Yes, you are correct when a regular screw is used. The Torx screws have a shaft and head that is designed to draw boards together. The design of the screw is unique. The tip of the screw has a notch like a self-tapping sheet metal screw. The threads cover just over half, or a bit more , of the shaft. The section of the shaft between the bottom of the head and the top of the threads comes in two different designs. One design is simply no threads between the bottom of the head and the top of the threads. The other design has ridges on the shaft that twist around the shaft is such a way that it promotes drawing the boards together. The bottom of the head has ridges that make counter sinking the screw very easy. Using these screws in not like using any other screw. I have drilled pilot holes in very rare situations when using Torx screws. Even when using very large ones, there is no need for a pilot hole. Lowes and Home Depot do not carry these screws. The only place I have found them is at the lumber yard. The best thing I can say is give them a try. I think you will be pleasantly surprised.
Jim From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Tom Hodges Sent: Monday, December 07, 2009 11:37 AM To: [email protected] Subject: RE: [BlindHandyMan] Porter Cable Palm Mailer If you screw two two by fours together with a 3 inch screw and leave a quarter inch gap between the two boards, it will be practically impossible too draw them together and get the gap out unless the screw had an unthreaded section below the head of almost 1 and a half inches. There would be no way to draw them together unless you had a pilot hole so the threads wouldn't take hold in the top board. I've tried it, it cant be done unlest the top board is thin and soft so the threads won't hold in the top board. From: [email protected] <mailto:blindhandyman%40yahoogroups.com> [mailto:[email protected] <mailto:blindhandyman%40yahoogroups.com> ] On Behalf Of Jim King Sent: Monday, December 07, 2009 11:01 AM To: [email protected] <mailto:blindhandyman%40yahoogroups.com> Subject: RE: [BlindHandyMan] Porter Cable Palm Mailer This is one of the things I like about the Torx screws. I don't have a problem drawing two pieces of wood tightly together. Counter sink the screw and it works great. Jim King From: [email protected] <mailto:blindhandyman%40yahoogroups.com> <mailto:blindhandyman%40yahoogroups.com> [mailto:[email protected] <mailto:blindhandyman%40yahoogroups.com> <mailto:blindhandyman%40yahoogroups.com> ] On Behalf Of Tom Hodges Sent: Monday, December 07, 2009 8:59 AM To: [email protected] <mailto:blindhandyman%40yahoogroups.com> <mailto:blindhandyman%40yahoogroups.com> Subject: RE: [BlindHandyMan] Porter Cable Palm Mailer There is another drawback to using screws without a pilot hole. Without a pilot hole one piece of wood will not draw the other piece up against it, so, if there is a gap between the wood pieces, it will stay there. When doing something you can stand on to help eliminate the gap, it's not so much of a problem, but in cases where it's difficult to draw them tight together, while holding the screw and drill, it can be a problem. From: [email protected] <mailto:blindhandyman%40yahoogroups.com> <mailto:blindhandyman%40yahoogroups.com> <mailto:blindhandyman%40yahoogroups.com> [mailto:[email protected] <mailto:blindhandyman%40yahoogroups.com> <mailto:blindhandyman%40yahoogroups.com> <mailto:blindhandyman%40yahoogroups.com> ] On Behalf Of Jim King Sent: Sunday, December 06, 2009 2:52 PM To: [email protected] <mailto:blindhandyman%40yahoogroups.com> <mailto:blindhandyman%40yahoogroups.com> <mailto:blindhandyman%40yahoogroups.com> Subject: RE: [BlindHandyMan] Porter Cable Palm Mailer About using screws, I use both a mailer and screws for framing and other large projects. There is no need to drill pilot holes if you use Torx screws These screws are only available at lumber yards in my area. I have looked at Home Depot and Lowes and cannot find them. Torx, to the best of my knowledge, is spelled t, o, r, x. I like Torx screws for a lot of reasons. They are easy to drive, are very strong and, unlike nails, are easy to remove. Torx screws are self-tapping and have small ridges under the head which are designed to make the screw easy to counter-sink. They have a yellow oxide coating which makes them very corrosion resistant. You use a special bit to drive them that is a five point bit. Get a new bit every time you buy a new supply. They drive easily with a regular quarter inch drill and the bit does not slip or strip. Torx screws are available in sizes from one inch to six inches or more. For larger sizes you need a half inch drill. It is not necessary to use a hammer drill with these screws. The only down side is that Torx screws are a bit expensive. In my opinion, they are well worth the money. I recently built a 16 by 32 deck with different levels and all kinds of special features. The entire structure is held together with Torx screws and Torx lag bolts. There is never a worry about anything coming loose and not a single hammer divot anywhere. Jim King From: [email protected] <mailto:blindhandyman%40yahoogroups.com> <mailto:blindhandyman%40yahoogroups.com> <mailto:blindhandyman%40yahoogroups.com> <mailto:blindhandyman%40yahoogroups.com> [mailto:[email protected] <mailto:blindhandyman%40yahoogroups.com> <mailto:blindhandyman%40yahoogroups.com> <mailto:blindhandyman%40yahoogroups.com> <mailto:blindhandyman%40yahoogroups.com> ] On Behalf Of Tom Hodges Sent: Sunday, December 06, 2009 12:32 PM To: [email protected] <mailto:blindhandyman%40yahoogroups.com> <mailto:blindhandyman%40yahoogroups.com> <mailto:blindhandyman%40yahoogroups.com> <mailto:blindhandyman%40yahoogroups.com> Subject: [BlindHandyMan] Porter Cable Palm Nailer Does anyone on this list have a Porter Cable Palm Nailer and would you recommend it? Home Depot has one for 90 dollars and I am considering buying one. I'm doing a lot of framing and I'm tired of drilling pilot holes and putting three inch screws in. Any redcommendations? Tom Hodges Newport, Kentucky [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
