Screws to hang cabinets

[DynaGlide]

Before I go buy GRK white cabinet washer head 2 1/2" screws to hang my uppers in my office, has anyone used them and found they're as awful as the Amazon reviews would have me believe?

https://www.amazon.com/Grk-120660-White-Cabinet-Screw/dp/B071FJZRQR/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=grk+white+cabinet+screws&qid=1625669042&sr=8-3

They're appealing to me because my cabinets are painted white inside. I wouldn't have to cover them up with anything.

 

[chrisrosenb]

I have not used GRK screws. I use Grip Fast from Menards. They are not white. They take a T-25 driver bit.
The GRK screws you linked to take a T-15 driver bit. That is a small driver bit for that large of a screw.
You may need to drill a pilot hole & use an impact driver to keep them from stripping out. 

 

[semenza]

    Well the Amazon reviews are 88% 4 stars plus, 78% 5 stars.  It looks like there is a string of bad reviews on the first page. If those are all newer then maybe there is  a recent quality problem. Also note that quite a few of the bad reviews are about the bit not the screw.

    I would say the bits are not the best. But I really haven't had much trouble with them. However I rarely use an impact driver. I have a suspicion that many of the bad reviews are from people working too fast and or using a powerful impact when it is not needed. Impacting a washer head screw tight and fast  could certainly snap the screw since the washer head may stop it's penetration as it hits a finished plywood surface.

    I have not had any trouble with the GRK bit (for #8 screws) being a T15. I rarely have had to predrill in order to drive a 2 1/2" (or longer) screw for hanging a cabinet. Sometimes I predrill for other reasons. I mostly use a drill for driving cabinet screws.

    That's my experience. Other may be different.

Seth

 

[twistsol]

I've used the Grip Fast screws from Menards on a number of kitchens as well as hanging slatwall. I've had only one break out of roughly 500 and they come in a few different colors including white. They also have cutters on the back of the head wo they self countersink
https://www.menards.com/main/hardwa...t-screws-50-count/2300284/p-1474479143700.htm

 

[Dr. P. Venkman]

If you're trying to determine if there is somehow a difference in quality between the white head version and the standard version, I can't help - I've never used the white ones.

But I very much like the standard version of that screw.  I've not had problems with them breaking or the torx head stripping. I think maybe I've snapped the head off of one ever, and I don't remember the circumstances, but I was probably doing something dumb (I can't even swear that it happened, it just feels familiar). The only problem I've had is that the screws aren't smart enough to prevent me from missing a stud every now and then [big grin].

Some of the reviews seemed to blame the bit - it would make sense that the supplied bit might not be the greatest.  It's a standard torx bit, so I just use my own. I'm usually driving them with an impact driver.

 

[kevinculle]

I used the GRK #10 x 4" to hang a heavy (3/4" walnut ply 9' long) floating TV console with fine results.  They were TORX drive I think T25.

 

[mike_aa]

I just got done installing four individual Menards cabinets and used the matching Menards Grip-Fast screws.  They held fine and the Wera torx bit I used was very secure, but I did snap one screw with my C-18.  Three of the cabinets had only one stud behind them to screw into, so I had to use SnapToggles to add additional holding power.  Unfortunately, they don't seem to make a #10 machine screw with a matching head to use with the SnapToggles.

Mike A.

 

[Rob Z]

Hey Matt

I have used a lot of GRK brand screws and have been pleased with the quality, so I would expect that these are no different. 

I use to buy the same type pf screw from Grabber and it was just as Seth speculated: if someone went crazy with impact driver then it was possible to break the head off the screw.  But, if care was taken, then no problems. I bet it's the same with these GRKs.

 

[semenza]

They are the same as the regular cabinet screws. It is just that the head has been coated with something to make it white.

Seth

 

[DynaGlide]

Thanks everyone for the input. I ordered the white GRK's. I've always used GRK, no reason to stop now.

 

[Stan Tillinghast]

I just bought some white GRK cabinet screws for assembly and hanging, so thanks for the endorsement! I've not had any problems with Spax, but found more positive reviews for the GRK.

 

[Peter_C]

I have been using GRK cabinet screws with great success. They don't snap the heads off, and being Torx rarely strip. The white also work well for white shelf brackets like one might use in a garage.

Although others may complain about the bits I really like the GRK bits in a 2" length. They are color coded so easy to differentiate from other bits at a distance of 10ft away, and their well hardened to the point I would say they will last 3x longer than a crappy Milwaukee bit.

 

[James Carriere]

Hi Matt,

The GRK cabinet screws are great.  There is no need for an impact driver to install them (I use a T-18) and I have never had a single issue other than the included bits which I toss straight away as they are too soft.  I have not read the negative reviews but I'm of the opinion that any negative review about GRK's quality are likely due to installer error rather than the product itself.

Good luck with your project!

James

 

[rylim]

My famous cabinet screw is Spax and it is made in Germany or USA. No predrilling is required, and can be used on multiple materials such as wood, steel, mansard and others.

 

[DynaGlide]

I've started laying out my stud locations and most of the cabinets will only have 1 stud to work with. The center cabinet is 30~" wide and also would only get 1 stud.

Talking with a buddy he said why don't you use a hanging rail like IKEA does. That led me to finding this company:

https://hiysystem.com/



I'm strongly considering using this product. I like that it retrofits to any cabinet meaning you just install the brackets, no weird cutouts needed. I know I could cobble together a french cleat system but that would mean notching my cabinet sides which I don't want to do. I could take the drywall down and install blocking. Again, don't want to mess with that.

Only negative I can think of is you have to put a piece of trim moulding at the bottom where it meets the wall but I was already planning on doing that.

Matt

 

[DynaGlide]

Just a follow up I spoke with the owner of the EZHang for a good 20min. Good guy. I'm going to try it out. He load tested a single 36" cabinet and it took 850lb to break it.

 

[Stan Tillinghast]

DynaGlide, please give us an update when you get a chance to use the EazyHang system.

Thanks