Fixings & fasteners - exterior use screws - Fencing

[J McNulty]

Hi guys,

Not really a paving question but I'm sure there's been a few fences built by you guys over the years.

I've chosen to use screws over nails.

Apparently...... You should use screws suited for exterior applications.

Screwfix catalogue - let's go!!

Exterior use screws (decking) are green coated (ugly), and more expensive (who'd of guessed)!

There's "normal" screws available for half the price.

Is there really a difference between normal and exterior screws? Do exterior screws give you more bang for your buck$$$$ ?

What do you guys use?

Many thanks

[seanandruby]

Outdoor screws are less likely to rust. I use 50 ml lost head, or oval nails they are less likely to split the timber.

[gonchy]

the main reason nails are used is for strengh unless you buy structural screws as screws snap nails bend

as stated lost heads or use ring shank nails as will hold like a screw

[dig dug dan]

Nails tend to be galavnised, screws are not unless they are stainless or coated.
why not use nails? Do you need to remove the panels again? If so, just leave the head slightly proud and you can get a crowbar on it then

[Ouch]

As others have said, there are advantages to using nails. I used sheradized ringshank nails on my fencing project, and only put screws where access prevented me swinging a hammer. If you must use screws, don't chew the head with a poor/wrong screwdriver, that'll remove the protective coating and give the rust a head start.

[higgness]

I'm no expert. I would always use screws, however, there is a big difference in qualities, best I've used have always been Spax. They are expensive, but good.

[lutonlagerlout]

I would use spax screws too purely because a panel can be replaced easily

but fencers to a man use nails
LLL

[Tony McC]

...or they just hammer in the screws!

[lutonlagerlout]

I know I will get shot down but 50mm drywalls work well on fence panels

LLL

[gonchy]

bet half the country is built with drywall screws just dont like the splinters they give

[John156]

If you're fixing panels to posts you should use screws. If you re fixing featheredge boards it's got to be nails. Looks better, is faster to do and they are cheaper to buy. If it must be screws spax wirox screws are good for a discreet finish. You can get them in stainless or with some kind of coating which is cheaper. We use these

[seanandruby]

Nails all the way and use hammer head to gauge the board spacing, quicker, cheaper, better looking finish :;):