondered about that...I've seen that happen before.  I was thinking what if you pre-drilled but then thought better and thought for what?!  Just better to use actual wood and not have to worry about whether or not it will hold.

John Schaben said:

I'm not a big fan of screws going INTO MDF, although many do that. Attaching MDF to pine should be OK using coarse thread screws. In either case I would still use glue. In my experience, MDF likes to "erupt" around the screw entry point which will make for a loose joint.

[Jeff]

I clamp before I screw--as close to the screw as possible--then the MDF can't misbehave.  Mind you, I don't LIKE MDF, but it can be used successfully.

John Schaben said:

I'm not a big fan of screws going INTO MDF, although many do that. Attaching MDF to pine should be OK using coarse thread screws. In either case I would still use glue. In my experience, MDF likes to "erupt" around the screw entry point which will make for a loose joint.

[PAMELA NEWELL]

I might be the only person on earth that does this, but maybe it will help someone. I save scraps of everything and when I am in doubt about nails, screws etc. I do a test piece. I glue everything even if I am using screws. I take pride in my projects so I take the time to make sure they will not only stay together but continue to be strong. Do some test pieces, after all you have nothing to lose but a few minutes of time. Also, when using MDF I use glue and fine thread pocket screws. Never had a problem.

[Joe Sherrill]

I had an old printer stand that I no longer used. I replaced the sides of the stand with 4 foot long 3/4" MDF. I then added shelves and I used coarse screws plus glue to put it together. I always clamp before screwing in the screws and I have not had any problems with tear out. I adjust the torque on my drill to just seat the screw and I hand tighten. I also used clamp-it assembly squares that I bought from Rockler. The printer stand had rollers so now I have rolling shelves. I use it in a closet for additional storage.

[Indiran Pather]

Heads of screws tend to pull through MDF - use lower torque settings on drill.  Not as strong as wood joints

[Beverly New]

Use coarse thread screws for any type of soft wood including MDF.  Good luck!

[Ken Darga]

Pam,

Why don't you use the ''coarse'' thread screws, as recommended by KREG tools?

PAMELA NEWELL said:

>>> ...when using MDF I use glue and fine thread pocket screws. Never had a problem./p>