Screwed With Screws...Which Do You Use?

[darita]

I'm finally running down to my last Phillips head screws and I'm looking to switch heads.  I originally wanted to go with square drives, but on a recent trip to HD, the hardware guy recommended Star drives as the next big thing...so I went for it and purchased a few boxes.  Now I'm thinking I made a mistake and should have stuck with the Squares.  What do you think?
By the way, the reason I'm switching is because I'm tired of having to constantly replace phillips bits in my drivers.  I've had limited experience with Square drives, but have been impressed with the positive hold of bit to head.

 

[semenza]

I have switched to the torx drive ( star) for everything.  When the bit sticks in the square head too solidly it gets irritating to have  to pull the bit free.  I also find that it is easier to align the driver in the screw head , such as pocket screws or removing screws, in blind situations using the torx. There are now a couple of brands in the torx that offer reeaally complete lines.

Seth

 

[wow]

I have switched to the torx drive ( star) for everything.  When the bit sticks in the square head too solidly it gets irritating to have  to pull the bit free.  I also find that it is easier to align the driver in the screw head , such as pocket screws or removing screws, in blind situations using the torx. There are now a couple of brands in the torx that offer reeaally complete lines.

Seth

When working on my mezzanine floor over the last week or so I had a chance to experiment with this. I started with R2 2" #9 deck screws, but ran out. When I went to buy more they were out but had the torx version, so I bought that.

This isn't cabinet work, so take what I say with that in mind. My only observations so far is that the R2 holds the screw better if you're trying to hold a panel and then apply a screw. At least on the screws I used, the torx seemed to fall off the end more easily. Now remember - this is a relatively big screw, so I expect the problem would be greatly reduced (or non-existant?) with a cabinet-sized screw.

I didn't experience any cam-out with either head, nor did I feel like there was any difference in grip or strength. If I were using them on an outdoor deck I think I'd prefer the R2 for the ability to grab even if the head was filled with 'junk' from being outside - but that's just a guess with no experience to back it up.

I am interested in moving to a common head as well. Slotted and Phillips are obviously out, and I can't get excited about PoziDrive either.

Please let us know what you decide on?

 

[batcave]

I've used a lot of mcfeely's square drive. The uncoated ones are great, but the ones with zinc on them are junk. They cam out a lot. The 10's are tough to run home without drilling (construction use). The 8's and 6's are good. The bits do stick occasionally as Seth stated.

I do like the kreg pocket screws.

I am going to try Spax, simply because Menards has a good selection locally.

Kevin

 

[Sparktrician]

GRK Fasteners are top quality Torx-drive screws.  One on-line dealer is BuyGRLFasteners.com.  These are sometimes found in limited range and quantity at some Home Depot stores.  They can also be found at Fastenal, but be aware that Fastenal nearly doubles the price.  YMMV. 

 

[leakyroof]

I prefer square drive . Torx would be my second choice. Pozi is okay but on a par with Phillips for me, and I own a bunch of screwdrivers and driver bits. So, a simple #2 square drive works fine for me unless the application is high torque to install a screw.  For that, Torx would be to way to go for me.
On exterior, non-stainless steel screws, having enough rust on an internal Torx headed screw that's been outside for awhile would bum me out as I already have enough trouble in the automotive world where designers or engineers have stopped using hex head cap screws or small bolts with hex head and gone over to internal torx head bolts/screws for many applications.
Since the fasteners are almost never stainless and simply coated or plated with zinc, I run into the rusted head problem a lot. It slows you down trying to tap a driver bit to make sure you're got complete grip AND fully seated in depth of the star/torx before applying full torque for removal.
With a square drive screw that isn't stainless , it's easy to add a dab of sealant into the square recess to keep it ready for removal in the future with minimal rust access issues since you just pop the old sealant out with a small flat blade screwdriver.
With stainless steel, none of that is needed, in either head style, so I tend to spring for stainless for exterior work unless the cost of the fasteners is an issue for someone.

 

[Holz-Her]

Torx.....from Spax or Heco

 

[Roseland]

+1 - Torx from Spax

Andrew

 

[Stephen B]

[size=11pt]

Normally I use Phillips #2, both manually and driven.

However I recently used Pozi on a deck and was very impressed. No slippage.

I find square to be the worst for slippage, even when screwing manually. Also for damage to the slot and bit. This is a particular concern with cheaper zinc batten  screws, and even quality treated pine screws. And the latter are dearer than Phillips equivalent down here!

Using my late father's Stanley Ratchet (the old long one with black handle) slot screws can be a joy. Another example of using quality for a superior result. Not as impressed with my newer yellow black one, but often use it for non slot screws.

 

[Paul G]

GRK Fasteners are top quality Torx-drive screws.  One on-line dealer is BuyGRLFasteners.com.  These are sometimes found in limited range and quantity at some Home Depot stores.  They can also be found at Fastenal, but be aware that Fastenal nearly doubles the price.  YMMV. 

Yes, GRK has been great for me, I get them at home depot

 

[Bhend18]

GRK Fasteners are top quality Torx-drive screws.  One on-line dealer is BuyGRLFasteners.com.  These are sometimes found in limited range and quantity at some Home Depot stores.  They can also be found at Fastenal, but be aware that Fastenal nearly doubles the price.  YMMV. 

+1

 

[jmbfestool]

It's all down to quality of bits and screws. 

I find good quality Pozi, torx and square Fixings all perform very well.

But then I have found all three can perform very poorly when using poor quality bits or cheap brand screws.

I never use Philips even good quality bits and screws are crap.

I mainly use Pozi for general screws and torx for structural screws and square for lost head screws

Jmb

 

[charley1968]

Torx. By ESSVE, mainly..

 

[RC]

+1 for Essve Torx, especially self drilling deck screws with integral glue/wax coating on them are a breeze to drive.

 

[darita]

Where's a good place to buy the Essve Torx screws at a good price?

 

[wow]

Where's a good place to buy the Essve Torx screws at a good price?

Let me guess - NAINA?

 

[WoodWhisperer]

Torx  Havent used anything else in years.  I use Hillman screws that I order from a local ace hardware.  I wish they would discontinue phillips screws!!!

 

[Kevin D.]

Torx  Havent used anything else in years.  I use Hillman screws that I order from a local ace hardware.  I wish they would discontinue phillips screws!!!

While I've always disliked Phillips screws, is there a screw other than a Phillips that can be used in a drywall screw gun for drywall?  I'd hate to have to use nails instead.

 

[WoodWhisperer]

Torx  Havent used anything else in years.  I use Hillman screws that I order from a local ace hardware.  I wish they would discontinue phillips screws!!!

While I've always disliked Phillips screws, is there a screw other than a Phillips that can be used in a drywall screw gun for drywall?  I'd hate to have to use nails instead.

Unfortunately, Phillips is about all there is for drywall......

 

[peter halle]

And there is a reason.  For drywall guns that use a depth control mechanism versus a torque control you need for the bit to release from the fastener when the depth is reached.  A tork type for instance will not without causing damage to the bit.

Peter