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Locating Long Trim-Head Screws
Andersen recommends 3-1/2" trim
screws for the installation of their extension jambs on their casement
Windows. However, Andersen not only doesn't supply trim screws with their
extension jambs, THEY DO NOT KNOW OF A SINGLE MANUFACTURER OF 3-1/2"
TRIM SCREWS AND SAYS THAT THEY ARE HARD TO FIND! I hope that HammerZone
can help where Andersen cannot. Please refer me to some manufacturers of
trim screws that are at least 3-1/2" long.
Thank you.
P'ed-off Pete
The
longest trim head screws we have been able to find are 3 inches. I spoke
with a few fastener suppliers around Grand Rapids Michigan, but none
have seen any longer trim head screws.
We found 3 inch screws at a drywall supply house that serves commercial
contractors. Since the primary use of trim head screws is for attaching
trim to steel studs, and commercial interior contractors use steel studs
extensively, that type of supplier is most likely to have a good
selection of screws.
You might see what you can find in your Yellow Pages under "Drywall
Contractors Equipment and Supplies". That's where we found our
info.
But... that still doesn't help much!
My solution is to simply use a big drill and make a large diameter hole
(just a tad bigger than the screw head diameter) so the screw's head
will be sunk below the surface of the wood. This method will allow you
to employ one or two lengths of screws at many different "effective
lengths" It only takes a few minutes extra.
In the past I have used 3-1/2" finish nails to install Andersen
extension jambs. It worked fine. I like using screws because it prevents
the jambs from bowing, which could be a problem with my home-made jambs.
Andersen uses pretty good wood for their jambs, and I've never had a
problem using nails.
Bruce W. Maki, Editor.
| Update:
Since writing this I have
discovered the fasteners from GRK
Canada. They sell GRK Trim Head Screws in lengths from 1½"
to 5 inches! While I did receive a few samples of their 4" and
5" monsters, I have not yet used them.
But I have used several pounds of
their #8 x 3-1/8" trim head screws for installing hardwood trim
over drywall, foam insulation, and wood lath. These are good screws,
but a couple of times I have stripped the Torx star head.
I have seen GRK screws sold at
woodworking supply stores and a few higher-end lumberyards. |
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