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Understanding how to screw into wood can be very useful for different woodworking projects. While it’s not a very complicated task, it’s important to follow the right course of action to achieve the best results.
Using the wrong approach will cause the wood to split and you can also experience an unwanted injury. That’s why I have compiled a list of steps that you can follow to screw into wood efficiently.
How to Screw into Wood
While screwing into wood, you need to make sure that the screws don’t protrude from the wood board. Use the following steps to make sure that you screw into the wood without damaging the material.
Step 1: Choose Right Wood Screws
It’s important to choose the right wood screws to screw into wood. Metal screws are most commonly used for wood as they have high mechanical resistance. Most of them are also treated with compounds that provide them with an anti-corrosive surface.
There are different types of screws in terms of screw head and termination style (visible or hidden head). Use the following table to choose the right screws depending on your woodworking project.
| Head Type | Termination Type | Usage |
| Knurled | Remain visible | Mostly in safety covers for electronics. |
| Philips or Star | Aligned with surfaces | In carpentry, jewelry, electronics, and furniture |
| Flat or Countersunk | Aligned with surfaces | In woodworking projects to prevent gouging, cracking, and splitting. |
| Rounded | Remain visible | Most common screw type used in woodworking and home repair projects. |
If you need to screw into the wood for outdoor projects, consider opting for stainless steel or brass screws. These screws can withstand harsh weather conditions and don’t deteriorate easily. Additionally, choose screws with the hidden termination type for aesthetic purposes.
Step 2: Make Pilot Holes
Some people say that you don’t necessarily need to make pilot holes. However, I recommend you perform this step as it makes the whole process easier.
- First, you need to take measurements to mark the spot where you need to screw into the wood using a pencil.
- Then you need to place a thin nail on that spot and tap it using a hammer to make a pilot hole (without using a drill). Make sure that you use a nail with a diameter of at least 1’4″ less than the actual screw. Additionally, you don’t want to go deeper than half of the length of the screw.
For example, if the diameter of your screw is 1/2″, then the thickness of your nail should be no more than 1/4″. And if the length of the screw is 1″, you don’t need to make a pilot hole any deeper than a 1/2″.
It’ll increase the maximum pull-out strength of the screws you use. You can also use a drill instead of a screwdriver to make pilot holes if you want to save time. Make sure that you follow the length and thickness rule mentioned above for secure screw connections.
Important Note: If you need to screw into thick workpieces of hardwood, making a pilot hole is extremely important. Otherwise, you will end up with a broken screw or a damaged wood piece.
Step 3: Clean Pilot Holes
It’s important to get rid of loose wood particles and dust from pilot holes before starting the screwing process. It’ll allow you to make sure that you have secure and reliable screw connections. Turn your wood piece over and tap it using your hand.
If you’re working on a big wood piece and can’t turn it over, use a dust collector, shop vac, pressure gun to clean pilot holes thoroughly. You can make your own DIY dust collector relatively easily.
Step 4: Choose Right Screwdriver
As discussed above, there are different types of screw heads. You need to choose a manual or electric screwdriver that matches the screw head type that you’ve selected.
If you’re working with thick workpieces made of hardwood, consider using a screwdriver with a sturdy shank and handle for better grip and control.
If the blades of your screwdriver are too small or large, it’ll increase the risk of slipping during the screwing process. Not only will it leave scratches on the screw and wood but it can also lead to an unwanted injury.
You can also damage the screw head by using a wrong-sized screwdriver. In the worst case, you won’t be able to turn the screw at all.
That’s why it’s important to choose the right screwdriver. It’ll be easy to hold so that you can work safely and achieve the best results.
Step 5: Dip Screws in Paraffin Wax
Once you have selected the right screwdriver, the next step is to apply a lubricant like paraffin wax to your screws. Dipping the screw threads into this lubricant will allow you to drive the screw into the wood easily.
Performing this step is optional but crucial if you’re working with hardwood or a thin workpiece. You can also dip your screw into vinegar (for rusting) or wood glue if you want to fix it in its position permanently.
Step 7: Start Screwing
After applying the lubricant, place the screw over the pilot hole immediately and hold its tip using your less dominant hand. It’ll allow you to keep it in the correct position during the screwing process.
After that, grip your screwdriver firmly from the end of the handle using your dominant hand. The handle’s end should rest on the palm of your hand. Start the screwing process by turning your screwdriver clockwise.
You won’t need to hold the tip if you’re using an electric screwdriver. It can be dangerous and you can hurt your fingers. Make sure that you don’t apply too much pressure on your screwdriver while screwing. This way it can slip out and hurt your hand or damage your workpiece.
Important Note: If you feel that the screw is not entering into wood easily, start rotating counterclockwise to extract it. Apply more lubrication and try to screw it again using the same technique. If it still doesn’t work, you’ll need to enlarge the pilot hole slightly.
If you make a mistake and break the screw off part way into the hole, you’ll need to drill the screw back out.
Step 8: Remove Chips
Even if you use the right screws and screwdriver, wood chips can come out of the hole. You’ll need to remove these wood chips right after screwing the screw.
Use a wooden file or sandpaper to smooth out the area with wood chips to give it a neat look. It’ll also keep you from falling victim to accidental injuries.
You can fill the screw hole if you want to hide it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Do You Do If a Screw Doesn’t Go into Wood?
If you find it difficult to drive a screw into the wood by hand or with an electric drill, consider dipping the screw in paraffin or candle wax. Wax will lubricate the screw threads to make the screwing process easier. If this method doesn’t work, you’ll need to enlarge the pilot hole.
Can You Screw into Wood Without a Pilot Hole?
Yes, you can screw into the wood without a pilot hole but you’ll need to put way more effort. It also increases the risk of damaging your workpiece, especially if you’re working with hardwood. So, I recommend you always make pilot holes before screwing screws into the wood.
Final Words
Screwing into wood allows you to maintain certain installations better where nailing or gluing wouldn’t suffice. You can also dismantle furniture or other items anytime you want by unscrewing the screws. I hope this guide will help you learn the right method to screw into wood efficiently.
