Alternative to Kreg screws?

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B08QZJ28PY/ref=cm_cr_arp_mb_bdcrb_top?ie=UTF8&th=1&psc=1

There are others but this should get you on track in searching for what you want.

I worked with ths guy that used sheetrock screws instead of kregs to save money.
any phillips head, star drive that length and # works

https://www.homedepot.com/p/SPAX-8-x-1-1-4-in-T-Star-Plus-Drive-Flat-Head-Partial-Thread-Yellow-Zinc-Multi-Material-Screw-240-per-Box-4191020400326/202040967

-- I actually have two thumbs and they do oppose.

I worked with ths guy that used sheetrock screws instead of kregs to save money.
any phillips head, star drive that length and # works

https://www.homedepot.com/p/SPAX-8-x-1-1-4-in-T-Star-Plus-Drive-Flat-Head-Partial-Thread-Yellow-Zinc-Multi-Material-Screw-240-per-Box-4191020400326/202040967

- 1thumb

Drywall screws are a bad idea. They have very low shear strength and bulge head instead of pan washer head. If you try them in hardwoods, your asking for trouble in multiple ways.

I worked with ths guy that used sheetrock screws instead of kregs to save money.
any phillips head, star drive that length and # works

https://www.homedepot.com/p/SPAX-8-x-1-1-4-in-T-Star-Plus-Drive-Flat-Head-Partial-Thread-Yellow-Zinc-Multi-Material-Screw-240-per-Box-4191020400326/202040967

- 1thumb

Drywall screws are a bad idea. They have very low shear strength and bulge head instead of pan washer head. If you try them in hardwoods, your asking for trouble in multiple ways.

- CWWoodworking

-- Woodworking is like a vicious cycle. The more tools you buy the more you find to buy.

Thanks very helpful amazon link

I worked with ths guy that used sheetrock screws instead of kregs to save money.
any phillips head, star drive that length and # works

https://www.homedepot.com/p/SPAX-8-x-1-1-4-in-T-Star-Plus-Drive-Flat-Head-Partial-Thread-Yellow-Zinc-Multi-Material-Screw-240-per-Box-4191020400326/202040967

- 1thumb

Drywall screws are a bad idea. They have very low shear strength and bulge head instead of pan washer head. If you try them in hardwoods, your asking for trouble in multiple ways.

- CWWoodworking

Probably so. But, finish carpenters, cabinet guys, face frames, box beams, pine, poplar, MDF, not much shear needed. If so, I’m sure the Spax i linked have ample

-- I actually have two thumbs and they do oppose.

The spax you linked have a bulge head which act like a wedge being driven into what ever your working with. Especially in plywood, this is a bad idea.

Not trying to be a pocket hole snob here, but there is a reason to use certain screws. And screws are very easy to get.

OP, I’m not for sure how many your talking about, but it might be easier to buy a brand new driver which will limit slip a lot. I don’t get too attached to drivers. When they get worn, chuck them. Especially with square.

haven’t seen many star drive screws that are meant for pockets. Not saying they are not out there. Just not common.

Good luck.

I bought some off brand pocket screws once and while they worked fine in 3/4” material as I recall the were just a fraction of an inch longer and poked through 1/2” stock or something like that. I only bought Kreg screws after that.

I think I would just learn to live with square drive, they are quite good.

-- Our village hasn't lost it's idiot, he was elected to congress.

I HATE square drive. HATE them. I use 1/4 insert bits so they stay new and square. They still stink and are only suitable for automated work anyway. They require more force to stay seated than Phillips. Actually, this year I bought a dozen hex bolt handles and all my screw drivers are now bits. Flat bits are hollow ground, so as good as a gunsmith driver. I buy Phillips, #1 and #2 by the 50 pack anyway, as well as T-20 and 25. Read reviews and was convinced to buy some Makita gold bits. Twice the price and do not grip as well as Milwaukee.

Pocket holes must have a washer head. Just because someone does not understand how they work and uses a bugle head does not make it right.

I have used sheet rock screws for years for everything. Now converted almost completely to star drive unless I am repairing sheet rock and using my self dimpling bit that cams the driver out just right.

Those Millscraft are it. Not the full range of sizes, but will get me a start. I don’t use them a lot but sometimes they are handy. I am migrating back to more traditional joinery for moist things.

Current project was just right for pocket screws. But, I absolutely hate square drive screws. Is there a good alternative in star drive? Saw nothing in the big box stores.

- tvrgeek

Whats the problem with Square or Robertson drive screws ???
IMO its the best.

I second or third the notion that drywall screws have no shear strength, and the bugle head makes it far too easy to overdrive into your hole with danger of driving the tip clear through. I still have some drywall screws that are used in only non-critical situations/projects. For construction applications, the newer construction grade screws work very well, have a high shear strength, so for most projects they work pretty well. The idea behind the Kreg screw is the flat surface on the thread side, when driving into the pocket hole, the flat surface limits how far in they should be driven, and the larger surface area also helps seat the joint with greater pressure/strength. If you’re wanting your pocket hole projects to be as well built as possible, the Kreg screw is a no-brainer. If you are having issues with being able to drive the square drive head, make sure the bit is firmly seated, that you are driving the screw with the driver in alignment with the path of the screw, that is one reason why most Kreg kits come with the extended driver bits, you don’t have your driver scraping along the edge of the hole, you have plenty of room to position the driver/drill so you drive it in correctly.

I dunno. I buy boxes of 8000 kreg screws at a time. Never really had issue if driver is good. Especially on 1.25 screws.

I used 2.5” on white oak without issue. The little ones are a breeze.

I switched everything to square. Works great.

Edit-your insert heads are probably the culprit. If I remember correctly, most hex insert drivers don’t fit well in pockets. Plus they add “slop” which will exacerbate the shifting associated with pockets.

I’ve been using square pocket screws for years. No problem driving them. You must use bad design bits…

I have no problem with square drive at all..if the bit comes out it is my error.