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What type of screws would be most appropriate?

1K views 5 replies 6 participants last post by  SMP 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
My project calls for hairpin legs attached to 3/4 appleply plywood. A simple desk top design 18" x 3'. I'm concerned a #8 or a #10 wood screw would easily loosen up regardless of the quality of the plywood. I was planning to secure the legs directly to the 3/4 ply as each leg assembly is welded to a flat bracket that has three holes for mounting.

My question being as straight forward as this seems; what is the best solution for screws?
 
#3 ·
The biggest diameter screws that will fit through the holes in the leg brackets.

If the holes in the brackets are countersunk (conical) then you need flat head wood screws, for which the length is measured from top of head to tip of screw. 3/4" length might work, depending on the thickness of the plywood (actual measured, not nominal thickness), and the thickness of the bracket (assuming the bracket is countersunk such that the screw head will be flush with the bracket).

If the holes in the brackets are not countersunk, then use round head wood screws, for which which the length is measured from the bottom of the head to the tip of the screw. 3/4" length will work, or maybe more length will (better), depending on the thickness of the leg bracket.
 
#5 ·
My project calls for hairpin legs attached to 3/4 appleply plywood. A simple desk top design 18" x 3 . I m concerned a #8 or a #10 wood screw would easily loosen up regardless of the quality of the plywood. I was planning to secure the legs directly to the 3/4 ply as each leg assembly is welded to a flat bracket that has three holes for mounting.

My question being as straight forward as this seems; what is the best solution for screws?

- finns
They'll hold fine. Three screws per leg is going to be rock solid. Go with the largest screw that will fit through the holes in the leg plates.

When you drill the pilot holes, check online for the correct bit size for soft wood. That'll give you the best bite in that ply. There are countless sites with charts for that.
 
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