Is it OK to drill pilot holes for floor screws?

Question

I am trying to fix some squeaks with 3 inch floor screws. If I drill pilot holes for them will I be defeating the whole purpose by giving the screws less bite?

Answer 1

No, I would drill the pilots,you don't want to risk cracking the floorboards. Just make sure not to drill them to big,and you will do fine.

Answer 2

Actually both 1 and 2 offer clues. A pilot hole first of all suggests a diameter smaller than the screw threads. I do wonder why 3 inch screws too.

Is this an issue where aesthetics aren't important? Will you counter sink and cover the screw heads?

What's the species of wood you're screwing into/through?

Pine is most likely to crack/split at end cuts/ butted joints. Oak might snap the screw?

Just my curious two cents. With no offense I wish more who asked here would offer more details.

Steven Wolf

First of all a rule "I" use; is I don't need anymore thread length than the stock thickness I'm screwing down; especially flooring. I modify that for Fencing; or Shear weight; but the issue is ALL that actually supports the stock; is right at the point where the stock meets the receiving lumber.

Answer 3

There are several things you can do. Ist can you get at it from downstairs, through a false cealing. If you can buy 1/4 round moulding, good glue and a handfull of nails. Cut the moulding to fit along side of the floor joists and glue it in the corner between the joist and the flooring. DO NOT WALK ON THE FLOOR untill the glue has had a chance to cure. This should fix the problem . If not then you must lift the floor covering, the tile or lino and screw the plywood to the floor joists. I would use screws that are at least 2-1/2" long and put one in every 4". You should be able to see where the original builders drove in there nails, just follow those lines.

Answer 4

Why waste the time? Just use the screw. What the %$ are you going thru that needs a 3" screw?