When working with wood, how do you get screws to stay tight and not move around?

Question

I am using a wood screw but for some reason it will not drill tight. Is there another type of screw that would work better or is there something I could do or add to make it work right? I am trying to build a bed for my daughter which is something I have never done before but I had an idea and decided to tackle the project myself. I just keep running into the issue of the screws being too loose. Any ideas would be great! Thanks!

Yes I am drilling a pilot hole. I am using a number 8 screw and drilling a 1/16" pilot hole. Could it be too small?

Answer 1

1. take the wood screw to the hardware store and match the head and length to a metal screw... metal screws have deeper threading for more hold on metal.

2. to use the wood screws... you have drilled the pilot hole... next step: you can use a drill/driver to install the screw, however, don't use the drill/driver to tighten the screw down, tighten the screw down by hand.

3. if still doesn't work, then go to the next size smaller pilot bit and then go back to #2.

Hope this helps, good luck.

Answer 2

Many people's screws are loose. Most screw do not "drill". You should drill a small pilot hole first. The drill bit you use should be just a bit smaller than the shank, or the smaller part of the screw not counting the spiral threads. Maybe your screws are too short. This could be the problem; I've had this happen to me. Try a longer screw and see what happens.

If I were building a bed like that I would probably use bolts. You can tighten those suckers like there's no tomorrow.

Answer 3

You can put some wood glue on the end of the screws. Predrill a hole with a smaller drill bit than the actual screw then put a small amount of glue on the end of the screw before screwing it in. It also may be that the screws you are using are too small or not long enough. Good luck.

Answer 4

You must be doing something that is basically incorrect to get that problem. It could be a number of things e.g. not tightening the screws enough, making pilot holes too big, not putting enough screws in the joint, using screws that are too small in diameter or too short for the job at hand. I suggest you look at examples of similar work that has been done professionally and copy the size and type of screws used. Additionally, drill clearance and pilot holes to aid the making of a secure joint.

Answer 5

If I can assume that the screws will never need to be removed, I would recommend putting some Devcon steel epoxy on the screw threads and into the existing holes and tightening the screws into place. Simply wipe the excess epoxy off before it sets up and I seriously doubt that they will ever loosen up in the future again.

Answer 6

If the threads in the screw hole are damaged, this would cause the screw to wiggle. Try a couple of drops of wood glue/white glue in the hole, put in the screw and let dry. Only problem is that it will probably be impossible to remove afterwards, should that need arise.

Answer 7

If you are pre-drilling the holes for the screws, perhaps you are making the hole too large. Pre-drill holes at least a couple of sizes smaller than the screw. The hole is simply a guide for the screw, and doesn't need to be larger.

Answer 8

Drill a pilot hole first, then apply wood glue to the screw, make sure it is a wood screw. Then drill it in and let dry.

Answer 9

what kind of wood?
how thick is the wood?
did you pre-drill the holes?
are the screws long enough?
can you use glue? (if you use carpenters glue it will never come apart, but will make it hard to move)

email me a little more info,
maybe i can help

Answer 10

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Truth is, I've been a carpenter for almost 36 years, and I haven't found anything like this for less than 10's of thousands of dollars.