Went to my local big box store to get some screws.

(I'm building a skateboard halfpipe).

Can't believe I spent hours (<<<<-----exaggerating) standing there looking for the right screws! That's just me being stubborn and shy and hate asking for help.

The only thing I found were exterior deck screws but it didn't say galvanized. What's "galavanized"?

Also specifically these screws are to attached 2 x 4's. The screws themselves (on the package) states specifically for different types of wood material. ie: redwood, cedar, etc. (or whatever). I found 2 different boxes. One in a tan color one and another in red (the screw color). Does it make a difference? What kind of wood are 2 x 4's? BTW: I haven't bought the 2 x 4's yet.

AND...I went ahead and bought the tan colored screws. I don't know why but I can always go back and exchange them.

 

Galvanized: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galvanization

The tan coloring on the screws I think is a corrosion-resistant coating. I don't know if it is as effective/long-lasting as galvanized. You also probably could have found stainless steel ones but for more $$$.

This will be outside, obviously, so you'll want pressure-treated pine for the 2x4's.

Do we get to see pics when you're done?

BTW, aren't you a little old for skateboarding?

 

OH! Durrr...I should've looked that up myself. I did see "hot dipped". Gotta check my box again. It may have said something else. I would assume most exterior deck screws would be hot dipped or galvanized since they would be used for the exterior? Guess not. I think I may have got the wrong ones! I can't believe there's so many different types!!!! Why on earth would they make different types???!!!! There should be one for "all purpose" or something.

I think I'll keep it cheap! Forget the stainless steel!!!!

Thanks for the tip on the 2 x 4's.

Too old? Ha! How old is Tony Hawk????!!!!

I probably won't be done for a while. Doing all this learning and researching before building is taking me long as it is. But I'll definitely post some pics. Hopefully it'll be done before the year ends.

 

Don't forget a good dust mask when working with the pressure-treated stuff; the sawdust is toxic.

Tony who? Anyway, I know who's going to use it.

 

Yeah...he BETTER use it!

Thanks for the tip on the dust mask too. Toxic?!!! Yikes! I could almost bet it's going to get on my nerves! Toxic on the skin too?

You don't know Tony? He's 39!!!!

http://www.tonyhawk.com/bio.html

 

If those tan screws are dek-mates then you're good to go. You may want to pick up a few extra screw bits.

 

Hey, Tony's the same age as me!

 

EXTRA screw bits?! Rats! Now I have to go look for those? Good to know ahead of time. What happens to the screw bits? Don't wanna be in the middle of the project and then suddenly have to go make a trip to the store. Is there any specific ones I should buy? I mean, I could just buy cheapy, cheapy ones for the project or the best one out there...right? Any suggestions?

Not sure if they were dek-mates. Gotta check when I get home. However, they were found in the deck screw section. I do remember seeing dek-mates though...I think.

 

Uh huh...

j/k!!!

 

If they are dek-mates you will want to get the bits they sell right by the screws. They are blue. The bits tend to break occasionally.

 

Deck Mates are cute, but I have been using ceramic coated screws with Torx heads, and they are far superior, especially when driving long ones.

 

Cute? I like cute.

I did get the Deck Mate screws. Here are what it says:

Plus Evercote
Lifetime Guaranty
Will not rust, stain or streak on ALL wood
For use of all wood
Pressure treated Redwood-Cedar
Patented DRive System will not strip or cam-out the screw
Lubricated color coating for ease of installation
Outlasts all galvanized fasteners in chemically treated lumber

Wow...all this stuff just on a screw. Way cool

With all that stuff.... I'd say I'm good to go. Right guys? Larry?

I was also thinking if I predrill holes prior to screwing these in, it'd make my life easier...right?

 

The deck mates are good (I like the square drive, or as they are properly called Robertson Drive screws myself)
I'd pre-drill when possible, especially on the surface
The screws can "bump" up a little if not pre-drilled
Not so much an issue on a deck, but you kinda want your half-pipe surface as smooth as possible
If it doesn't set in right, those "little bumps" can get you if you are sliding across them
Not a big issue true, but every little bit helps
You really don't want to slide your cheek across those when doing an un-scheduled face plant
Not that the youngsters care, but us older farts know that less blood=good

You are either the coolest Mom ever for building this for your kid(s)
Or you are the coolest Mom ever for building it for yourself
Either way, I'm bringing my Sector 9 over when it's finished
Whooo Hooo!

 

With the advent of ACQ, the newer screws had to adapt, and they do work well. Use the blue bit that comes with them and the installation will go alot faster with less stripping. My experience with galvanized screws is they are too brittle and break, or snap off just about the time you get them bottomed out.
Good luck with the project, and be sure to post some pictures so we can OOo and Aaah at your work.

 

" My experience with galvanized screws is they are too brittle and break, or snap off just about the time you get them bottomed out."

I'd have to agree with this about the big box electro-galvanized
Even some of the chain hardware stores
However, I have used some quality hot dipped that were excellent
McFeeleys and others still make them

 

TG, excellent, excellent reminder mask. Though it was bothersome wearing it in the heat... Dust got everywhere!

So far the screws are working out great. No breaks or snaps or anything. Though, 1 or 2 of the heads weren't made right. The bit wouldn't fit in there.

BTW: The blue bit was in the box as you mentioned Larry. Cool...