Securing fence beams

danrv

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82117386#Comment_82117386

Yes, was thinking that.

stuart45

Unfortunately Danv doesn't own an impact driver, so a clearance and pilot hole would make it easier for him. Although you are correct that some screws are self cutting and designed to do away with the need for a pilot hole, they don't cut out a clearance hole. On site screws are driven in without drilling these days because it's quicker, but technically there's still more chance of splitting the wood, and the timber jacking.

bjorn_toby_wilde

And maybe the 5” drivable screw is a bit more than is needed for this job? They’re more commonly used for much bigger timber.

stuart45

The posts look like 3x3's to me, so I'd have thought that 4 inch screws would be enough. As you said, a 125mm screw takes driving to get it home without a clearance and pilot.

danrv

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82117681#Comment_82117681

They're 4x3 posts. I have 4" screws that will do for one side and can drill clearance holes. The other post is turned 90° so screws need to be longer. I can drill a hole to about 1/2" from the other side.

ic

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82117615#Comment_82117615

Lidl has lots of cordless tools coming up in a week - and many are 30% off to lidl card holders. The bare impact driver is just £12.59, and battery with charger £19.99. The impact driver was a revelation to me in the past five years - I probably use it more than the drill - I started out with a lidl one, but when I realised how useful it is, I treated myself to a Dewalt.

stuart45

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82118109#Comment_82118109

That's a really good deal for a DIY impact driver. Although some tradesmen look down on Parkside tools, I think for the money they are a decent buy. You also get a 3 year warranty.

danrv

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82118109#Comment_82118109

My Dewalt drill has two 18v XR batteries so a bare compatible impact driver would make sense. The Parkside deal looks good though at under half the cost of the cheapest Dewalt.

One of these would have been useful on a car window switch replacement I did recently. I had to dismantle the driver's side door a number of times to test and there were a lot of bolts.

diveunderthebonnet

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82116285#Comment_82116285

If you have a B & Q near you they sell screws and nails loosely ,they have small plastic pouches hanging up and you can buy what ever you can get in the bag ( i have got more loose screws in the bag for less money than their packaged ones )

danrv

All fixed. Managed to get a 150mm drill bit, 130mm screws and some L brackets from Toolstation.