Which screws for fencing?

aggi

Hello, so we have made featheredge fence with my husband and used screws ( drywall zinc plated from wickes). Now after 4 months we noticed that the heads are braking off the rest and not holding the structure.
We are diy first timers and probably gone somewhere wrong. We haven't got a nail gun and they seem to pricey so best idea for fixing our mistake before the fence goes down?
Thank you

Furts

Drywall screws are not designed to be used on fencing - the head shape is specifically designed for use in plasterboard, not timber.. Further, the zinc coating may be insufficient and rusting will occur - the coating is intended for dryish locations.

I suggest you purchase bright zinc plated counter sunk wood screws - the best quality you can afford, and put a fresh screw beside the drywall screws. The screws could also be passivated coating. The price and quality may be better at Screwfix, or perhapsToolstation (if you pick carefully)

I have not seen your fencing so can only guess and suggest gauge 8 at 1and1/2 inch as typical.

Reece_

I'd normally use something like these http://www.screwfix.com/p/deck-tite-double-countersunk-screws-4-x-40mm-pack-of-200/51039#product_additional_details_container

aggi

I thought we messed up big time;) oh well I will put that to my experience pot
Shall I remove the screws and replace where possible? Fence is 2meters tall and the featheredge pieces are 10mm thick in the thickest end, wooden posts every 1.8 metre -best description I can give:)

DTDfanBoy

You want nails not bloody screws, 50mm annular will do the job, you may need pilot holes to prevent splitting if the wood has dried.

Make sure you don't nail the boards to each other, nail them only to the rail

aggi

Right, when you say pilot holes you mean predrilling? And then nail?
Sounds like lots of work with just a hammer....

DTDfanBoy

A small hole in the board, not the rail, and only if they are needed to stop the board splitting as it will probably be a lot drier now.

There's way in the world you'll be able to screw fence panes faster than I can nail them

aggi

Thank you all for advice, screws seems like an easier option but there must be a reason why most are done with nails...decisions decisions

Ectophile

I'd second the green exterior screws. Wickes do them as well.

Personally, I prefer to screw bits of wood together, rather than nailing, in most cases.

Gloomendoom

aggi wrote: »

Thank you all for advice, screws seems like an easier option but there must be a reason why most are done with nails...decisions decisions

Nails are quicker and easier if you have a nail gun.

Furts

aggi wrote: »

Thank you all for advice, screws seems like an easier option but there must be a reason why most are done with nails...decisions decisions

Fencers will use nails because it is quick, cheap and they could not care less if the job lasts. Indeed, in terms of business acumen it is better for them if the dodgy fixings fail after a few years because someone will be willing to pay them to refix the fence.

Ring shank nails do not last when used in fencing. Paslode nails, for example, are different but I doubt you own the gun and the nails are expensive.

So, if you wish to DIY with a job last will last a lifetime use screws. Ignore the comments made about speed - you are not on a priced job. With any suitable drill it is child's play to drive in the screws with no effort, and drive them quickly.