I plan to get a good start on building my fram for my benchwork tomorrow. I will be using standard 2x4s and was wondering what the best size screw too use.
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I used 2 1/2" deck screws on my 2x4 framing. I believe I used 1 1/4" to fasten 1/2 OSB for the top, obviously if you go with thicker sheeting you'll need longer screws.
I use the grabbers that you get by the box at a lumber yard store. Various sizes depending on the use; risers, joists, etc. Not expensive and work well.
I've been using 3" deck screws for attaching 2x lumber to 2x. For attaching 1x lumber or for attaching plywood/homosote, etc. for the tabletop, I use 1-5/8" decking screws. I pre-drill (1/8" or 7/64") for about 1/2 the length of the screw for any screws located near the ends of a length of lumber where splitting is more likely. 
Jim
2 1/2 or 3" screws should work fine for fastening 2x4s. If you want to make this easier than using Philips screws buy star drive screws. Star drive screws are a little more expensive but they pull themselves into the wood so you don't have to bare down with your drill to keep the bit from slipping off the head as with Philips. The star shape also grabs the bit a lot better than Philips and star drives are very easy to counter sink.
That's what I like about the "Grabbers"; they have the square-hole drive.
I use #8 x 2-1/2" all purpose screws from Ace for butt joints on 2x4's, and #8 x 1-1/4" screws for attaching the 1/2" plywood top. Get the kind that work with either a Philips bet or a square drive - the square drive works as well as a Torx and it's cheaper. A lot of times they pack a square bit in the box with the screws. You can use deck screws but they cost more because of the outdoor rust-resistant finish. Ordinary cad-plated screws are fine for indoors.
Your framing will go together a lot better if you square up all the 2x4's on a jointer and planer. It's a fair amount of work but it's no fun putting together a frame with warped wood, which is all you can buy these days.
I use a 16 penny nail to hold it in place and various length drywall screws to fasten it all together . The drywall screws are so sharp you don't have to predrill and I've been all over my layout and it holds my 230 pound fat Butt just fine . A good cordless drill is your best friend like a Dewalt and have plenty of batteries.
David
Are you building joist and girder style or table top? I used smaller wood for the joist and girder and it's plenty strong.
Originally Posted by Jdevleerjr:
I plan to get a good start on building my fram for my benchwork tomorrow. I will be using standard 2x4s and was wondering what the best size screw too use.
