Sheetmetal/Drywall screws for MDF?

[J. Scott Chambers]

I know that confirmat screws are preferred for MDF butt joints, but has anyone had success with drywall or sheetmetal screws with MDF? Confirmat screws are not available at the local Lowe's. I've seen an article in Woodsmith that suggested sheetmetal screws.

[Jim Becker]

With pre-drilling, you can use sheet metal screws. Don't use drywall screws...they are very brittle. You will not find confirmat in the 'borg or most local stores, but you can order them (and the correct step drill bit) from McFeeley's and others online. These are specialty fasteners and not something the mass market would be looking for...

[pat warner]

Sheet metal ok, but double threaded drywall, et.al.,(sometimes called hi/lo thread) have more pull strength

Routers

[Dave Richards]

I would agree with the sheet metal screws for MDF. I've found that after drilling the hole for the screws, slightly countersinking the adjoining faces helps reduce problems in pulling the two up tight. I also prefer to drill the hole in the part that gets the head just a hair oversize to prevent jacking.

[Per Swenson]

Oh, go ahead a spring for the confirmat screws and the step drill.

In my good enough stage of construction, I used everything.

Drywall screws, sheet metal, you name it.

Never again.

And yes, we use a lot of MDF.

Per

[glenn bradley]

I agree that the drywall screws are brittle and should not be used where stress will be experienced (leverage, drawer frames, etc.). I have used them for case assembly reinforcement where glue and dado construction is present without failure to date. McFeelys and others can supply screws that the BORG won't have.

[Corey Hallagan]

I decided to go with the confirmant screws and the drill bit from McFeely's when I built my shop cabinets which were both 3/4 MDF and Particleboard. They worked great and was glad I waited another 10 days and ordered them.

Corey

[J. Scott Chambers]

I had planned on ordering the confirmat screws from McFeeley's online, just didn't want to wait any longer to get this carcass built. Guess I'll go ahead and order them and wait until they come in to finish it. Rather do this just once. Thanks.

[Nissim Avrahami]

If you go with the Confirmat, I would suggest to lubricate the tip, otherwise, you will here the MDF “screaming”.

The Confirmat screw has hexagonal head and it’s much easier to screw.

niki