Gar Graves Track Screws

Yes, the screws are not brand loyal.

Certainly. I will add, I prefer to use Atlas track screws for my Gargraves, Atlas and ROSS track. They have a smaller diameter shank and the head is a little more flat.

Just my personal preference.

Donald

Track screws.  #2 bottom, assorted length, note the black Atlas track screw, #4 middle, #6 drywall screw top.  Flat head and pan head pictured, there are also round head screws.  #4 middle black flat head is a Gargraves track screw, I think ????

My experience: Both Atlas track and Gargraves need to be Pre-drilled for screws.  Add Ross switches to the pre-drill list.

So my problem is the Atlas screw is not long enough to go thru my cork roadbed and cork underlayment. Will the screw hold the track if it doesn't go into the plywood?

TrainHead, what length do you need. Gargraves has several different lengths. Check their website. I personally use Gargraves. They have a tough head that can stand up to many removals and tightenings.

Thanks, Rod but the GarGraves screw is a #4 and the Atlas screw is a #2. The screw hole in the Atlas track is small. I need at least .75" to 1".

@TrainHead posted:

So my problem is the Atlas screw is not long enough to go thru my cork roadbed and cork underlayment. Will the screw hold the track if it doesn't go into the plywood?

My comment is well-worn; Gravity holds track down on my layout.  The fasteners I use are to keep the track from shifting, aligned with the cork roadbed, the latter fastened with low-tack contact cement (green can) to the plywood underlayment.  The fasteners are flathead screws.  The wood ties of the Gargraves/Ross track are predrilled, lightly countersunk to receive the screws.  And, finally, the screws are run in just short of contacting the ties, which helps to keep noise down as well as not deform the track in any way.  The heads of all the screws are blackened with a Sharpie black marker.  (Un-blackened bulk screws are locally less expensive than the same pre-blackened.)

Why not re-drill the holes in the Atlas track to accept the screw size of choice?

It's really one of those TEHO issues.  Everyone has their own preference/rationale.