Any tips on how I can get the bolt to screw in straight?

Question

I need to put up a couple of screws in the nursery. I have tried to everything and I am holding the screwdriver straight, but it keeps going in crooked. ANy tips

Answer 1

You`re hitting a restriction. It could be a stud(with warped grain), wiring (use caution), plumbing pipe (depending on location), etc. Determine what the restriction is before you proceed. It might be wise to choose another location. DO NOT drill a pilot hole until you determine if anything is in the wall.

Answer 2

Wiring and piping running in frame & drywall walls is often protected by steel plates, (if closer to the surface than 1 1/4"), to prevent damage.
Use a nail or something similar to 'feel around`in the hole you have made.
If you're scratching metal, sorry, you'll have to put the screw somewhere else.
Don't try to penetrate the plate. The results can range from expensive to dangerous.

Answer 3

Depending on what your using the screw for, if for just a hook your better off using the adhesive type. It is not wise drilling a hole blind unless you are sure what is in the wall. If you are sure I always used an awl, tap it with a hammer about an inch.

Answer 4

use a smaller drill bit than the screw and drill a pilot hole half the length of the screw into the wood this will help the screw tap into the wood and help prevent the screw from cracking the wood as it drives in :)

Answer 5

get a small nail and punch a hole in the wall first, then try the screw, or wait till the brandy wears off....

Answer 6

Try drilling a pilot hole first. Are you going into drywall or plaster? What are you hanging?

Answer 7

drill it or use a punch