Screwing MDF!

Anne3333

Can anyone tell me what kind of screw I should use in MDF, or would a nail be better? Also do I have to treat it any differently than wood with regard to splitting? I am looking to attach a picture to it and it is only 20mm thick.
Many thanks

TimBuckTeeth

I prefer screws to nails for most things. A standard woodscrew will be fine (size no.8). A rounded head (pan head) rather than countersunk head will be better for hanging a picture on.
MDF doesn't have the grain that wood has so shouldn't split. You could drill a 2mm hole first to make the screw easier to insert and straight.
If the picture is heavy then cavity wall type bolts could be used if there is a gap behind the MDF.

Anne3333

Thank you for your help Mr Buckteeth, the picture isn't particularly heavy so I will use a round headed screw. Fast response, appreciate it!

jockster211

TimBuckTeeth wrote: »

MDF doesn't have the grain that wood has so shouldn't split.

But it will split if you screw in through the 'narrow' side, unless you pre-drill it. To be safe best pre-drill.

Jockster

andrew-b

I posted recently on another thread about MDF screws that would have told you the answer. Any wood screw is suitable but as MDF is quite a hard material to screw into i'd pre-drill as suggested.

Andy

Anne3333

Mission accomplished, two pictures hanging perfectly without splitting MDF, thanks for all the advice!