Okay so here's the dilemma. I hope to do this job soon so need your thoughts soon.Should I go with screw fastener method 1 or 2? The areas to join are the wall segments, into the floor segments.Front wall...Back wall three sections...Method 1 - Countersink a hole from below and pre-drill pilot hole for about one inch of screw bite upward through part of a 2x2, through 1/2" fiberboard, through 1/2" of plywood, into edge of 3/4" plywood.Screw head and hole...Pencil mark indicates the screw placement...Method 2 - Pocket screw from above, through about 1/2" of remaining unremoved plywood edge, through 1/2" plywood, through 1/2" firberboard and into 2x2 with again, about 1" plus of screw bite.Screw heads and holes...Pencil mark shows screw placements...Method 1 leaves more of the plywood wall intact - less destruction. What do you all think?

You kind of lost me in your description of method 1 (picture 4) when you penciled in your placement. Does the screw threads go into the edging of the plywood as the primary holding spot? If so, that is not the best way to do it. If your screw threads bite into the 2x2 than it's okay. Personally I prefer method 2.

Yes Dad the picture is weird. Like you described Method 1 is through 2x2 first and holding in the plywood edge, from below.

I think the pocket screws (#2) would be the strongest and even more so if you add the metal strips with staples as it was original build. JMHO.I have really enjoyed your posts, Thanks for sharing.

Given the two choices number 2 seems less risky . Trying to hit the center of the 3/4"plywood wall after drilling through 2+ inches of wood will be a challenge with multiple screws. I would also use continuous metal gusset rather than individual straps in something thicker than ordinary aluminum flashing .A third method would have been to make the front and rear walls overlap the floor as the sides do and screw in from the side .

Need Your Screw Method Advice - 1968 Travel Queen Resto Mod

17 Replies

Steelhog
Explorer
Jan 24, 2015
Running a screw into the edge of plywood splits the plys and has poor structural properties. The Kreg style pocket is much, much stronger. Exterior grade construction adhesive will really beef up the joint but can make things very slippery when trying to make up a corner. A temporary cleat can align the joint while you drive the pocket screws and then removed. I would look for Stainless Steel screws with a square drive head. Sheet rock screws are very brittle and rust very quickly. Even in 'dry' locations, wood transmits moisture.
kohldad
Explorer III
Jan 24, 2015
Number 2 is much stronger than method 1, assuming glue used in both. Also, method 2 has little chance of not pulling the two pieces tight together or splitting the plywood.

Method 1 carries a high risk of not pulling the pieces together along with splitting the plywood.
ticki2
Explorer
Jan 24, 2015
Given the two choices number 2 seems less risky . Trying to hit the center of the 3/4"plywood wall after drilling through 2+ inches of wood will be a challenge with multiple screws. I would also use continuous metal gusset rather than individual straps in something thicker than ordinary aluminum flashing .

A third method would have been to make the front and rear walls overlap the floor as the sides do and screw in from the side .
lil-bobber1
Explorer
Jan 24, 2015
I think the pocket screws (#2) would be the strongest and even more so if you add the metal strips with staples as it was original build. JMHO.

I have really enjoyed your posts, Thanks for sharing.
Big_Katuna
Explorer II
Jan 23, 2015
Method 2 with glue.
Dave_Pete
Explorer II
Jan 23, 2015
Yes Dad the picture is weird. Like you described Method 1 is through 2x2 first and holding in the plywood edge, from below.
dadwolf2
Explorer
Jan 23, 2015
You kind of lost me in your description of method 1 (picture 4) when you penciled in your placement. Does the screw threads go into the edging of the plywood as the primary holding spot? If so, that is not the best way to do it. If your screw threads bite into the 2x2 than it's okay.

Personally I prefer method 2.

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Need Your Screw Method Advice - 1968 Travel Queen Resto Mod

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