Attaching plastic to wood using a wood screw.?

Question

What is the best way of doing this? I want to stabilize a cheap plastic shelf that is bending in at the top. I want to put a thin piece of board under the plastic and metal screws down into the wood.

1) what kind of wood should I use?
2) do I need other items like washers or use a wood screw only?

Answer 1

Simple answer would be to purchase proper shelf material and replace the "cheap plastic shelf"

If that is not possible, select a solid stable piece of hard wood [oak, maple, etc] the appropriate length. The width and thickness would be determined base on the load they'll see. The longer the length the bigger the cross sectional area should be.

Drill hole in plastic slightly bigger that shank of selected screws [see link below]. Countersink the hole for the head of the screw. This is a small tool for cutting a bevel: http://www.justoffbase.co.uk/Tool-Shop/Countersink-Bits

clamp wood to plastic and, using holes in plastic as a giude, drill pilot holes [smaller than dia. of screw's threads] in wood: http://justwoodworking.com/charts/pilot_hole_sizes.php

A spot of soap or a bit of wax on the threads makes driving the screws a little easier.

Good Luck

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

Without knowing the thickness of the "plastic", IE: Plexi glass window pane thick or bread cutting board thick, I agree in part with snapdragon other then through wood Into plastic.

Also not knowing the situation with the Plastic shelf, IE: Kicthen cabinet, Entertainment center, etc. you might not be able to drill and screw the wood into a "backer" surface, but if possible you certainly should.

Again depending on the thickness of the plastic you should decide on a screw, IE: # 4 anything will work fine. Drill holes the size of the screw at whatever distances across the back of the shelf you choose, certainly depending on the length you need to support. If the plastic is thick enough you could counter sink the holes. If not you can use "Pan head" screws and small "fender washers" which help spread out the pressure and ability of the screw to hold without as much stress on the plastic with NO washer.

Ideally the strip of wood, even 1 x 2 pine, spruce or fir, will be best attached to a backer (LEVEL) first, but again it may not be an option for you.

With no offense to anyone the screw choice is yours. Are you able to accomplish removing the shelf first? If not, I suggest a sharp point screw, not a self tapping, unless you manange shallow pilot holes in the wood brace. If aesthetics aren't an issue, even a drywall screw can work.

Steven Wolf

Answer 4

I would go from the plastic to the wood. Using a drill tap the holes first, then countersink the holes for each wood screw. I would also use a good glue, put a thin line of glue along the back then screw each screw down tight. Put about one screw per ten inches of shelf.

Answer 5

Doesn't really matter what type of wood you use, but you should use a 'self tapping' screw. If the plastic is brittle, then you will need to drill a pilot hole thicker than the thread of the screw. Just drive it through the plastic and into the wood, the self tapper will pull the plastic tight to the wood.

Answer 6

You'll better off going from the wood into the plastic. Make sure you pre-drill the holes otherwise you will split the wood.

Personally I would actually screw the batten to the wall at the back of the shelf to support the weight and if you cannot screw in to the wall, use a product like 'no more nails'

Answer 7

If the curtains and rods are heavy, you might even need to use toggle bolts! I use the anchors every time I do something like that. My walls are drywall, and some are paneling. I drill a hole so the anchor can be pressed into it, very tightly. Using the anchors will save you some headaches later on, rather than having your window treatments fall off the wall in the middle of the night!

Answer 8

Use drywall screws and drill pilot hole before inserting the screw to avoid busting the support board

Answer 9

I'd use wood screws.

Answer 10

good question, i will be watching for an answer