Dave Ronyak said:
Are "sawtooth" screws similar to Spax screws, the ones with the wavy edges on the leading portion of the screws? Although they are premium in price, I have quickly become a fan of Spax screws compared to those with standard threads. The Spax screws I have are all zinc plated.
Dave R.
Dave,
I have to be careful when I say something is similar to SPAX because that's a trademark product (and one we'll be carrying in 2-3 weeks). However, I do feel comfortable discussing SPAX at length and our sawtooth thread at length and having you all make some comparisons and contrasts.
Let me begin by stating that everything I'm about to say is in regards to the fully-threaded SPAX screw, which is what we're going to carry in a flat-head (in clear and yellow zinc) as well as a pan head and round washer head styles. We may carry their partial threaded screw at some point but the partial thread doesn't have all of the benefits of the fully threaded screw, although it is an outstanding screw in its own right. If I decide to carry the partial threaded screw, I'll start with their stainless steel version and MDF version. For those items, the partial thread makes sense (for stainless, it's smart because the partial thread eliminates some of the torque that can be used and the MDF benefits from it because of the nature of MDF material).
SPAX screws have a number of patented and truly innovative features. Their multi-material thread allows you to drive SPAX into both wood and less than or up to 24 gauge sheet metal without pre-drilling. The same screws may also be used in masonry without an anchor. The multi-material thread has a serrated portion that uses a proprietary design for quicker and easier cutting. The multi-material screw also had a patented head style that allows for flush countersinking. Finally, the multi-material screw has a their patented 4CUT point which has a square lip at the very point. It allows for driving without splitting.
Several weeks ago, I made the comment that our ProMaster was very similar to the SPAX and I've learned a lot since then. Our ProMaster does have a serrated thread but I wouldn't recommend using it in anything other than wood. It also doesn't have the head features or the specialized point that the SPAX does.
Normally, a wood screw isn't fully threaded because woodworkers like having the ability to make some adjustments. A partially threaded screws tends to pin materials together. A fully threaded screw, without the multi-material thread, would either jack out of the wood or cause splitting. However, the design characteristics of the multi-material thread eliminate both of those possibilities. The result is a mechanical attachment instead of the pinning action you'd expect from a partially threaded screw. These would be great for fastening something above your head. However, you're not going to be able to make some of the adjustments you'd normally be able to make using a wood screw because of the attachment this screw will form once driven.
In that sense, it's a really innovative product because it has features that make it outstanding for a beginner (ease of driving, one screw does it all applicability) but it's also something that will shine in the hands of an advanced woodworker as well because of the attachment it forms.
Once we roll these out, you'll see a lot of photos in our catalog and website detailing the innovative nature of the screw. I anticipate it making its catalog debut in May of '08 but the line should be fully established on www.mcfeelys.com by the end of February '08
at the latest. Obviously, I love to announce things but I'll give you all a heads up in this thread when they're ready to rock and roll.
