Splitting wood is one of the most frustrating experiences for builders and DIY-ers alike. Such an avoidable mistake can cause significant setbacks on a project, especially when dealing with cut-to-measure materials.
Thankfully, how to avoid splitting wood with screws isn’t too difficult. Often, it comes down to quality materials and a bit more patience.
Here are some of our favourite tips that can help you avoid that dreaded split on your next wood project.
Get the Right Screw
First and foremost, you have to make sure you’ve got the right tools for the job. There are various types of woodscrews available and which is right for your project can come down to various factors.
The first consideration is whether you’re working on hardwood or softwood. Hardwood suits a fine-thread screw, while softwood suits and coarse thread.
If you’re regularly splitting wood, you may also want to consider the tip. Fine or sharp screw tips can lead to splitting, so you may consider a different head or supporting the tip with a pilot hole (more on that later).
Finally, another big consideration is the screw head. Countersunk screws are widely recommended as these will sit flush when inserted, reducing pressure on the wood.
Drill a Pilot/Guide Hole
By far the best thing you can do if you’re worried about splitting wood is drilling a pilot hole. By drilling a small hole for the screw, you create a secure passage, reducing the screw’s movement and the risk of splitting the wood.
It’s generally recommended to drill a pilot hole slightly thinner than the screw so the threads have something to grab onto. Also, don’t drill all the way through as this can also damage the wood.
Use a Suitable Lubricant
Wood often splits when inserting screws because of a lack of moisture, resulting in the wood being brittle and snapping under pressure. Adding some lubricant to the screw can help it enter the wood smoothly, reducing the chance of splitting.
Some woodscrews come with a form of lubricant already applied, but specific woodscrew lubricants can also be purchased. Alternatively, you can use wood-friendly products like waxes or wood glues.
Screw With the Grain
While it’s not always an option, wherever possible, you should insert screws parallel to the grain.
Inserting a woodscrew perpendicular to the grain causes the screw to cut across individual wood fibres, increasing the chances of a split. If you can screw parallel to the grain, that force is spread more evenly across multiple fibres, making the wood less likely to snap.
Screw Slowly and Consistently
Finally, when screwing the wood, make sure you apply a small amount of consistent pressure to allow the screw to slot into place.
When screwing, you want to minimise as much shock against the wood as possible. No matter how much advice you follow beforehand, if you start trying to force the screw through with too much pressure, you’re more likely to cause the wood to split.
The best thing you can do is go slow and make sure you’re consistent. Apply a little amount of regular pressure to allow the screw to fit into the wood without any drama.
If you’re in need of tools for your next wood project, check out the range of products available here at Fastbuild.
