How to Drive Screws (Without Splitting Wood)

Why do wood split when screwing? I am sure everyone has experienced it the first time they work with wood. Do not worry when this happens to you. It is a common problem that everyone encounters. This happens when you screw near the edges, as it forces the fibers of the wood apart. This problem can also occur when the boards are narrow and the wood is very dry.

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If your wood is still splitting even if you are being very careful, check out this video tutorial by Steve Ramsey – Woodworking for Mere Mortals. He will teach you how to drive screws (without splitting wood). It might look easy when you see someone do it, but it actually requires some skill to be able to do it properly. But do not worry, as it’s easy to learn.

For more tips, check these out: 3 Amazing Wood Working Tricks

How to Drive Screws Properly

Step 1:

Select a drill bit that is slightly less than the diameter of the screw shank.

Step 2:

Press the side of the drill bit against your finger to keep it from wandering and slowly squeeze the trigger to get it started. After you have drilled deep enough, keep the bit spinning as you back it out.

If you want the head of the screw to be flushed with the face of the wood, use a flathead screw that has a flat top and beveled or tapered sides on the head.

Use a counter sink or a countersink to add a beveled recess on the surface of the wood that the head of the screw can fit into.

Step 3:

Set the point of the screw into the hole, holding it as perpendicular as you can with your finger tips. Slowly pull the trigger to twist it in. You can use a pair of needle nose pliers to hold the screw in place to get it started. When you get the driver in place just twist the screw in and stop when it’s fully seated.

How to Drive Screws (Without Splitting Wood)