I'd like to get a bunch of square drive stainless steel screws to have on hand for my Lance 992 camper. I would like enough variety to be able to replace any screw that I find needs to be replaced.Do any of you have a good idea on size and length of screws I would need? My local hardware stores don't carry the square head screws so I'll have to order from amazon and I would like to avoid pulling random screws out to figure it out.

Why square heads? Philips are quite common, and do the same job.

I would think that 3/4 would be the most common length, but i would carry an assortment of 1/2 3/4 and one inch, probable # 6 , #8, and #12. Also depending on what your running them into keep some locktite or a product to reduce galvanic corrosion. Happy Motoring.

Head configurations are kinda sorta personal preference and there are differences in how they install but I agree with donn0128, use Phillips. Having said that I also have a lance and most of what I have found are #8s ranging from about 1" to 1 1/2". I have some outside covers(i.e. Reefer) that are in the 2" range and some inside Louver covers that are in the 1/2" range. Not measuring, this is my best guess. I would suggest getting a supply between 1/2 and 2. Unless you want to replace them all just go to the local hardware store and get a handfull of each.

donn0128 wrote:Why square heads? Philips are quite common, and do the same job.Agree that Philips are common but I typically see square drive screws used in RVs.

NEOK wrote:donn0128 wrote:Why square heads? Philips are quite common, and do the same job.Agree that Philips are common but I typically see square drive screws used in RVs.And the reason is.......... during assembly mfgs use power drivers, and square heads have a bit less tendency to slip. For use at home when your not in any hurry philips are just fine.

Stainless steel screws | Good Sam Community

Eric_Lisa
Explorer II
May 30, 2017
burningman wrote:
I've become a fan of torx ("star head") screws myself. ...

The biggest problem I have with screws other than Philips & Standard....is finding a convenient screwdriver to make them work!

That said... Last year I built a huge deck on my house. Not a single nail in it. I used stainless steel Torx head screws for everything.

A number of years ago I did a similar project where I used Philips head screws. Using the same Dewalt power drill to install them, I ended up with tendonitis in my right hand. Philips screws are designed to slip, so to counter it is necessary to put force on them - all while pulling the trigger on a drill - and that hurt my wrist.. The Torx head screws on the deck, no such problem, for what was a lot more 'screwing around' than the other project.

-Eric
CA_Traveler
Explorer III
May 28, 2017
Thanks I missed that.
dockmasterdave
Explorer
May 28, 2017
Are you sure those aren't gold screws at $45 each?

The link says $45 per bag. 250 per bag that is $0.18 18cents each.
The washer head screws with neoprene washers are available at home depot and lowes but I don't know if the have them in panhead. they are used all the time on steel buildings and cargo trailers.
egarant
Explorer III
May 28, 2017
Here you go, I carry these with me just in case. They do not come with the nifty case, but in individual zip lock bags. I put them in a cheap plastic fishing lure case.

SS #8 Square Drive Pan Head Screws
CA_Traveler
Explorer III
May 28, 2017
bb_94401 wrote:
I replaced them with stainless steel, #9, pan head, torx screws, where the head was painted white. They also had neoprene seals fused to the stainless steel washer. Purchase both 1" and 1.5" versions from Best Materials online. Torx heads are way easier to install and remove than the robertson screw tapered square recess.
Are you sure those aren't gold screws at $45 each? :h
SidecarFlip
Explorer III
May 28, 2017
In my humble opinion, any drive is better than Reed and Prince for fastening.
bb_94401
Explorer
May 28, 2017
When I reattached the trim on the right side of my TC after rebuilding the right rear due to a leaky window, I discarded all the robertson screws.

I replaced them with stainless steel, #9, pan head, torx screws, where the head was painted white. They also had neoprene seals fused to the stainless steel washer. Purchase both 1" and 1.5" versions from Best Materials online. Torx heads are way easier to install and remove than the robertson screw tapered square recess.

Went with #9 for a tighter fit, in the existing holes, where #8 screws were previously used. The seals make for a more water tight connection than the existing original pan heads, especially those screws that were not aligned well when the manufacturer installed them.
Dick_B
Explorer
May 28, 2017
I would go with #8 1 inch long.
burningman
Explorer II
May 27, 2017
I've become a fan of torx ("star head") screws myself. I hate Phillips like everyone else who actually uses them and other types and sees the difference. Torx really bite and the bit stays put.
Square head is nice too. Flat head and Phillips are both antique junk that only belong on a correct, accurate restoration of something old.

And unless max strength is an issue, stainless is a great idea for absolutely ALL hardware. The slight extra up-front cost is always worth it later when you need to take something apart!
Roadpilot
Explorer
May 27, 2017
dockmasterdave wrote:
As someone who uses lots of screws everyday, for a living, and has for 38 years. I don't even know why Phillips are still in production.
There are so many better drives out there, square being one of the best. They are used in production because they are less likely to strip or fall off a tip. Your mileage may vary.

X2