Possibly the best screws ever?

[Dan Friedrichs]

I was re-building a set of stairs (in preparation for covering them with prefinished hardwood), and was using a lot of screws (and PL1) to try and prevent any squeeks. I was kind of disappointed with everything I found at the borg - the nicer (more expensive) Philips head screws were OK, but I still had to lean on the drill awfully hard to keep the bit from slipping. The square-drive deck screws were almost worse - none of the square bits I had really seemed to fit the way I thought they should. Then I discovered these:
http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=21415

Absolutely amazing. I haven't broken off a single head, the Torx bit NEVER slips (even at weird angles), and I can put them in and take them out a dozen times and they seem just like new (certainly can't say that for a borg-grade deck screw or drywall screw).

Maybe this is old news to you guys, but I'm stunned. I don't think I'll ever buy a borg screw again....

[Joe Chritz]

Once you get good screws all the rest are tossed.

I generally buy from Woodworkers supply or occasionally Custom Service Hardware (I add a K or two to orders) and get the "assembly" screws. Full size shank and a #17 cutting point. Essentially what you have with a square drive.

I concur with your take on them as well.

Joe

[Dan McCallum]

This is why you guys need true Robertson's, not just the "square drive".

[Clifford Mescher]

This is why you guys need true Robertson's, not just the "square drive".

You are absolutely right. Some are square and some are square with a taper.Clifford.

[Vince Shriver]

I agree with you, Dan. The best screws ever. These things are pricey - but in my opinion they are just the best.

[Karl Brogger]

Just wait till you discover the GRK finish head screws.

[Larry Edgerton]

Every thing at the Borg is built to a pricepoint. That is not a very important objective when you are building something of quality. I once in a while get caught out and have to buy from the Borg, and they are junk to be sure.

I buy all my fasteners from Baer Supply. They do not sell to the public but those of you that are making a living at it may want to check them out. They are a German owned company, and have the most extensive line I have found in all things hardware related.

[Kelly C. Hanna]

Man they are sure proud of those. I get the square/phillips drive screws from Fastenal for just about everything I build. I pay $20 for a box of 400. They are zinc coated and have aggressive pitch threads that sink fast. Used them for both furniture and decks.

The only torx screws I have ever used came from HD and they basically stink to high heaven and cam out at the drop of the hat. I prefer the square/phillips combo cause I can get long bits that don't require the bit holder [which I can't stand to use].

[Russ Kay]

I've been getting screws from McFeeley's for years now, and I've never been disappointed with them. Did you catch the review of screws in Woodworking magazine a few issues back? Chris Schwarz tried McFeeleys, Spax, drywall screws, and screws from the Borg. Results: every single one of the Borg screws snapped off when driving into hard maple. None of the Spax or McFeeley's did -- and they were cheaper, to boot! The drywall screws were slightly stronger than the worst ones -- only 16 out of 20 failed when being driven.

-- Russ

[Steve Rozmiarek]

Dan, my local lumber yard carries those as well, great screws!

[Robert Parrish]

I have also been using screws from McFeely for years. I tried their Spax German screws recently and had several break off.

[Jack Clark]

You might want to have a look at this website:

http://www.screw-products.com/

I recently bought one of their sample packs, and so far have been very impressed.

[Steve H Graham]

Here's a dissent from someone who was a boater before taking up woodworking. I HATE Robertson screws. My dad has a boat which is full of them. Every time I take one out, I throw it in the marina and replace it with a Philips head. Robertson screws make life easier on boat builders, but when you're working on a boat after it has been built, they're pure evil. The heads break off, the holes strip with very little effort (at least the bronze jobs), you have to have a different screwdriver or bit for every different size screw, and every time you buy a Robertson screwdriver, some jerk who works on your boat steals it. And wait until you're in the Bahamas and you need to remove something held on with Robertson screws. Seriously, if you've never fantasized about killing someone, this will make you start. Especially when you remember that the builder used these stupid screws on your expensive boat, knowing it would make you suffer.

Marinas all over the US are getting shallower because of the millions of Robertson screws that go over the side. Every time I pitch one, it's a personal victory.

Ease of assembly is only good when it doesn't cause misery for the next guy.

This boat was also built around a refrigerator, by the way. When the fridge went bad, a very big mahogany cabinet had to be cut back so the fridge could be maneuvered out of the galley. But it was easy for the builders, when they lowered it into the hull before adding the upper deck and flybridge.

[Kelly C. Hanna]

Robertson was the maker of the first square drive screw....doubtful that the boat in question had those original maker's screws in it. Especially since Phillips and the other design [flat heads] were more popular [God only knows why but I suspect payola was involved] and robertson didn't fare well for very long.

There are many makers of square drives...chances are you dealt with a maker who was a cheapo.

[Vince Shriver]

Just wait till you discover the GRK finish head screws.

I guess I was referring to those, as I look at the box. I buy them at my local lumber yard. This is how they are labeled: R4 Multi-Purpose Screw, GRK Fasteners.

I have put some very long screws in some very tight places, and they have yet to break. I have had to use an impact driver to screw them at times. They have nibs under the head and countersink themselves. These things are the bomb.