Pocket Hole Screws: STAR vs SQUARE

When it comes to pocket hole screws, they are great to use, but I usually have a few that want to cam out, which can be very annoying. So I try to find an alternative to the standard square head screws. And here are the results.

If you would like to help support our channel, please use our affiliate page on Amazon (paid link), were we have listed a bunch of items we suggest.
Just follow this link:
Amazon Product Suggestions:
(There is NO extra cost to you.)

Use of video content for personal projects is at your own risk.
Your results may vary depending on type of materials, your craftsmanship, and tools at hand. We are not responsible for any damages or injuries that might occur.
Some links in description are affiliate links that let you help support our channel at no extra cost to you.
Matthew 2:10
#pocketholes #woodworking #build

[meaders]

When in the Army years ago there were numerous cover assemblies on our missiles that used Philips bits #3 and #4. These frequently "slipped". The cure for a worn tip or a damaged screw was to dip the tip in a little Comet or Ajax abrasive cleaner or the like. The bits or screws really "bit" after application. The grit in the cleaner bound up the tip with the screw.

[Hector-bjls]

It's nice to see people actually testing their ideas, and then accepting the results for what they are. Not trying to lie, or fudge it to get the outcome they wanted.

[Thuggernaut]

I think the big difference (in my opinion) is the damage from the cam out on the star bit is less detrimental than the square one. Once a square head is cammed out even a bit, it's pretty difficult to get out. It takes lot more damage on star heads.

Also, the drill bit itself is a factor. In my xp, the square drill is far more easy to damage and leads to more cam out than the star bit.

[NewTestamentDoc]

I learned the exact same thing and bought the Milescraft two years ago. I love the star bit and screws and use them whenever possible.

[GigsTaggart]

Good on you for publishing a result that wasn't what you expected.

[lw]

No matter what, when I get the perfect square bit for the screw, I still grind it a bit so it slips farther into the square screw head. I absolutely love my Kreg Jig, but I use Star Head screws everywhere else. Love your videos! This Ryobi Girl has learned a lot from you!

[NWGR]

You hit the nail on the head at the beginning: it comes down to technique. Keep the driver as in line with the screw as possible. I rarely have cam out with pocket screws, but I don't use them a ton either.

[TheJoker]

When I started the video, I paused it to get the name of the star bits because I was CONVINCED you found the pocket hole screw holy grail! I am really surprised at your results. Maybe I'll just use up my square screws and save my money for later. Thanks!

[smeister]

In my experience, and this is not an absolute, the bits that are provided with screw packs are not always as high quality as "premium" bits from many manufactures. Maybe grab some brand name bits and run the tests with those vs the included bits?

[jimivey]

Star & square have spoiled me. Slot & Phillips can be so frustrating.

[marklittle]

Square bits are known as "Robertson" bits; and are a Canadian invention. If you can't drive them in straight up, that is rare. I find a good bit won't cam out . Your Star bits in the demo cammed our as much as anything.

Take your time, drop the speed and boom, none of them will cam out

[barryroberts]

Being from the UK we are used to the Philips head screws then when i bought the Kreg Pocket Hole K3 and K4 with the Square heads i did get alot of cam out even though i do love using my pocket hole jig,
i did find some Star head screws and used them on other projects and after using them vs the Philips and Square headed screws, i much prefer the Star head screws. So i'm only going to use the Square head screws for my pockets holes and try and use up my Philips screws elsewhere, but Star head screws are my choice of screw to use if possible.
Stay Safe.
Barry (ENG)

[davidfalconer]

The MAJOR advantage with the square Robertson's Screwlox™ is that ANYONE with a bench grinder can make a driver from some old busted ( Phillips ? ) driver ( try doing that with Tri-wing™ ! ) .... DAVE™🛑

[feedingravens]

Philipps screws are horrible, they are DESIGNED that the screwdriver levers itself out and spoils the screw. Not only because of the tip, also because the 4 side ridges are sloped.

Slotted screwdrivers have the same issue, the blade tip is also sloped, and the force you need are enourmous to keep it in. I am always on the look to get scredrivers with straight tip side so that you do not need your full weight to keep it in

I have screwdrivers which have two advantages:

One is that the blade goes through to the end so you can use them as chisel without banging the plastic handle to pieces.

At the base of the blade they have a hexagon, so you can twist them with a wrench. So you do not have to combine pushing and turning with one hand.

[sharksys]

I actually tried that same Milescraft torx bit kit about two months ago because of my continued frustration with the square bit variety from Kreg. I had the same result as you and was a little disappointed because I had heard others rave about them. What I believe is the problem is the quality of the fasteners themselves. When I get cam-out on the Milescraft Torx Screws, I extract them and try another and don't have a problem usually. If you look down in the cavity of the screw where you have cam-out, they seem to have excess metal that is slightly uneven from the production process. This is typical of the quality I find in other Asian-made fasteners which frustrates me to no end!

[vickyboyer]

Great video! I had to remove screws from all the walls of a cargo trailer to remodel. I don't think they were star or square. But it was awful. My son would have to get some and use pliers. Probably cheap screws. Thanks. I was a union carpenter. I love your videos.

[WalterRiggs]

I fixed the Robertson head cam out by grinding the square bit to have sharper edges and a flatter face. Free and easy.

But when my square head screws run out, I’ll check these out. I got loads of star drivers

[notreallymyname]

I know I'm in the minority, but I've always found square drive screws extremely frustrating; especially when it comes to pocket holes. Maybe I've just been using bad bits compared to my philips and torx bits, but I frequently get my square bits to stick hard in the screw head. Granted, I'm usually driving pocket holes during cabinet installs, so I'm trying to drive with my non dominant hand and contorted into really uncomfortable positions.

Don't get me wrong, I've cammed out more philips head screws than I can count, but I've never had a philips driver get stuck in the screw head.

[alohaIslandersLuau]

Always enjoy enjoy watching your videos!!

[cameronhankins]

I really want to see a strength test between the 2. Kreg screws are just so expensive, but you can't compromise quality when doing a large project.