Anyone have a source for hardened black tie screws? The ones by A---- and another professional supplier do not hold up very well. I need blackend screws that have integrity.
Recommendations of a screw that you have actually used? Thank you.
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Anyone have a source for hardened black tie screws? The ones by A---- and another professional supplier do not hold up very well. I need blackend screws that have integrity.
Recommendations of a screw that you have actually used? Thank you.
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Dry wall screws. John in Lansing, ILL
Gargraves sells them. Don
Gargraves screws are the answer. They are the best. They will stand up to repeated usage without hollowing out the head. Several lengths available. Make sure you use the proper size Phillips screw driver. Take a screw to the tool store and buy a proper screw driver.
I have used #4 x 1/2" and 3/4" black oxide coated sheet metal pan head Philips from two other hardware suppliers.(Fastenal and Micro Fasteners). They require a #1 phillips. I had my fun with A_____ screws when we had to remove them from a 14 year old layout. Grrrr!
I have worked with the gargraves screws on someone's layout. They are about the same price and perform the same as those that I ordered from other suppliers. You still need a fresh tip and care in not overtightening to prevent rounding out, but will provide more install/removals than the brand mentioned.
You still need a fresh tip and care in not overtightening to prevent rounding out, but will provide more install/removals than the brand mentioned.
Folks should also consider investing in some quality tips.
After being chided by my older son for using some Harbor freight screw driver bits and being frustrated with screw heads being damaged, I tried using some better tips (Dewalt). No more damaged heads.
It is also important to use the right size (proper fitting) bit.
Finally, the bits do wear.
I use Hillman Twinhead Cabinet Screws, 4 x 3/4 Flat Head Phillips. Available in boxes of 100 - True Value Stores.
Just make sure you pre-drill the Gargraves ties before installation.
bruce
bruce benzie posted:I use Hillman Twinhead Cabinet Screws, 4 x 3/4 Flat Head Phillips. Available in boxes of 100 - True Value Stores.
Just make sure you pre-drill the Gargraves ties before installation.
bruce
Do you countersink the tie for the flathead?
no need to.
What about the black screws that come with atlas O Gauge track.
I always countersink flat head screws for my Gargraves wood tie Flextrack. No need to be black. Just color the heads with a black Sharpie or a paint stick. I bought my screws from McMaster-Carr by the hundreds.
Dennis
I don't know who made my "lifetime supply" (that's running low) but for the first since I was a boy unable to put enough downforce on a phillips, Ive prefered these slot heads to phillips on my track.
And there are enough variants of crossheads that even some mfgs seem oblivious to what head they actually make. (I.e., it isn't always the tip quality at fault, but an incorrect identification of head; phillips has become a generic "go to" term imo. Even I'm to lazy to check for fit until I have an issue) .
Heads aside, the quality of big box screws today is awful. I've even taken to drilling pilot holes for drywall screws else the head snaps off.... Menard's gets no breaks here either. I'm tired of paying for crap hardware.
Removal? Each one a lucky break. I'm almost ready to return to nails, but fear they will soon shatter on impact as well. The "brass" ones already do at times. Plated pot metal nails....come on! ...
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