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Spax screws--why not?

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8K views 20 replies 15 participants last post by  Magnum 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
I picked up some Spax screws at. HD. I also have have some HighPoint square drive screws from Woodcraft. The Spax screws drive so much easier, especially if driven without pilot holes. And although I've been a fan of square drive screws for a while, I've decided I like star drive better. In most cases they will auto counter sink. Is there any reason to,use conventional wood screws over Spax?
 
#2 ·
I like the large head spax screws for attaching stretcher beams to table leg assemblies. For smaller applications I like Kreg square drive screws. I always have them in stock in several lengths, in both coarse and fine threads.

For construction screws, I like the ace head deck screws that use the blue anodized tip. They accept a square drive bit as well, but really grip well with the ribbed ace bit.
 
#3 ·
What I like about these particular Spax screws is that they look relatively normal with the yellow zinc look. I use lots of kreg screws as well.
 
#4 ·
So, this is the type of Spax screw I'm speaking of. What do I lose if I use this in hardwood instead of a traditional wood screw? I don't use a lot of screws in woodworking, but I do use them from time to time.

Product Font Musical instrument Metal Event
 

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#6 ·
According to the SPAX site:

SPAX® MDF Screws are specifically designed to prevent splitting in Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) and hardwoods without pre-drilling.


So I guess you wouldn't lose anything. I just wish they'd make them in a 1" or smaller. I only use screws when throwing together jigs and I always end up taking a 1-1/4" screw to the grinder to shorten it.
 
#8 ·
I also like the SPAX screws and have five or six boxes of differing sizes and lengths in my shop now. They have become my 'go to' screw of choice for most of my jig creations and/or home projects. At the end of the day, however, they're just like a 'tool'...the right one for the right job.
 
#9 ·
So here's a picture of the HighPoint and Spax screws together, and the threading looks comparable and the Spax screw actually has a longer smooth shank.
Wood Tool Fastener Screw Hardwood
 

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#12 ·
Except for pocket screws, I always pre-drill for screws.
So the spax screws would offer me no advantage for their higher price over mcfeely's square drive screws.
I've never once had a square drive screw break.

Interesting article.
It's comforting to know the mcfeely's square drive screws did as well as the spax. :)
 
#14 ·
I really like the Highpoint that have a self tapping point and also have the nibs under the head to make their own counter sink. I use these quite a bit and do not generally drill a pilot hole.

I think that Highpoint is a general brand name and there is quite a few different versions of the them.
 
#15 ·
Charles - Awesome read.

I tried out Spax screws a little while ago, and it definitely changed my perspective on wood screws. I have a mix of Torx and philips/square combo Spax screws (that I only use with a square bit), and I will agree that the Torx head seems a bit more forgiving than the square drive. Both are better than the many philip/flat heads I have torn up in my lifetime.
 
#16 ·
I used star drive screws when putting down my subfloor so I used a lot and found them to be a pain the ass, and yes they can strip out. I'll stick with square drive, they may or may not be any better but I already have a bunch of square drivers.
 
#17 ·
I can see the frustration with phillips screws, but I still get stripped heads with other types (star, square) when the alignment isn't straight on or the driver/bit is worn. I now keep extra bits and swap them out as soon as they start to lose their edge.

I do think that the quality of screws does matter, and Spax are on my good list. I only use drywall screws for… drywall.

When I first saw impact drivers a few years ago, I thought they were a gimmick. But having one, I think it does more to help with the driving of screws than does the drive type.
 
#18 ·
I've driven a lot of square drive screws and only had rounding/stripping happen a couple of times. Never had a anything happen with Spax torx drive yet.
 
#20 ·
I have use Fast Tap screws for wood working ever since I found them about 20 years ago. My local hardware store stopped carrying these screws so now I go to my lumber yard, Southern Lumber, where I buy all my wood and now screws too.

They are some of the strongest screws I have ever used, have not broken one as yet, and you can see by the sample image below that the thread is proud of the shaft.

 
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