Woodworking is the use of joinery that requires no mechanical fasteners but sometimes fasteners are necessary.  I had to explain to a student that using the correct screw is very important.  Of course, this was after he stripped the hole in a poplar board using the wrong screw.  After explaining the different type of threads on a screw I then had to show him how to drill two different size holes so they allowed the screw to “pull” the boards together and not leave a gap.  This lesson included how to countersink and counterbore the screw head.  Meanwhile another student got a lesson on how to use a Vix bit to drill the screw holes for hinges.  Without the use of this bit the screw holes are not centered and the hinges will “walk away” from the correct alignment.  Screws, like nails, are an acceptable fastener in specific situations.  However, using the correct screw is as important as using the correct hardware.  Don’t screw yourself by using the wrong screw for the wrong application!

Enjoy your shop time!

Jerill