Can you use regular screws in pocket holes? #shorts

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#woodworking #pocketholes #shorts

[StrawbyteWorkshop]

If you're a woodworker who's bought into the Kreg system and are looking to cheaper screws instead of the Robertson Washer Head screws, then I would say you're absolutely right!
However, pocket holes is a general technique to create a joint where if you're careful regular screws work just as well and are often preferred - at least in my shop anyway. I'll use a kreg jig to make the hole in construction lumber but not as deep, and then pop an ordinary pan head screw in. In the UK I can buy Pan head screws that work up to 4 inches (100mm),
I really enjoy these shorts - just sayin'.

[JonnyDIY]

I buy the pocket hole screws in bulk, just as cheap as regular screws, & no need to worry. Regular screw WILL work if you throw a washer on them or be careful when driving them in how deep

[jwsystems]

Ah, but if you put a #8 Washer on the screw, it works GREAT! The washer acts like the flat of the factory pocket hole screw.

[matsu]

I am glad you brought this up and illustrate it so well.
Isn't it amazing that in Sweden, when you buy a Wolfcraft undercover jig, they deliver it with a set of regular screws. I complained to them about it and they didn't even bother to answer. Correct screws in Sweden are called Mounting screw and they are more expensive. They save a dime (or even less) on each unit but they teach customers to use the wrong screw and create a poor joint that will break easily.

[dogface]

Remember too that the PH screw has an auger tip, which helps the receiving board keep from splitting.

[mymatemartin]

Cool. Just learnt there's such a thing as pockets screws and drill bits. Thanks.

[buellby]

There are tapered pocket hole drill bits available (pre-countersunk) that allows one to use a standard flat head screw.

[lucdesnoyers]

I use cabinet screws. They seem to be the same or very similar to pocket hole screws.

[MattHasty]

You can, but you have to have a washer that prevents the wedge (countersink) from chewing.

[GatoLand]

Exactly, when using regular screws the wood explodes, it has happened to me a few times. Greetings from Spain.

[rasaskitchen]

Well, if you stopped tightening, it had a chance. lol jk, I love your videos, specially the shorts. Thank you.

[bullfrogpondshop]

Didn't mention the reason regular screws don't work: The underside of the head is bugle shaped, which draws it into the shoulder of the pocket hole and spreads the wood fibers outward, causing the split. The flat bottomed head on PH screws provides a positive stop for the screw when it contacts the shoulder of the pocket hole.

[pcman]

I helped build my friend's basement with regular screws in pocket holes (don't ask why we needed to use pocket holes). It can be done, it's just not the most ideal. It worked fine for us because we were using 2x4's and had plenty of space to the edge of the board.

[DIDI]

In some countries it is impossible to find proper pocket hole screw in regular shop.

[discgolftrainnut]

Other screws work fine if you put a small washer on them first.

[donvito]

What about a regular countersink screw through an M4 washer to give a shoulder?

[LeoYuanX]

Thumbs up for the conciseness, that's been missing too much on youtube videos

[wilbertbirdner]

use a pan head screw instead of a countersink screw, or a wafer head screw if it fits.

[rextored]

Thanks! I'm a fan since a longtime now. This is some great content. As a rockie these are the kind of questions I have and when we try something and doesn't work we wonder why and how to make it work.

[stephen]

You could learn this in 30 seconds in this video OR
You could learn it over 3 hours making foldable saw horses that have weird gaps between the legs and the bar because a regular screw doesn't draw the boards together.