Preview: Fasteners & Fastening, Part 1 – Naming of the Screw

18 Responses So Far to “Fasteners & Fastening, Part 1 – Naming of the Screw”

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  Neil Moomey says:

  Good video. I’ve always been interested in the debate of fastener alloy. Although the general consensus in the woodenboat community is Silicon Bronze here in Kodiak bronze is unavailable and everyone happily uses galvanized or low grade stainless like 18-8. I think it’s because commercial fisherman just accept corrosion as the norm or can’t afford anything else. I am curious about galvanized vs stainless, which is better for a work boat.

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  Capt Jeff Evans says:

  Hi Eric,
  I enjoyed you chat on fasteners,here is the but, I learned about fasteners long before I had any idea about galvanic scale. So that means that any one with neophyte knowledge is now confused by that term and the nobility of metal. As the royalty of the rust world along with electrolysis is a crucial consideration in choosing fasteners. It would benefit any one not as versed in the boating world to have a great definition of “galvanic scale” and a picture of the scale witch would give examples of more and less noble metals. Along with a great definition of electrolysis with pictures of the white crusty corrosion created by not isolating say Stainless and Aluminum .
  I have been a member from the beginning and get great pleasure from och videos. I feel that OCH can have a large effect on growing our sport of boating and keeping history alive by introducing new generations of boaters to the sport so that free thinkers with free spirits will keep tradition wooden boat building from extinction.
  My hat is off to you and the crew of OCH keep up the videos so I can keep up my dreams.
  Capt. Jeff Evans

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  stephen e morris says:

  never mind-it loaded.

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  Irv Mac Dowell says:

  My Caledonia Yawl was built by Susanne and Tom Regan at Grapeview Point Boatworks in WA.. Her hardware is fastened with SB Frearson screws. On delivery, Tom provided a Frearson bit for use in interchangeable screw handles. I found another later at Sears, though they don’t seem to carry them anymore. I’m going to be very careful with the two I have.

  A very interesting article. Thanks.

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    Irv Mac Dowell says:

    Just discovered that Jamestown Distributors in RI carries a six pack of Frearson bits for six bucks.

    Best regards,

    Irv

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  Michael Roddy says:

  Square drive!

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  Larry Cheek says:

  There are too many competing varieties of screw head types and thread types out there, and we would benefit from simplification.

  The big Seattle chandlery where I buy most of my supplies carries SS and bronze screws with Frearson heads, which is what I’ve always used. They look like Phillips heads but are not, and Phillips bits fit them imperfectly. Frearson bits for power drivers are rare but available at least through Jamestown; Frearson screwdrivers appear to be extinct. And I stubbornly insist on torquing wood screws through the final turn by hand. If anyone knows of a source, please advise.

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    Robert Patterson says:

    I would caution against using a Phillips driver in a Frearson screw – the Frearson has a very square profile, while the Phillips is tapered and does not seat firmly. The Phillips was actually popularized in the aircraft fastening industry as well as automotive assembly lines. They are designed to “cam out” at high torque to prevent over-tightening and stripping the threads. An improperly used Phillips will destroy a Frearson screw head quickly – I speak from experience and subsequent labor with screw extractors.

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      Larry Cheek says:

      I know—I’ve destroyed a good number of Frearson heads using a Phillips. So why the heck aren’t there any Frearson screwdrivers available for all these Frearson screws?

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    roy gorman says:

    Get the square drive bits in an assorted size, just like phillips, and buy you a magnetic bit holder screwdriver. Nice to use except in tight places,then order one online, in one piece [slimer].

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  Bob Burk says:

  Thanks, really helpful.

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  Tom Clements says:

  Eric – Very informative and well done. Many thanks. Over the years I’ve had boats built in both Canada and the US (BBY!). As Tony says the Canadians use the Robertson or square drive and we tend to use Phillips head or slotted. Slotted I hate, but between Robertson and Phillips I never could see much difference and both seem to be readily available in the US. What are the pros and cons from your viewpoint?

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  Tony Grove says:

  Hey Eric, great videos, but to start the debate and/or a possible cross border war, for us Canadians we prefer the superior “Robertson” drive, or sometimes called a square drive in the US, over the Philips or slot any day.

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    Eric Blake says:

    Hey Tony,
    It is great to hear from you.
    You kind of hit the screw on the head. There are different alternatives to slot and philips drive screws. I have only encountered Frearson screws in a vintage Chris Craft 19′ barrell back I was restoring. We have started using socket drive on all of the new boats we build at the yard as a rule. It is everyones tendency to try and line up the screw heads on screws that are exposed, especially slotted, and typically that leaves a fastener either too tight or too loose. Socket drive are great for never stripping the head, and looking good visually wherever the screw comes tight. I left this out of the discussion because…. as much as we use them for new construction, our stock room guy is reluctant to stock them because it is just another head type to keep track of, and our service yard is primarily slot head and some phillips. Bad excuse but, the reality is in the united states fasteners are primarily slot or phillips at most hardware stores and suppliers. I am deffinately a square drive/ socket drive fan, I just need to convince our stock room guy.
    Best, Eric

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      Graeme Finch says:

      I am also a fan of the Robertson or square drive head – however sometimes the range is restricted

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  Gordon Stewart says:

  Thank you. This video helps make sense of a topic which can be very confusing to new builders like me.

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  Steve S - RestHarrow Boatworks says:

  Nicely done – consise, informative – thanks for all the GREAT videos. Certainly helpful as I complete my Somes Sound 12.5

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  terry brower says:

  A friend of mine refers to phillip screws as positive and slot screws as negative.