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Does anyone have a trick for this problem with self-driving screws? (lemmy.ca)

submitted 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago) by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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Situation: using a screw gun to drive in the self-driving screws (the star shaped ones) horizontally, and sometimes at a difficult angle above my head. Hard to get good leverage like that. The driver starts spinning the screw but it doesn’t catch right away and then the screw jumps out and falls on the ground.

Has this happened to you? Is there a trick for that?

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[–] [email protected] 12 points 3 months ago (1 children)

Generally with torx screws, you don't need much leverage. I suggest buying better screws.

For example, Spax torx screws have little razor blades on the tips so that when you are driving, they function as a drill as well. This means that you don't really have to apply force to them from the back.

Another thing you can do is use a hammer drill. A hammer drill will make short work of any of that.

Another option is to use a right angle adapter.

Additionally, the torx bit should fit in the screw head to the point that it kind of suctions in place like a Lego. Spax, as an example, includes bits in every screw box, and they are probably the best bits you can get.

Another brand (I don't like them as well but whatever) is GTK.

[–] [email protected] 5 points 3 months ago (2 children)

GRK is the other brand I believe. Seem to be more common here in Canada.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 3 months ago (1 children)

You use Robertson in Canada unless you hate freedom.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 3 months ago

Very much yes, but torx is quite nice as well.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 3 months ago

Here in the states, GRK is a little more expensive than Spax (very slightly tbf). Their tips are really good, but imo nothing compares to the serrated tips that Spax has. It makes things so simple.

The shorter Spax screws also accommodate a Robertson tip really well also.

That said, GRK, if that is the best you can get, is going to treat you well. I might not like them as much, but they are a quality product.