What Type and Size Screw?

Hi Barry! I use a #4 flathead wood screw, 3/4 inch long. You could do 1 inch too. Get Phillips head, use a #1 tip. If driving by hand, use a scratch awl to make starting hole. Be careful not to over tighten,  track will warp. And thank you for all the great info you provide!!!  

  Pete

Here is an assortment of screws available.  My primary track screw is an Atlas track screw which appears to be a 1" long #2 screw.
(3) Screws at the  bottom are #2, middle is the Atlas track screw.
(6) In the middle are #4, (3) flat head, and (3) pan head.  The black flat head screw is used for Gargraves track, usually requiring pre-drilling, and additional work to accommodate the flat head in the ties, with out splitting them.
The Black #4 pan-head screw is used for mounting DZ switch motors.
(2) At the top are #6 screws.  Top screw is a cut drywall screw.


Additional picture.

Barry,

What I did was to bring a section of track to our local Bolt/Screw dealer and got fitted

up properly.

I have used Atlas 3/4" and 1" blackened track screws as well.

They come in boxes of 100 I recall.

Rod

I use the same screws that Little giant recommends. The screw head fits the track mounting hole countersink nicely.  Joe

Also, thanks for all the DCS contributions, Barry!   Joe

If you plan on making the installation "permanent", then before you screw the track down, apply TightBond wood glue. After the glue is good and dry, then remove the screws, and you will be less likely to transmit noise to the plywood.

FWIW, screws with square heads (what we call Robertson heads up in the Great White North!) work better than Phillips because the driver is much less likely to slip and mess up the screw head.

I believe the Atlas track screw heads are square, though its been a while since I did my track work.

Rod

Atlas track screw.   I use diagonal side cutters to remove them when the Phillips or like Phillips screw head strips out.   Most of these screws are surprisingly soft/cheap and a PITA. Requires pre-drilled holes.  IMO tough to find good quality small screws at a Hardware or big box.

Additional picture. Screw head is soft enough the cutters will indent/grab the screw head.

If you don't know about this already, here's a place for small train screws. They have a large selection of small stuff. Also have some in black.

http://www.microfasteners.com/

And another thanks to Barry for all the great info he provides us, learned a lot from his posts.

Barry,

I use a #4  3\4" and or 1" long Phillips head screws that I buy at my local Ace hardware store. They are $3.99 for a box of 100, only thing is that they are metal color all I do it stick them in a scrap piece of foam and spray paint black. (it is a little time consuming, but cheaper} IMO!!

Jeff

Thanks for al the replies, as well a stye kind words - both are appreciated!

We'll be using #4 3/4" woods screws.

Barry, use Robertson head screws. MUCH easier. I use #4 by 3/4 on Atlas track. Go to www.mcfeelys.com. Don't forget to get the 0 size screwdriver or drill head. Really easy with a power screwdriver.

Don't do this and I'll back into your car again. 

Gerry

Gerry,

I already gave my son the heads-up to buy the screws. They're for his new 4' X 8' layout.

He drives a red car. Good hunting...

Barry, is that the red corvette with the TRAINS license plate? I should back into that?

Gerry

Barry, don't listen to him.  Those Robertson screws are awful. 

Gerry, I am careful where I park that.  I would not be as kind as Barry.  My Lawyer (Locolawyer) might be watching this post.

OK. I don't need to get sued again.

Gerry

Gerry, I would not sue you, you are my friend.  Barry was at my house today and before he parked his car, he wanted to know if you were driving anywhere in the area.