Here is part two of a two-part
series on outdoor woodscrews. Last week we took a look at zinc-plated steel
screws. This week, a couple more options.
For many years, woodworkers have relied on solid brass woodscrews for exterior
applications. They look good in the wood, but the best thing they have going
for them is that they don't rust. The down side is that solid brass screws are
relatively soft. So they can strip out or easily break, especially when being
driven into hardwoods. Pre-drilling is required.
Another alternative to plated steel is stainless steel. Stainless steel is a
chromium-alloy steel, and while not as strong as an "ordinary" steel
screw, they're much stronger than solid brass.
For maximum rust resistance, there's a woodscrew preferred by boat builders --
silicon bronze. These screws are made from an alloy of copper with silicon
included in the mixture for additional corrosion resistance. Silicon bronze
screws are stronger than solid brass, but they're not quite as strong as steel
screws. However, they're plenty strong for any home outdoor project. And they
look great with most woods.
Note: I have received a couple of questions about deck screws. There are lots
of interesting things going on in deck screws, and I'll be taking a look at
them in a future weekly woodworking tip.
Go to Tip #65 |
