Screws for Teak and Ply and Other. Stainless,Brass, Bronze?

[savageseadog]

Some of our fitting out is screwed together with conventional tapered brass or bronze (I'm not sure which) woodscrews. As we've dismantled some of it for maintenance and some screws don't look great I wondered why not use stainless ones? They aren't normally seen by the way.

 

[RAI]

I've been slowly replacing all my slotted brass screws by cross head SS and not regretting it.

 

[Tranona]

For internal use, brass is normally perfectly adequate although dampness can cause them to dezincify. Stainless is perhaps better and cross head if you want to dismantle easily.

 

[Poignard]

Same as the previous posters. Whenever I remove a bronze screw I replace it with a s/s pozidrive screw. (supplied by Anglia Stainless Ltd, who will also supply silicon bronze fastenings if you prefer.)

 

[theguerns]

stainless brass or bronze

Having been a boat builder for 50+ years I can tell you without hesitation that in all cases bronz screws are the best as thay strong and dont suffer like brass. Stainless is a soft metal and can break under load before bronz will and never use pozi screws if you want to get them out after a while. The problem with pozi screws is that the screwdriver bit is stronger and will chew up the head.

 

[Poignard]

I like Pozidrive screws because it is easier to locate the screwdriver in them when working in an awkward corner, or at arm's length, or when using a powered screwdriver. Also, if one has to be drilled out for any reason, it is easy to centre the drill in the cross than in a slot.

If a properly fitting Pozi screwdriver is used the recess need not get mauled. Damage can also be caused by using a Philips driver on a Pozi screw, or by using poor quality cheap screwdrivers or ones that are worn.

 

[Blueboatman]

I would definitely class stainless screws as 'unreliable', at least in the thinner sizes.

Doesn't stop me using them in preference to brass ( and bronze just ain't going to happen unless the price is very right indeed), but worth getting the pilot hole size just right if you don't want snapped stainless in later dismantling, and slotted is the way to go (especially if you intend plugging over the top, it is much easier to clear a slot than a cross before attempting to dismantle.
In olden times ooh arrr, it was acceptable to grease each screw before installing.

 

[xtiffer]

In olden times ooh arrr, it was acceptable to grease each screw before installing.

Whatever screws you use just wipe some Dolphinite (ıf you can get it) round the thread prior to insertion. They will always come out again nice & easy.
Cheers,
Chris

 

[Blue5]

Whatever screws you use just wipe some Dolphinite (ıf you can get it) round the thread prior to insertion. They will always come out again nice & easy.
Cheers,
Chris

Or good old fashioned candle wax.................

 

[john_morris_uk]

It also depends whether the fixings are under water or not.

If you're looking at structural fittings (hood ends of strakes etc etc) then bronze is the way to go. Don't even think about brass and s/s isn't looking too good either!
If you are talking about internal furniture and fittings - brass or s/s is ok and I agree with the poster who suggested that if they are going to be plugged then slotted wins hands down every time.