Problems using # 2 Phillips head screws

Hi guys

I am always having problems using Phillips head screws even though I use the correct drill bit etc.

I am in the process of laying T & G plywood flooring on top of joists laid on top of an uneven slab and am screwing and gluing the plywood down using an 18volt Bosch cordless drill.

I have a large number of screws to get in and I want them to sit below the level of the plywood so that I can fill them in with "bog" and sand and them paint. I am using Chipboard screws.

The problem I am having is that the # 2 screw bits are breaking after about 40 screws. I always seem to have difficulty using Phillips head screws!

Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Greg

Use a lubricant to reduce the friction between the screw and the timber. get a bar of soap and drag the screw across it before driving it into the timber.

Or just spit on the screws, or run each through your hair (if you have any left by now) before driving .. old glazier's trick to lube glass cutters.

Apart from that, maybe you're just using sh*t driving bits?

This may be a stupid question, but are you drilling pilot holes? There is a drill accessory that fits a drill bit with countersink on one side and you flip it over the other end has a phillips bit. I used to have the same trouble until I did this and now it works like a charm.
I never thought of lubricating my screws though. Thanx guys!






"Oh Nicky, you're such a tool."

Afre you sure you are using a #2 phillips? I know it sounds like a stupid question, but there's #2 pozi-drive bitds as well that look the same to the untrained eye. Lubrication is always good, I use a lump of beeswax. I find I rarely snap bits but do wear them out eventually but usually afgter a few thousand screws.

Mick

I swapped over to the square drive screws and don't have this problem anymore.

Note to self....must order more from Robertsons.

... must file all those tips.

Yep, I broke a square head driver too but only after a couple of years' use.

Not sure about soap as a lube? Wasn't there a warning about some nasties in it? (Just guessing; never use the stuff myself).

Square heads are exxy for one-off use; on the other hand you wouldn't want them edging out and they work a treat.
.

Try a dry lube stick from an auto shop, and pilot hole

or Traditional Wax form our benefactor.:D

The problem with using soap as a lube is that should you ever need to remove the screws (not a problem in your case) is that the soap causes the screws to rust making removal a big problem.

Barry Hicks

Thanks guys

I am not drilling any pilot holes as I thought that I did not need to. I will try this and see what happens.

I am also sure that I am using the correct # 2 bits.

Thanks
Regards
Greg

Quote:

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Originally Posted by lateral

I am also sure that I am using the correct # 2 bits.

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you sure?

It's not only the bit, it's the screw head as well
is the screw head Phillips or Pozi drive ? most of the "Phillips" screws I've bought recently seem to be more PoziDrive than phillips

ian

hope your buying quality phillips head bits not junky ones.

As Tonto says its the quality of the bit. Forget Bunnies and the likes and go to a tool specialist shop.

Hi guys

I went to a specialised company (Coventary Fasteners) and walked out as there was nobody there to help!

I went to Bunnings and bought a pack of 10 # 2 Philips Head bits (Trojan brand) and have so far broken the tips of 3 of the damn things!

I will go again to Coventry and hopefully get a good bit, drill pilot holes with a countersink as well and hopefully all will be well!

I will keep you informed.

Regards
Greg

I made the mistake of buying some of those trojan bits. I threw the remains of a pack of 10 in the bin after 2-3 days. They are complete rubbish.
TM

Yep, Trojan bits [and their other pieces eg screw driver set]

Just another name for cheap China rubbish - they are now actually doing the same job as their name suggests - but to the Aussies not the Greeks.

For the life of me I can't understand why we put up with this sort of rubbish quality - I happily pay a few $$ more these days and the tool/hardware works - unfortunately it is gettiing harder to find quality when you don't live in a capital city.

I live in one of the largest cities in the US and still have trouble finding decent accessories. Only decent hand tools I have are hand-me-downs or garage sale finds.









"What I mean, Mr. President, is 'Where can I get a job?'"

Quote:

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Originally Posted by lateral

Hi guys

I went to a specialised company (Coventary Fasteners) and walked out as there was nobody there to help!

I went to Bunnings and bought a pack of 10 # 2 Philips Head bits (Trojan brand) and have so far broken the tips of 3 of the damn things!

I will go again to Coventry and hopefully get a good bit, drill pilot holes with a countersink as well and hopefully all will be well!

I will keep you informed.

Regards
Greg

---

Something as oft used as a #2 phillips - forget the cheapies & buy a double ended bit by a quality industrial supplier.

Most tool shops, bunnings included, will have a range available of crap to decent.

Decent ones aren't dear, cheap ones are just a false economy.

Trojan is a cheapo brand.


Cheers..................Sean

I have switched to Bosch bits and they appear to give good service. Someone around there should carry them. :)

(I am also slowing switching over to square-drive screws. Even the best Phillips wants to cam out in tough situations.)

Ok guys

Here is the final update.

I went an bought a set of P & N # 2 PH driver bits and they work great!

I also bought a Makita Quad Driver countersink tool so that I could drill a pilot hole and countersink at the same time.

Everything is now working great!

Thanks guys
Regards
Greg

Good one lateral
I was a bit slow on this thread ... I'm glad the guys got there about half way thru. I would have jumped at the cheap screwdriver bit solution (speaking from experience :doh:) but I have found the ones Bunnies sells as individual near the cash register of the tools or trade section are as OK as most of the goodies around.

Needless to say I only buy these type nowadays