How to Screw Wood Together

Whether you are using wood to build a bookcase, a magazine rack, a dog house, or any other handy product, you will need to know the proper way to screw pieces of wood together. Building with wood is not difficult, but there are right ways and wrong ways to assemble this material. In order to create the sturdiest structure, you must use the right kinds of screws---in this case wood screws---and you must screw the screws in correctly. Here is how to screw wood together.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Wood
• Pencil or pen
• Tape measure
• Wood screws
• Manual screwdriver
• Power drill and/or power screwdriver
• Twist bits or similar bits for drilling pilot holes
• Wood plugs (optional)
• Safety glasses

How to Screw Wood Together

1. Place both pieces of wood together exactly as they are intended to fit together for your project. Measure and then mark the exact spot on both pieces of wood where the screw will need to be. Carpenters usually draw a dot surrounded by a circle.

2. Carefully drill pilot holes at the marked spots. Pilot holes will help the screw remain in a straight line. These holes also help prevent the wood from splitting.

3. After you have drilled your pilot holes, use a manual screwdriver to get the screw started. While it is not necessary to begin with a manual screwdriver, it is best to do so if you have not worked with power tools very much or if you must screw at an awkward angle. Starting the screw manually will help you get a good straight start in the hole. After the screw is firmly started you can use the power screwdriver to screw it the rest of the way into the wood.

4. When you are done screwing the wood pieces together, you can cover the tops of the screws with wood plugs. Wood plugs are sold in most home improvement stores and come in many colors to match types of wood. These plugs are commonly used in indoor furniture or any other wood creation for which the appearance needs to be seamless.For outdoor projects, you should use sealant over the screw to prevent moisture getting in and causing the wood to warp or crack.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are going to use wood plugs over the tops of the screws and want the plugs to lie flush with the surface, or if you want the screws to be set below the surface of the wood for any other reason, you will need to countersink it using a countersink bit. This bit allows the screw to nestle below the top layer of the wood. The screw can then be covered with a wood plug which will lie flush with the rest of the wood surface, creating a streamlined, aesthetically appealing, product.
• Be careful when measuring. You can easily mess up a good piece of wood if you don't take the time to measure the pieces and mark them accurately.
• Don't make the pilot hole too big for the screw size you are using.
• Make sure the screw is going in the right direction. If it is going in at a wrong angle, it will split the wood and compromise the integrity of the whole piece.
• If you are using power tools, wear safety glasses. Even if just a tiny piece of wood flies up, it can damage your eye.