Atlas track question

The smallest one.... well - when I got my electric screwdriver - the smallest one in the included accessories fit just perfect......

I think it is a #1 sized bit. It will have a sharp tip.

Gilly

Gilly is correct.

Use ONLY a #1 screwdriver/bit.

#2 will strip your screw in the track partially inserted and you will be ******* .

Eliot

Not sure of the exact size, but Atlas"O" sells the perfect screws in their own blister packs.

I was never really good at Trackwork

Has anyone found a better screw that doesn't strip so easily?

My Wiha #1 Philips screwdriver seems to fit the Atlas-O #3 screws better than my Stanley #1. Must be a slight difference in the shape of the tips. I also predrill with a 7/64 bit and find the screws go in without so much force the head strips.

The BEST screw to use with Atlas O are the Gargraves track screws 3/4" length.

I have laid hundreds of feet of Atlas O track and my current layout has 400-500 feet of it. I've used all types of roadbed and supports, Vinyl bed, homasote, cork, pywood and the Gargraves screws always work with the proper bit.

Eliot

That is correct; #1 phillips.

I have had no problem stripping them, but I drive them into QuietBrace, which I believe would be similar to driving into Homasote. 

Here is how far the screw goes into the QuietBrace: 

I have used several hundred, and used this Skil 4v screwdriver for most with great results.

I have also used similar screws (No.2 x 3/4, SS) from McMaster-Carr (Cat. 92470A103), which cost $4.28 for 100. Only problem is having to paint the heads black.

Good luck!

Alex

Have some bags of the Atlas screws and was installing them in Atlas track last night. Use a small hand screw driver the ones that come in the little blue cases with several head types. #1 2nd size down from the top is what I used last night screwing into both sound deadening board and a few sections direct into plywood. All went in tight and easy with this screw driver. They seem to work well best to get them in the sound deadening board and not through to the plywood if you have the right length screws and board!

If you are going in to plywood, just use the Gargraves screws.

I use the atlas track screws into homosote.   Don't have any issue at all with stripping.   In fact all the screws I have are on their "2nd use" as I pulled them all from my prior layout and using them again on my new layout.   Just use the correct bit and don't go overly nuts with the power drill!

I use the Gargraves screws and a # 1 Phillips tip.

I have purchased #4 X 5/8 from here. I use the black OX so no need to paint heads.

http://www.microfasteners.com/...products/TWSSMPP.cfm

Dale H

I use Gargraves screws with Atlas 21st Century track.  Wouldn't use anything else.  The screws bite into the ties just a little bit, enough to track them down into pink styrene insulation but they bottom out due to the tie and therefore don't strip in the insulation.  Works perfectly.

I'm curious as to why do you want to screw it down?  I use no screws with my Atlas track over vinylbed.  The ballast glued down holds the track in place with no issues whatsoever.

--Greg

I used silicone (GE Silicone II) to adhere my Atlas track to the cork roadbed.

Need to pull it up? No problem! Pop it off with a screwdriver/knife and rub off the left over silcone off the track...track looks good as new!

When I used Atlas "O" on cord roadbed, I attached the track by using brads. They hold the track solidly and blend in.

Best, 

Mark

I use Robertson (square head) screws. Way easier. You need the square head screwdriver or drill bit. I get them from McFeeleys. http://www.mcfeelys.com/

Gerry

Greg, I've said it many times to no avail.    

everything is going to the square socket . You can get the screws by the bucket load at Lowes or Home depot and Dewalt sells the bits all day long for your cordless drill.

David

I upho black phosphate screws with the square bit heads. They are a tad longer but nice when using the thicker roadbed. Also good with Ross.